Final Exam Flashcards
(240 cards)
1
Q
What is a judicial decision that establishes a rule for settling subsequent cases of a similar nature called?
A
Precedent
A key aspect of stare decisis, which means ‘to stand by things decided’.
2
Q
What is a concurring opinion?
A
An agreement with the majority opinion but differing in rationale.
3
Q
What do federal district courts do?
A
Review federal cases and use juries.
4
Q
What do the U.S. Courts of Appeals do?
A
Hear appeals from lower courts without investigating the facts.
5
Q
What is federalism in the context of the U.S. court system?
A
A division of authority between federal and state governments.
6
Q
How many U.S. Courts of Appeals are there?
A
13.
7
Q
What is senatorial courtesy?
A
A tradition where nominations to federal office can be objected to by an individual senator.
8
Q
What does judicial review allow the judiciary to do?
A
Declare government actions unconstitutional.
9
Q
What is an amicus curiae brief?
A
A document from a non-party offering information or insight on a case.
10
Q
What typically causes major shifts in the Supreme Court’s positions?
A
Turnover in the Court’s membership.
11
Q
What is the doctrine of judicial restraint?
A
Judiciary should avoid overturning actions of other branches.
12
Q
What is the doctrine of judicial activism?
A
Judiciary should protect individual rights and ensure equal protection.
13
Q
What defines criminal law as distinct from civil law?
A
It defines a relationship involving offenses against the state.
14
Q
What is the lowest level of the federal court system?
A
District courts.
15
Q
What landmark case established the Supreme Court’s power to determine constitutionality?
A
Marbury v. Madison.
16
Q
What percentage of cases heard by federal appeals courts are later reviewed by the Supreme Court?
A
10%.
17
Q
When are presidents most successful in getting Congress to enact their programs?
A
During their first years in office.
18
Q
What does the Office of Management and Budget do?
A
Oversees federal budget preparation and evaluates agency effectiveness.
19
Q
What is the role of the White House Office?
A
Houses the executive office of the President and serves as the President’s residence.
20
Q
What is the purpose of the National Security Council (NSC)?
A
To advise the president on national security and foreign policy matters.
21
Q
What is the Cabinet of the United States?
A
The principal official advisory body to the president.
22
Q
Which article of the U.S. Constitution created the presidency?
A
Article II.
23
Q
What is the unitary executive theory?
A
The President has sole authority over the executive branch.
24
Q
What does the War Powers Resolution require of the president?
A
Notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and limits deployment without authorization.
25
What happens if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
The House of Representatives elects the President.
26
Which presidents lost the popular vote but won the presidency?
Bush and Trump.
27
What are the formal constitutional requirements for becoming president?
* Be a natural born citizen
* Be at least 35 years old
* Have been a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.
28
What is the primary purpose of the War Powers Act?
To limit the President's authority to wage war.
29
What factors influence presidential accomplishments?
* Ability to persuade
* Party support in Congress
* Political climate.
30
What is the honeymoon period in presidential terms?
The first 100 days of a president's term.
31
What is required for the forced removal of a president?
Action from both legislative and judicial branches.
32
What significantly increases a president's success with policy initiatives?
Strong support from the American people.
33
What factor most impacts a president's level of popular support?
The condition of the nation’s economy.
34
Who presides over an impeachment trial of a president?
The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
35
What is a divided government?
Control of the executive and legislative branches by different parties.
36
What is the highest priority for most members of Congress?
Getting reelected.
37
What is pork-barrel legislation?
Government spending for localized projects to benefit a representative's district.
38
What is logrolling?
Trading support for legislative votes between politicians.
39
What is gerrymandering?
Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a political party.
40
Why does the Speaker of the House have more power than the Senate Majority Leader?
Due to the majoritarian nature of the House.
41
What are standing committees?
Permanent panels that consider bills and issues.
42
What resolves differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
A conference committee.
43
What is the major source of a committee’s power?
Jurisdiction over a policy area.
44
Who is often considered the second most powerful person in Washington, D.C.?
The Speaker of the House.
45
What is the seniority rule in Congress?
Members have committee assignment choices based on length of service.
46
What is the Trustee Model in political theory?
