Unit 4 - Part 2 Flashcards
(31 cards)
Gridlock
So much “congestion” of opposing forces that nothing can move forward within each house and between Congress and the President.
Hatch Act
Distanced federal employees, as well as state employees paid with federal funds, from politics.
Hold
Senate maneuver that allows a Senator to stop or delay consideration of a bill or presidential appointment.
Impeachment
House action that formally charges an official with wrongdoing. Conviction requires 2/3 vote from the Senate.
Impoundment
Refusal of a President to spend money that has been appropriated by Congress.
Imperial Presidency
A powerful executive position guided by a weaker Congress.
Joint Committee
Committees that unite members from the House and Senate
Judicial Activism
Philosophy that the courts should take an active role in solving problems.
Judicial Restraint
Philosophy that the courts should defer to elected lawmakers in setting policy, and should instead focus on interpreting law rather than making law.
Judicial Review
Power of the courts to review the constitutionality of laws or government actions.
Lame Duck Period
Begins after the nation has elected a new president and before the exit of the old one.
Legislative Oversight
Ongoing process of congressional monitoring of the executive branch to ensure that the latter complies with the law.
Legislative Veto
Process in which Congress overturned rules and regulations proposed by executive branch agencies. Struck down in 1983.
Line Item Veto
Power of most governors (and President Clinton for only a few years) to delete or reduce funding in a bill on a line by line basis.
Litmus Test
Used for a quick determination of a judicial nominee’s political philosophy.
Logrolling
When two members of Congress agree to vote for each other’s bill.
Majority Opinion
Written to express the majority viewpoint in a Supreme Court case.
Mandatory Spending
Expenditures required by law, or mandated, for certain programs.
Mark Up
Committee action to amend a proposed bill.
Merit System
System of hiring federal workers based upon competitive exams.
National Security Council
Include the president, vice president, secretaries of defense and state and many more. Informs the president of dangers America could face.
Open Rule
House Rules Committee rule that allows amendments to a bill.
Original Jurisdiction
Authority of a court to first hear a case.
Patronage
Power to appoint loyal party members to federal positions.
