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201 Cards in this Set
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Street-level Bureaucrats
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A phase coined by Michael Lipsky, referring to those bureaucrats who are in constant contact with the public and have considrable administrative discretion.
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Subgovernments
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A network of groups within the American political system which exercise a great deal of control over specific policy areas. Also known as iron triangles, subgovernments are composed of interest group leaders interested in a particular policy, the government agency in charge of administering that policy , and the members of congressional committees and subcommittees handling that policy
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Subnational Governments
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Another way of referring to state and local governments. Through a process of reform, modernization, and changing intergovernmental relations since the 1960s, subnational governments have assumed new responsibilities and importance.
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Suffrage
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The legal right to vote, extended to African Americans by the Fifteenth Amendment, to women by the Nineteenth Amendment, and to people over the age of 18 by the Twenty-sixth Amendment.
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Super Tuesday
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Created by a dozen or so Southern states when they held their presidential primaries in early March 1988. These states hoped to promote a regional advantage as well as a more conservative candidate.
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Superdelegates
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National party leaders who automatically get a delegate slot at the Democratic national party convention
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Superfund
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A fund created by Congress in the late 1970s and renewed in the 1980s to clean up hazardous waste sites. Money for the fund comes from taxing chemical products.
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Supply-side Economics
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An economic theory, advocated by President Reagan, holding that too much income goes to taxes and too little money is available for purchasing and that the solution is to cut taxes and return pruchasing power to consumers
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Supremacy Clause
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Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits
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Supreme Court
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The pinnacle of the American judicial system. The Court ensures uniformity in interpreting national laws, resolves conflicts among states,and maintains national supremacy in law. It has both original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction, but unlike other federal courts, it controls its own agenda.
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Symbolic Speech
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Nonverbal communication, such as burning a flag or wearing an armband. The Supreme Court has accorded some symbolic speech protection under the First Amendment.
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Taft-artley Act
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A 1947 law giving the president power to halt major strikes by seeking a court injunction and permitting states to forbid requirements in labor contracts forcing workers to join a union.
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Talking Head
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A shot of a person's face talking directly to the camera. Because this is visuall unappealing, the major commercial networks rarely show a politician talking one-on-one for very long.
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progressive tax
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a tax by which the government takes a greater share of the income of the rich than of the poor - for example, when a rich family pays 50% of its income in taxes and a poor family pays 5%
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project grants
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federal grants given for specific purposes and awarded on the basis of the merits of applications. a type of the categorical grants available to states and localities
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proportional representation
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an electoral system used throughout most of Europe that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in an election
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proportional tax
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a tax by which the government takes the same share of income from everyone, rich and poor alike - for example, when a rich family pays 20% and a poor family pays 20%
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protest
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a form of political participation designed to achieve policy change through dramatic and unconventional tactics
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Policymaking system
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Process by which political problems are communicated by the voters and acted upon by government policymakers. The policymaking system begins with people’s needs and expectations for governmental action. When people confront government officials with problems that they want solved, they are trying to influence the government’s policy agenda.
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Policy voting
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Voting that occurs when electoral choices are made on the basis of the voter’s policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues. For the voter, policy voting is hard work.
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Political Action Committees (PACs)
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Funding vehicles created by the 1974 campaign finance reforms. A corporation, union, or some other interest group can create a PAC and register it with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which will meticulously monitor the PAC’s expenditures.
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Political culture
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An overall set of values widely shared within a society.
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Political efficacy
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The belief that one’s political participation really matters-that one’s vote can actually make a difference.
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Political ideology
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A coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and public purpose. It helps give meaning to political events, personalities, and policies.
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Political issue
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An issue that arises when people disagree about a problem and a public policy choice.
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Political participation
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All the activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue. The most common, but not the only, means of political participation in a democracy is voting. Other means include protest and civil disobedience.
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Political party
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According to Anthony Downs, a “team of men [and women] seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constitutes election.”
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Political questions
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A doctrine developed by the federal courts and used as a means to avoid deciding some cases, principally those involving conflicts between the president and Congress.