Elected officials act in the best interests of constituents using their judgment.
47
What is the Delegate Model in representation?
Elected officials act on behalf of constituents' preferences.
48
What is the Politico Model of legislative behavior?
Lawmakers act as delegates on public issues and trustees on less visible matters.
49
What is the difference between redistricting and gerrymandering?
* Redistricting: Redrawing district boundaries fairly
* Gerrymandering: Manipulating boundaries to favor one party.
50
Where is most legislative work performed in Congress?
By standing committees and their subcommittees.
51
What percentage of PAC contributions go to incumbents?
85%.
52
What is a pocket veto?
Occurs when the President can't return a bill to an adjourned Congress within 10 days.
53
What is the committee of the whole?
A meeting of all members of a legislative assembly using committee rules.
54
What is a legislative referral?
A referendum where a legislature puts proposed legislation to a popular vote.
55
What causes Congress's inability to provide consistent leadership on national issues?
Its fragmented nature.
56
What constitutional power allows Congress to influence wartime policy?
The power to raise, support, and regulate the military.
57
What does the Power of the Purse refer to?
Congress's power to control government spending and taxation.
58
How do votes in Congress typically divide?
Along party lines.
59
Why is partisanship considered paradoxical?
Some division is necessary, but too much can be detrimental.
60
What does Congress do in terms of oversight?
Reviews and monitors public policy implementation.
61
What are Congress's main responsibilities?
* Enacting laws
* Funding government functions
* Oversight of the executive branch.
62
Who formally introduces bills in Congress?
Members of Congress.
63
Who is responsible for scheduling bills in the Senate?
The Majority Leader.
64
How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435.
65
How many members are in the U.S. Senate?
100.
66
What is a filibuster?
A tactic to delay or block a vote in the U.S. Senate.
67
What does the Committee on Calendars do?
Schedules bills and resolutions for hearing by the full House.
68
What do patronage practices refer to?
Providing jobs and benefits to supporters for political loyalty.
69
What did the Pendleton Act establish?
Federal jobs awarded on merit through competitive exams.
70
What does the War Powers Resolution require the president to do within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action?
Notify Congress
## Footnote
The resolution forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days without congressional authorization.
71
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes in a presidential election?
The House of Representatives elects the President from the three candidates with the most electoral votes
## Footnote
Each state delegation has one vote.
72
Which presidents lost the popular vote but still won the presidency?
Bush and Trump
73
What are the formal constitutional requirements for becoming president?
* Be a natural born citizen
* Be at least 35 years old
* Have been a resident of the US for 14 years
74
Most presidential campaign money during the general election is spent on _______.
[advertisements]
75
What was the primary intention of the War Powers Act?
To limit the authority of the President to wage war
76
What factors influence presidential accomplishments?
* Ability to persuade
* Party support in Congress
* Prevailing political climate
* Circumstances such as crises
77
What is the honeymoon period in relation to a president?
The first 100 days of a presidency
78
A president is likely to be most successful with Congress on policy initiatives involving _______.
[bipartisan support]
79
What is required for the forced removal of a president from office?
Action from both the legislative and judicial branches of government
80
What significantly increases a president's policy initiatives' success?
Strong support of the American people
81
What factor has the most impact on the president’s level of popular support?
The condition of the nation’s economy
82
Who presides over an impeachment trial of a president in the Senate?
The U.S. Supreme Court chief justice
83
What is typically the best action a president can take to ensure political success?
Maintain strong public support
84
What is a divided government?
Control of the executive branch and legislative branch is split between two political parties
85
What is the highest priority for most members of Congress?
Getting reelected
86
What is pork-barrel legislation?
Government spending for localized projects secured primarily for a representative's district
87
What is logrolling in politics?
Trading support for legislation between politicians
88
What is gerrymandering?
The political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to advantage a party
89
What gives the Speaker of the House more power than the Senate Majority Leader?
The majoritarian nature of the House
90
What are standing committees?
Permanent panels identified in Chamber rules with legislative jurisdiction
91
What resolves the differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
A conference committee
92
What is the major source of a committee’s power?
Its jurisdiction over a particular policy area
93
Who is often considered the second most powerful person in Washington, D.C.?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
94
What is the seniority rule in Congress?
