Government and politics concepts

A system in which power is divided between a national government and state governments, each with its own areas of authority.

The division of government's legislative, executive and judicial functions among separate branches.

The constitutional powers each branch has to limit the actions of the other branches.

James Madison's essay arguing that a large republic is the best way to control the effects of factions.

An Anti-Federalist essay arguing that the proposed Constitution would create a national government too powerful and a republic too large to represent the people.

James Madison's essay explaining how separation of powers and checks and balances protect liberty by making 'ambition counteract ambition.'

Alexander Hamilton's essay arguing for an energetic executive office held by one person.

Alexander Hamilton's essay defending an independent federal judiciary with life tenure and the power of judicial review.

The clause in Article I, Section 8 that allows Congress to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

The constitutional provision giving Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states and with Native American tribes.

The power of courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court case that established the power of judicial review over acts of Congress.

The Supreme Court case that upheld Congress's implied power to create a national bank and barred states from taxing it.

The principle that courts should follow precedent, deciding similar cases in the same way as earlier decisions.

Competing views of the courts' role: activism favors using judicial power to correct injustices, restraint favors deferring to elected branches and precedent.

The process by which the Supreme Court has applied most Bill of Rights protections to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's due process clause.

The constitutional guarantee, in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, that government cannot deprive people of life, liberty or property without fair legal procedures.

The First Amendment clause that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring religion.

The First Amendment clause that protects individuals' right to practice their religion without government interference.

The Supreme Court case holding that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school unless their expression substantially disrupts the school.

The Fourteenth Amendment clause requiring states to give all people equal protection of the laws.

Congress's constitutional power to tax and to control federal spending through appropriations.

A Senate tactic of prolonging debate to delay or block a vote on a bill, which can be ended by a cloture vote of 60 senators.

Drawing electoral district boundaries to give an advantage to a political party or group.

A directive from the president to the executive branch that has the force of law, without requiring congressional approval.

The power of bureaucratic agencies to decide how to implement laws and to issue rules with the force of law.

A stable relationship among a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency and an interest group that work together on policy in a specific area.

Channels that connect citizens to government, chiefly political parties, interest groups, elections and the media.

The process by which people form their political beliefs and values, influenced by family, school, peers, media and events.

A citizen's belief that they can understand and influence government and that government will respond.

The electoral advantages enjoyed by officeholders running for reelection, such as name recognition, fundraising and constituent service.