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public goods
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goods, such as clean air and clean water, that everyone must share
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public interest
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the idea that there are some interests superior to the private interest of groups and individuals, interests we all have in common
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public interest lobbies
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according to Jeffrey Berty, organizations that seek "a collective good, the achievement of which will not selectively and materially benefit the membership or activities of the organization."
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public opinion
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the distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues
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public policy
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a choice that government makes in response to a political issue. a policy is a course of action taken with regard to some problem
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Political socializations
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According to Richard Dawson, “the process through which an individual acquires his [or her] knowledge, feelings, and evaluations regarding his [or her] political world.”
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Political system
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A set of institutions and activities that link together people, politics, and policy.
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Politics
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According to Harold Lasswell, “who gets what, when, and how.” Politics produces authoritative decisions about public issues.
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Poll taxes
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Small taxes, levied on the right to vote, that often fell due at a time of year when poor African-American sharecroppers had the least cash on hand. This method was used by most Southern states to exclude African Americans from voting registers. Poll taxes were declared void by the 24th Amendment in 1964.
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random digit dialing
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a technique used by pollsters to place telephone calls randomly to both listed and unlisted numbers when conducting a survey
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random sampling
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the key technique employed by sophisticated survey researchers, which operates on the principle that everyone should have an equal probability of being selected for the sample
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rational-choice theory
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a popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians. it assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives
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reapportionment
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the process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years on the basis of the results of the census
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recall
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a procedure that allows voters to call a special election for a specific official in an attempt to throw him or her out of office before the end of his or her term. recalls are only permitted in 17 states, are seldom used because of their cost and disruptiveness, and are rarely successful
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gender gap
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A term that refers to the regular pattern by which women are more likely to support Democratic candidates. Women tend to be significantly less conservative than men and are more likely to support spending on social services and to oppose the higher levels of military spending.
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Gibbons v. Ogden
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A landmark case decided in 1824 in which the Supreme Court interpreted very broadly the clause in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, encompassing virtually every form of commercial activity. The commerce clause has been the constitutional basis for much on Congress's regulation of the economy.
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Gideon v. Wainwright
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The 1963 Supreme Court decision holding that freedoms of press and speech are "fundamental personal rights and liberties protected by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment from impairment by the states" as well as the federal government.
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government
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The institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society.
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governmental corporation
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A governemt organization that, like business corporations, provides a service that could be provided by the private sector and typically chargers for its services. The U.S. Postal Service is an example.
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governor
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The elected chief executive of state government who directs the administration of state government and the implementation of public policy in the state.
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Gramm-Rudman-Hollings
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Named for its sponsors and also known as the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Act, legislation mandating maximum allowable deficit levels each year until 1991, when the budget was to be balanced. Since 1987, the balanced budget year was shifted to 1993, but the Act was abandoned in 1991.
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grandfather clause
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One of the methods used by Southern states to deny African Americans the right to vote. In order to exempt illiterate Whites from taking a literacy test before voting, the clause exempted people whose grandfathers were eligible to vote in 1860, there by disenfranchising the grandchildren of slaves. The grandfather clause was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1913.
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Gregg v. Georgia
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The 1976 Supreme Court decision that upheld the death penalty, stating that "It is an extreme sanction, suitable to the most extreme of crimes." The court did not, therefore, believe that the death sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
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NAACP v. Alabama
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The Supreme Court protected the right to assemble peaceably in this 1958 case when it decided the NAACP did not have to reveal its membership list and thus subject its members to harassment.
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Narrowcasting
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As opposed to the traditional "broadcasting," the appeal to a narrow, particular audience by channels such as ESPN, MTV, and C-SPAN, which focus on a narrow particular interest.
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national chairperson
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One of the institutions that keeps the party operating between conventions. The national chairperson is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the party and is usually selected by the presidential nominee. See also national committee
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national committee
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One of the institutions that keeps the party operating between conventions. The national committee is composed of representatives from the states and territories. See also national chairperson
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national convention
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The meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and write the party's platform.