Members have choice of committee assignments based on length of service
95
What is the Trustee Model in politics?
Elected officials act in the best interests of constituents using their judgment
96
What is the Delegate Model in politics?
Elected officials act on behalf of constituents reflecting their preferences
97
What is the Politico Model in legislative behavior?
Lawmakers act as delegates on public issues and as trustees on complex matters
98
What is redistricting?
The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population changes
99
What distinguishes gerrymandering from redistricting?
Gerrymandering manipulates boundaries to favor a political party
100
Who primarily performs legislative work in Congress?
Standing committees and their subcommittees
101
What percentage of PAC contributions go to incumbents?
About 85%
102
What is cloture in the Senate?
A procedure to end a filibuster requiring a three-fifths majority
103
What is a pocket veto?
Occurs when the President cannot return a bill to an adjourned Congress within 10 days
104
What is the committee of the whole?
A meeting of a legislative assembly that includes all members
105
What is a legislative referral?
A referendum where a legislature puts proposed legislation up for popular vote
106
What is the reason for Congress's inability to provide consistent leadership on national issues?
Its fragmented nature
107
What power does Congress have regarding wartime policy?
The power to raise, support, and regulate the military and to declare war
108
What does the Power of the Purse refer to?
Congress's power to control government spending and taxation
109
How do votes in Congress typically divide?
Along party lines
110
What is the paradox of partisanship?
Some party division is necessary, but too much can be detrimental
111
What is Congress's role in oversight of the executive branch?
Review, monitor, and supervise the implementation of public policy
112
What are Congress's responsibilities?
* Enacting laws
* Funding government functions
* Holding hearings
* Oversight of the executive branch
113
Who formally introduces bills in Congress?
Members of Congress
114
Who is responsible for scheduling bills in the Senate?
The Majority Leader
115
How many members are in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435
116
How many members are in the U.S. Senate?
100
117
What is a filibuster?
A legislative tactic used to delay or block a vote in the Senate
118
What is the role of the Committee on Calendars?
Responsible for scheduling bills and resolutions for hearing by the full House
119
What do patronage practices refer to?
Providing jobs and benefits to supporters in exchange for loyalty
120
What did the Pendleton Act establish?
Federal jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit through competitive exams
121
What is a judicial decision that establishes a rule for settling subsequent cases of a similar nature called?
Precedent
## Footnote
A key aspect of stare decisis, which means 'to stand by things decided'.
122
What is a concurring opinion?
An agreement with the majority opinion but differing in rationale.
123
What do federal district courts do?
Review federal cases and use juries.
124
What do the U.S. Courts of Appeals do?
Hear appeals from lower courts without investigating the facts.
125
What is federalism in the context of the U.S. court system?
A division of authority between federal and state governments.
126
How many U.S. Courts of Appeals are there?
13.
127
What is senatorial courtesy?
A tradition where nominations to federal office can be objected to by an individual senator.
128
What does judicial review allow the judiciary to do?
Declare government actions unconstitutional.
129
What is an amicus curiae brief?
A document from a non-party offering information or insight on a case.
130
What typically causes major shifts in the Supreme Court's positions?
Turnover in the Court's membership.
131
What is the doctrine of judicial restraint?
Judiciary should avoid overturning actions of other branches.
132
What is the doctrine of judicial activism?
Judiciary should protect individual rights and ensure equal protection.
133
What defines criminal law as distinct from civil law?
It defines a relationship involving offenses against the state.
134
What is the lowest level of the federal court system?
District courts.
135
What landmark case established the Supreme Court's power to determine constitutionality?
Marbury v. Madison.
136
What percentage of cases heard by federal appeals courts are later reviewed by the Supreme Court?
10%.
137
When are presidents most successful in getting Congress to enact their programs?
During their first years in office.
138
What does the Office of Management and Budget do?
Oversees federal budget preparation and evaluates agency effectiveness.
139
What is the role of the White House Office?
Houses the executive office of the President and serves as the President's residence.
140
What is the purpose of the National Security Council (NSC)?
To advise the president on national security and foreign policy matters.
141
What is the Cabinet of the United States?
The principal official advisory body to the president.
142
Which article of the U.S. Constitution created the presidency?
