supremacy clause
establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties constitute the “supreme Law of the Land”.
pluralist democracy
power is distributed between groups/organizations
popular sovereignty
government’s power comes directly from the people
republicanism
. It emphasizes popular sovereignty (people hold power), representative government, and civic virtue, where citizens actively participate and prioritize the common good over personal interests.
enumerated powers
powers specifically listed to the federal government
implied powers
powers not specifically listed in the constitution, but are implied
shays rebellion
an armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers and Revolutionary War veterans protesting oppressive economic conditions, including high taxes, crushing debt, and farm foreclosures
concurrent powers
powers shared by states and federal government
Great (Connecticut) Compromise
resolved the conflict between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention by creating a bicameral legislature
block grants
fixed-sum federal grants awarded to state, local, or tribal governments with broad, flexible, and often noncompetitive guidelines
10th Amendment
powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states or the people
article 3 of the constitution
establishes the judicial branch, creating the Supreme Court and outlining its jurisdiction, while authorizing Congress to establish lower federal courts.
federalist no 78
justifies the structure of the judicial branch under the new Constitution, arguing for life tenure for judges and establishing the doctrine of judicial review.
Independent regulatory commissions are
federal agencies created by Congress that operate outside direct executive branch control to regulate specific industries or economic sectors,
stare decisis
fundamental legal doctrine that requires courts to follow past precedents
judicial restraint
legal philosophy urging judges to limit their own power by strictly adhering to precedent (stare decisis), interpreting the Constitution narrowly based on its original intent, and avoiding overturning laws passed by elected legislatures unless they clearly violate the Constitution
senatorial courtesy
U.S. Senate custom where senators refuse to confirm a presidential nominee for a federal office (such as district judges or U.S. attorneys) if the nominee is opposed by the senator(s) from the nominee’s home state,
federalist no 70
argues that a single, energetic executive (the President) is essential to a good government.
22 amendment
limits presidents to two elected terms (eight years)
lame duck president
president is an outgoing leader in the final period of their term—usually between a successor’s election and the inauguration—when their political influence is diminished.
whip
responsible for enforcing party discipline, ensuring members attend voting sessions, and securing votes for the party’s agenda.
original jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction is a court’s authority to hear a case for the first time, acting as a trial court to examine evidence and testimony
appellate jurisdiction
reviews decisions from lower courts
discretionary spending
non-essential, flexible spending that requires annual approval by Congress and the President through appropriations bills