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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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The law passed in 1969 that is the centerpiece of federal environmental policy in the United States. The NEPA established the requirements for environmental impact statements.
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national health insurance
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A compulsory insurance program for all Americans that would have government finance citizens' medical care. First proposed by President Harry S. Truman, the plan has been soundly opposed by the American Medical Association.
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National Labor Relations Act
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A 1935 law, also known as the Wagner Act, that guarantees workers the right of collective bargaining, sets down rules to protect unions and organizers, and created the National Labor Relations Board to regulate labor management relations.
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national party convention
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The supreme power within each of the parties. The convention meets every four years to nominate the party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates and to write the party's platform.
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national primary
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A proposal by critics of the caucuses and presidential primaries systems who would replace these electoral methods with a nationwide primary held early in the election year.
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National Security Council
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An office created in 1947 to coordinate the president's foreign and military policy advisors. its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president's national security advisor.
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NATO
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See North Atlantic Treaty Organization
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natural rights
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Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke's theories about government, and was widely accepted among America's founding fathers. Thomas Jefferson echoed Locke's language in drafting the Declaration of Independence.
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Near v. Minnesota
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The 1931 Supreme Court decision holding that the First Amendment protects newspapers from prior restraint.
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Party Realignment
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The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election period. See also party eras.
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Patronage
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One of the key inducements used by political machines. A patronage job, promotion, or contract is one that is
given for political reasons rather for merit or competence alone. Compare civil service and the merit principle. |
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Pendleton Civil Service Act
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Passed in 1883, an Act that created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be based on merit rather than patronage.
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Per curiam decision
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A court decision without explanation.-in other words, without an opinion.
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Planned Parenthood v. Casey
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A 1992 case in which the Supreme Court loosened its standard for evaluating restrictions on abortion from one of "strict scrutiny" of any restraints on a "fundamental right" to one of "undue burden" that permits considerably more regulations.
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Plea bargaining
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An actual bargain struck between the defendant's lawyer and the prosecutor to the effect that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser crime (or fewer crimes) in exchange for the state's promise not to prosecute the defendant for a more serious (or additional) crime.
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Plessy v. Ferguson
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An 1896 Supreme Court decision that provided a constitutional justification for segregation by ruling that a Louisiana law requiring "equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races" was not unconstitutional.
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Pluralist theory
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A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. Compare elite and class theory, hyperpluralism, and traditional democratic theory.
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Pocket veto
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A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of having submitted a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it. See also veto.
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Policy
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See public policy.
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Policy agenda
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According to John Kingdon, "the list of subjects or problems to which government officials, and people outside of government closely associated with those officials, are paying some serious attention at any given time."
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Policy differences
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The perception of a clear choice between the parties. Those who see such choices are more likely to vote.
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Policy entrepreneurs
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People who invest their political "capital" in an issue. According to John Kingdon, a policy entrepreneur "could be in or out of government, in elected or appointed positions, in interest groups or re-search organizations."
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Policy gridlock
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A condition that occurs when no coalition is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy. The result is that nothing may get done.
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Policy impacts
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The effects a policy has on people and problems. Impacts are analyzed to see how well a policy has met its goal and at what cost.
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Policy implementation
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See implementation.
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Policymaking institutions
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The branches of government charged with taking action on political issues. The U.S. Constitution established three policymaking institutions-the Congress, the presidency, and the courts. Today, the power of the bureaucracy is so great that most political scientists consider it a fourth policymaking institution.