Article II.
143
What is the unitary executive theory?
The President has sole authority over the executive branch.
144
What does the War Powers Resolution require of the president?
Notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and limits deployment without authorization.
145
What happens if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
The House of Representatives elects the President.
146
Which presidents lost the popular vote but won the presidency?
Bush and Trump.
147
What are the formal constitutional requirements for becoming president?
* Be a natural born citizen
* Be at least 35 years old
* Have been a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.
148
What is the primary purpose of the War Powers Act?
To limit the President's authority to wage war.
149
What factors influence presidential accomplishments?
* Ability to persuade
* Party support in Congress
* Political climate.
150
What is the honeymoon period in presidential terms?
The first 100 days of a president's term.
151
What is required for the forced removal of a president?
Action from both legislative and judicial branches.
152
What significantly increases a president's success with policy initiatives?
Strong support from the American people.
153
What factor most impacts a president's level of popular support?
The condition of the nation’s economy.
154
Who presides over an impeachment trial of a president?
The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
155
What is a divided government?
Control of the executive and legislative branches by different parties.
156
What is the highest priority for most members of Congress?
Getting reelected.
157
What is pork-barrel legislation?
Government spending for localized projects to benefit a representative's district.
158
What is logrolling?
Trading support for legislative votes between politicians.
159
What is gerrymandering?
Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a political party.
160
Why does the Speaker of the House have more power than the Senate Majority Leader?
Due to the majoritarian nature of the House.
161
What are standing committees?
Permanent panels that consider bills and issues.
162
What resolves differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
A conference committee.
163
What is the major source of a committee’s power?
Jurisdiction over a policy area.
164
Who is often considered the second most powerful person in Washington, D.C.?
The Speaker of the House.
165
What is the seniority rule in Congress?
Members have committee assignment choices based on length of service.
166
What is the Trustee Model in political theory?
Elected officials act in the best interests of constituents using their judgment.
167
What is the Delegate Model in representation?
Elected officials act on behalf of constituents' preferences.
168
What is the Politico Model of legislative behavior?
Lawmakers act as delegates on public issues and trustees on less visible matters.
169
What is the difference between redistricting and gerrymandering?
* Redistricting: Redrawing district boundaries fairly
* Gerrymandering: Manipulating boundaries to favor one party.
170
Where is most legislative work performed in Congress?
By standing committees and their subcommittees.
171
What percentage of PAC contributions go to incumbents?
85%.
172
What is a pocket veto?
Occurs when the President can't return a bill to an adjourned Congress within 10 days.
173
What is the committee of the whole?
A meeting of all members of a legislative assembly using committee rules.
174
What is a legislative referral?
A referendum where a legislature puts proposed legislation to a popular vote.
175
What causes Congress's inability to provide consistent leadership on national issues?
Its fragmented nature.
176
What constitutional power allows Congress to influence wartime policy?
The power to raise, support, and regulate the military.
177
What does the Power of the Purse refer to?
Congress's power to control government spending and taxation.
178
How do votes in Congress typically divide?
Along party lines.
179
Why is partisanship considered paradoxical?
Some division is necessary, but too much can be detrimental.
180
What does Congress do in terms of oversight?
Reviews and monitors public policy implementation.
181
What are Congress's main responsibilities?
* Enacting laws
* Funding government functions
* Oversight of the executive branch.
182
Who formally introduces bills in Congress?
Members of Congress.
183
Who is responsible for scheduling bills in the Senate?
The Majority Leader.
184
How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435.
185
How many members are in the U.S. Senate?
100.
186
What is a filibuster?
A tactic to delay or block a vote in the U.S. Senate.
187
What does the Committee on Calendars do?
Schedules bills and resolutions for hearing by the full House.
188
What do patronage practices refer to?
Providing jobs and benefits to supporters for political loyalty.
189
What did the Pendleton Act establish?
Federal jobs awarded on merit through competitive exams.
190
What does the War Powers Resolution require the president to do within 48 hours of committing armed forces to military action?
Notify Congress
## Footnote
The resolution forbids armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days without congressional authorization.
191
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes in a presidential election?
The House of Representatives elects the President from the three candidates with the most electoral votes
## Footnote
Each state delegation has one vote.