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Consensus
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Agreement, reflected by an opinion distribution in which a large majority see eye to eye
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Consent of the governed
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According to John Locke, the required basis for government. The Declaration of Independence reflects Locke's view that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed
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Conservatives
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Those who advocate conservatism. Compare liberals
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Constitution
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A nation's basic law. Creates political institution, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Can be written or unwritten
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Constitutional convention
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Method of amending a state constitution in which voters may approve the calling of a convention of state citizens to propose amendments to the state constitution; the proposals are submitted to state voters for approval
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Constitutional courts
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Lower federal courts of original jurisdiction created by Congress by the Judiciary Act if 1789
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Consumer price index (CPI)
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Key measure of inflation that relates the rise in prices over time
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Containment doctrine
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Foreign policy strategy advocated by George Kennan that called for the US to isolate the Soviet Union, "contain" its advances, and resist its encroachments by peaceful means if possible, but by force if necessary
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Continuing resolutions
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When Congress cannot reach agreement and pass appropriations bills, these resolutions allow agencies to spend at the same level as the previous year
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Convention
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See "national party convention"
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Conversion
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One of three key consequences of electoral campaigns for voters, in which the voter's mind is actually changed. See also "reinforcement" and "activation"
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Cooperative federalism
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A system of government in which powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government. They also may share costs, administration, and even blame for programs that work poorly. Compare "dual federalism"
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Council-manager government
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Common form of government used by municipalities in which voters elect a city council (and possibly an independent mayor) to make public policy for the city. The city council, in turn, appoints a professional city manager to serve as chief executive of the city and to administer public policy
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Council of Economic Advisors (CEA)
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Three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy
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Council of governments (COG)
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Councils in many areas of the country where officials from various localities meet to discuss mutual problems and plan joint, cooperative action
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County
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Political subdivision of state government that has a set of government officers to administer some local services, often of behalf of the state. Called a "parish" in Louisiana and a "borough" in Alaska
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Incentive System
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According to Charles Shultze, a more effective and efficient policy than command-and-control; in the incentive system, market-like strategies are used to manage public policy.
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Income
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The amount of funds collected between any two points in time.
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Income Distribution
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The "shares" of the national income earned by various groups.
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Income Tax
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Shares of individual wages and corporate revenues collected by the government. The first income tax was declared unconstitutional bye the Supreme Court in 1895, but the Sixteenth Amendment explicitly authorized Congress to levy a tax on income.
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Incorporation Doctrine
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The legal concept under which the Supreme Court has nationalized the Bill of Rights by making most of its provisions applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
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Incrementalism
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The belief that the best predictor of this year's budget is last year's budget, plus a little bit more (an increment). According to Aaron Wildavsky, "Most of the budget is a product of previous decisions."
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Incumbents
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Those already holding office. In congressional elections, incumbents usually win.
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Independent Executive Agency
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The government not accounted for by cabinet departments, independent regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Its administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. The Veterans Administration is an example.
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Independent Regulatory Agency
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A government agency responsible for some sector of the economy, makingand enforcing rules supposedly to protect the public interest. It also judges disputes over these rules. The Interstate Commerce Commission is an example.
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Individualism
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The belief that individuals should be left on their own by the government. One of the primary reasons for the comparatively small scope of American government is the prominence of this belief in American political thought and practice.
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Industrial Policy
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An economic policy that advocates the federal government's support of key strategic industries, such as the making of computer chips, and protection of these industries from foreign competition by tariffs and other measures.
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INF Treaty
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The elimination of intermediate range nuclear forces (INF) through an agreement signed by President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev during the May 1988 Moscow summit. It was the first treaty to reduce current levels of nuclear weapons.
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Inflation
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The rise in prices for consumer goods. Inflation hurts some but actually benefits others. Groups such as those who live on fixed incomes are particularly hard hit, while people whose salary increases are tied to the consumer price index but whose loan rates are fixed may enjoy increased buying power.
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Initiative
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A process permitted in some states whereby voters may put proposed changes in the state constitution to a vote if sufficient signatures are obtained on petitions calling for such a referendum.
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appropriations bill
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An act of Congress that actually funds programs within limits established by authorization bills. Appropriations usually cover one year.
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arms race
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A tense relationship beginning in the 1950s between the Soviet Union and the United States whereby one side's weaponry became the other side's goad to procure more weaponry, and so on.
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Articles of Confederation
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The first constitution of the U.S., adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures.
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authorization bill
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An act of Congress that establishes, continues, or changes a discretionary government program or an entitlement. It specifies program goals and maximum expenditures for discretionary programs. Compare apporopriations bill.
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balance of trade
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The ratio of what is paid for imports to what is earned from exports. When more is imported than exported, there is a balance-of-trade deficit.
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balanced budget amendment
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A proposed amendment to the Constitution that would instruct Congress to hold a national convention to propose to the states a requirement that peacetime federal budgets be balanced. The amendment has been passed in varied forms by the legislatures of nearly 2/3 of the states.
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Barron v. Baltimore
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The 1833 Supreme Court decision holding that the Bill of Rights restrained only the national government, not the states and cities. Almost a century later, the Court first ruled in Gitlow v. New York that state governments must respect some First Amendment rights.
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beats
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Specific locations from which news frequently eminates, such as Congress of the White House. Most top reporters work a particular beat, thereby becoming specialists in what goes on at that location.
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bicameral legislature
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A legislature divided into two houses. The U.S. Congress and every American state legislature except Nebraska's are bicameral.
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bill
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A proposed law, drafted in precise, legal language. Anyone can draft a bill, but only a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate can formally submit a bill for consideration.
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Bill of Rights
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The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, press and offer protections against arbitrary searches by the police and being held without talking to a lawyer.
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blanket primaries
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Elections to select party nominees in which voters are presented with a list of candidates from all the parties. Voters can then select some Democrats and some Republicans if they like. See also primaries.
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Amendment 1
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Freedom of religion, speech, the press; the right to peaceably assemble; the right to "petition the Government for redress of grievances"
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Amendment 2
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Right to bear arms
(Amendment 2.5 - the right to arm bears yuk yuk yuk) |
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Amendment 3
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No quartering (lodging) soldiers in people's houses without their consent
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Amendment 4
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Protection from search and seizure; need for a warrant
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Amendment 5
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Most famous for the right not to incriminate oneself
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Remember, in court they always say "I plead the fifth".
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Amendment 6
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right to a public and speedy trial
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Amendment 7
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anything for the law to deal with that involves over twenty dollars will also involve a jury
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Amendment 8
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no cruel and unusual punishment (also no excessive bail or fines)
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Amendment 9
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enumeration of rights in the Constitution isn't meant to say that all others are cut off from the people (i.e., just because it's not a right that's "on the list" doesn't mean it doesn't exist)
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Red Lion Broadcasting Corporation v. FCC
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1969; Supreme Court upheld restrictions on radio and TV broadcasting, such as requiring public issues and opposing views.
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Reed v. Reed
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1971; 1st time Supreme Court upheld a claim of gender discrimination - landmark case
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referendum
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a state-level method of direct legislation that lets voters approve or disapprove proposed state legislation or amendments
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Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
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1978; Supreme Court held that state universities could not admit less-qualified individuals on the basis of race alone. Defined but did not impede affirmative action.
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regional primaries
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proposal to replace caucuses and state primaries with series of primaries held by geographic region
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regressive tax
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a tax in which the low-income groups pay more than the high-income taxpayers - opposite of a progressive tax.
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regulation
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the use of governmental authority to control or change some some practice in the private sector/daily life
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reinforcement
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one of three key consequences of electoral campaigns for voters; voter's candidate preference is reinforced.
(other two are activation an conversion) |
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relative deprivation
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perception by a group that is doing wore than another group/the desire to correct what that group views as unfair distribution of resources or benefits. often motivates political activism.
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representation
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a basic principal of traditional democratic theory that describes the relationship between few leaders and many followers (as well as the obligation of those leaders)
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republic
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form of gov't that derives power, directly or indirectly, from its people. Representatives are selected to make the laws and are held accountable to the gov'd. (cf direct democracy)
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responsible party model
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political scientist view that parties should offer voters clear choices and carry out their campaign promises to the letter.