192
Which presidents lost the popular vote but still won the presidency?
Bush and Trump
193
What are the formal constitutional requirements for becoming president?
* Be a natural born citizen
* Be at least 35 years old
* Have been a resident of the US for 14 years
194
Most presidential campaign money during the general election is spent on _______.
[advertisements]
195
What was the primary intention of the War Powers Act?
To limit the authority of the President to wage war
196
What factors influence presidential accomplishments?
* Ability to persuade
* Party support in Congress
* Prevailing political climate
* Circumstances such as crises
197
What is the honeymoon period in relation to a president?
The first 100 days of a presidency
198
A president is likely to be most successful with Congress on policy initiatives involving _______.
[bipartisan support]
199
What is required for the forced removal of a president from office?
Action from both the legislative and judicial branches of government
200
What significantly increases a president's policy initiatives' success?
Strong support of the American people
201
What factor has the most impact on the president’s level of popular support?
The condition of the nation’s economy
202
Who presides over an impeachment trial of a president in the Senate?
The U.S. Supreme Court chief justice
203
What is typically the best action a president can take to ensure political success?
Maintain strong public support
204
What is a divided government?
Control of the executive branch and legislative branch is split between two political parties
205
What is the highest priority for most members of Congress?
Getting reelected
206
What is pork-barrel legislation?
Government spending for localized projects secured primarily for a representative's district
207
What is logrolling in politics?
Trading support for legislation between politicians
208
What is gerrymandering?
The political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to advantage a party
209
What gives the Speaker of the House more power than the Senate Majority Leader?
The majoritarian nature of the House
210
What are standing committees?
Permanent panels identified in Chamber rules with legislative jurisdiction
211
What resolves the differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
A conference committee
212
What is the major source of a committee’s power?
Its jurisdiction over a particular policy area
213
Who is often considered the second most powerful person in Washington, D.C.?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
214
What is the seniority rule in Congress?
Members have choice of committee assignments based on length of service
215
What is the Trustee Model in politics?
Elected officials act in the best interests of constituents using their judgment
216
What is the Delegate Model in politics?
Elected officials act on behalf of constituents reflecting their preferences
217
What is the Politico Model in legislative behavior?
Lawmakers act as delegates on public issues and as trustees on complex matters
218
What is redistricting?
The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population changes
219
What distinguishes gerrymandering from redistricting?
Gerrymandering manipulates boundaries to favor a political party
220
Who primarily performs legislative work in Congress?
Standing committees and their subcommittees
221
What percentage of PAC contributions go to incumbents?
About 85%
222
What is cloture in the Senate?
A procedure to end a filibuster requiring a three-fifths majority
223
What is a pocket veto?
Occurs when the President cannot return a bill to an adjourned Congress within 10 days
224
What is the committee of the whole?
A meeting of a legislative assembly that includes all members
225
What is a legislative referral?
A referendum where a legislature puts proposed legislation up for popular vote
226
What is the reason for Congress's inability to provide consistent leadership on national issues?
Its fragmented nature
227
What power does Congress have regarding wartime policy?
The power to raise, support, and regulate the military and to declare war
228
What does the Power of the Purse refer to?
Congress's power to control government spending and taxation
229
How do votes in Congress typically divide?
Along party lines
230
What is the paradox of partisanship?
Some party division is necessary, but too much can be detrimental
231
What is Congress's role in oversight of the executive branch?
Review, monitor, and supervise the implementation of public policy
232
What are Congress's responsibilities?
* Enacting laws
* Funding government functions
* Holding hearings
* Oversight of the executive branch
233
Who formally introduces bills in Congress?
Members of Congress
234
Who is responsible for scheduling bills in the Senate?
The Majority Leader
235
How many members are in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435
236
How many members are in the U.S. Senate?
100
237
What is a filibuster?
A legislative tactic used to delay or block a vote in the Senate
238
What is the role of the Committee on Calendars?
Responsible for scheduling bills and resolutions for hearing by the full House
239
What do patronage practices refer to?
Providing jobs and benefits to supporters in exchange for loyalty
240
What did the Pendleton Act establish?
Federal jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit through competitive exams