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selective benefits
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Goods (such as information publications, travel discounts, and group insurance rates) that a group can restrict to those who pay their yearly dues
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self-incrimination
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The phenomenon that people often pay the most attention to things they already agree with and interpret them according to their own predispositions
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Senate Finance Committee
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The Senate committee that, along with the House Ways and Means Committee, writes the tax codes, subject to the approval of Congress as a whole.
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senatorial courtesy
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An unwritten tradition whereby nominations for state-level federal judicial posts are not confirmed if they are opposed by the senator from the state in which the nominee will serve. The tradition also applies to courts of appeal when there is opposition from the nominee's state senator, if the senator belongs to the president's party.
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Senior Executive Service (SES)
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An elite cadre of about 11,000 federal government managers, established by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, who are mostly career officials but include some political appointees who do not require Senate confirmation
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selective perception
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The phenomenon that people often pay the most attention to things they already agree with and interpret them according to their own predispositions
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seniority system
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A simple rule for picking committee chairs, in effect until the 1970s. The member who had served on the committee the longest and whose party controlled Congress became chair, regardless of party loyalty, mental state, or competence.
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separation of powers
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An important part of the Madisonian model that requires each of the three branches of government-- executive, legislative, and judicial-- to be relatively independent of the others so that one cannot control the others. Power is shared among these three institutions.
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Shays' Rebellion
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A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by revolutionary war Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.
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Simpson-Mazzolli Act
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An immigration law, named after its legislative sponsors, that as of June 1, 1987, requires employees to document the citizenship of their employees. Civil and criminal penalties can be assesed against employers who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
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Single-issue groups
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Groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics. These features distinguish them from traditional interest groups.
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Sixteenth Amendment
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The constitutional amendment adopted in 1915 that explicitly permitted Congress to levy an income tax.
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Sixth Amendment
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The constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.
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select committees
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Congressional committees appointed for a specific purpose, such as the Watergate investigation. See also joint committees, standing committees, and conference committees.
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A report filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that specifies what environmental effects a proposed policy would have. The National Environmental Policy Act requires that whenever any agency proposes to undertake a policy that is potentially disruptive of the environment, the agency must file a statement with the EPA.
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Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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An agency of the federal government created in 1970 and charged with administering all the government's environmental legislation. It also administers policies dealing with toxic wastes. The EPA is the largest federal independent regulatory agency.
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A policy statement about equality holding that the rules of the game should be the same for everyone. Most of our civil rights policies over the past three decades have presumed that equality of opportunity is a public policy goal.
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Equal Opportunity
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Part of the 14th amendment emphasizing that the laws must provide equivalent "protection" to all people. As one member of Congress said during debate on the amendment, it should provide "equal protection of life, liberty, and property" to all a state's citizens.
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Equal Protection of the Laws
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A policy statement about equality holding that government has a duty to help break down barriers to equal opportunity.
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Equal Results
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A constitutional amendment originally introduced in 1923 and passed by Congress in 1978 and sent to the state legislatures for ratification , stating that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any state on account of sex." Despite substantial public support and an extended dealine, the amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from 3/4ths of the state legislatures.
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Equal Rights Amendment
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Part of the 1st amendment stating that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."
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Establishment Clause
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An alliance of the major Western European nations that coordinates monetary, trade, immigration, and labor policies, making its members one economic unit.
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European Union (EU)
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Exclusionary Rule
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The rule that evidence, no matter how incriminating, cannot be introduced into a trial if it was not constitutionally obtained. The rule prohibits use of evidence obtained through unreasonable search and seizure.
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Regulations originating from the executive branch. Executive orders are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy; more often, though, presidents pass along their wishes through their aides.
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Executive Orders
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Public opinion surveys used by major media pollsters to predict electoral winners with speed and precision.
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Exit Poll
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Federal spending of revenues. Major areas of such spending are social services and the military.
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Expenditures
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A legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state in which the crime is alleged to have been commited.
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Extradition
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social policies
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Policies that manipulate opportunities through public choice. They include policies related to income and policies related to opportunity.
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Social Security Act 1935
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1935 law passed during the Great Depression that was intended to provide a minimal level of sustenance to older Americans and thus save them from poverty.
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social welfare policies
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policies that provide benefits to individuals, particularly to those in need.
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socialized medicine
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a system in which the full cost of medical care is borne by the national government. Great Britain and the former Soviet Union are examples
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soft money
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political contributions earmarked for party-building expenses at the grass-roots level (or for generic party advertising). Unlike money that goes to the campaign of a particular candidate, such party donations are not subject to contribution limits.
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solicitor general
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a presidential appointee and the third-ranking office in the Department of Justice. The solicitor general is in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government.
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sound bites
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short video clips of approximately 15 seconds, which are typically all that is shown from a politician's speech or activities on the nightly news.
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Speaker of the House
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an office mandated by the Constitution. The Speaker is chosen in practice by the majority party, has both formal and informal powers, and is second in line to succeed to the presidency should that office be vacant.
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special districts
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limited-purpose local governments called districts or public authorities that are created to run a specific type of service, such as water distribution, airports, public transport, etc.
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standard operating procedures
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better known as SOPs, these procedures are used by bureaucrats to bring uniformity to complex organizations. Uniformity improves fairness and makes personnal interchangeable
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standing committees
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Separate subject-matter committees in each house of Congress that handle bills in different policy areas. See also joint, conference, and select committees
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standing to sue
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The requirement that plaintiffs have a serious interest in a case, which depends on whether they have sustained or are likely to sustain a direct and substantial injury from a party or an action of government.
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stare decisis
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A Latin term meaning "let the decision stand." The vast majority of cases reaching appellate courts are settles on this principle.
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statutory construction
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The judicial interpretation of an act of Congress. In some cases where statutory construction is an issue, Congress passes new legislation to clarify existing laws.
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Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)
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Renamed "Star Wars" by critics, a plan for a defense against the Soviet Union unveiled by President Reagan in 1983. SDI would create a global umbrella in space, using computers to scan the skies and high-tech devices to destroy invading missiles.
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10th Amendment
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Ratified 1791: All powers not specifically given to the federal government or prohibited to the states by the Constitution are automatically given to the states or the people
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11th Amendment
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Ratified 1795: Prohibits individual damage suits against state officials and protects state governments from being sued by private parties
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12th Amendment
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Ratified 1804: Provides the procedure by which the President and Vice President are elected (Prez and VP run separately)
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13th Amendment
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Ratified 1865: Makes slavery and involuntary servitude illegal
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14th Amendment
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Ratified 1868: Forbids States from making or enforcing laws that would diminish the basic rights and privileges of any citizen of the US
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15th Amendment
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Ratified 1870: All citizens can vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude (African Americans)
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16th Amendment
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Ratified 1913: Gives Congress the power to collect income taxes
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17th Amendment
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Ratified 1913: Senators decided by a State's popular vote, rather than vote by the State legislature. Also gives some State governors the power to appoint a Senator in the case of a vacancy
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18th Amendment
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Ratified 1919: Makes the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors illegal. Repealed 1933.
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Abington School District v. Schempp (1963)
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The court struck down a Pennsylvania law requiring that each pubic school day open with a prayer
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Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)
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the Court struck down a Pennsylvania policy of reimbursing religious schools for textbooks and teacher salaries. The decision held that a law or program does not violate the Establishment Clause if: a) it has a primarily secular purpose: b) its principal effect neither aids nor inhibit religion and c) government and religion are not excessively entangled.
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Allegheny County v. Greater Pittsburgh ACLU
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THe Court upheld the right of states to celebrate the Christmad holiday with a joint menorah-Christmas tree display. The Court also ruled that a nativity scene could not be displayed on the city courthouse steps.
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Wisconsin v. Yoder
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The Court ruled that Amish adolescents could be exempt from a state law compelling school attendence for all 14-16 year-old since their religion required living apart from the world and worldly influence.
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Thornton v. Coldor, Inc.
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The court struck down a Connecticut law prohibiting the firing of employees who refused to work on any day they claimed was their "Sabbath" noting that the Free Exercise Clause applied only to government, not to private employees.
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