Congressional Influence and Powers

The practice of redrawing electoral boundaries for political advantage.

The process of certifying a presidential election, which takes place on the Monday following the second Wednesday of December.

A procedural move that attempts to halt the passage of a bill, often involving extended speeches or delays.

The necessary and proper clause gives Congress a wide range of authority to carry out its enumerated powers.

The wooden box into which House members insert proposed bills.

The model where elected representatives primarily act according to their conscience.

Permanent committees with a defined legislative jurisdiction.

A member of Congress acting as a caseworker helps constituents with issues they may have with bureaucratic agencies.

The judicial branch's role in shaping policy by interpreting laws and establishing individual rights.

A philosophy that emphasizes the evolving nature of the Constitution, allowing for interpretation to reflect current values.

A decrease in the national tax base is a sign of a weakening economy, not a healthy one.

The U.S. has a capitalist system with government regulations.

Adam Smith advocated for a free market with minimal government intervention.

Keynesian economics suggests government spending and tax cuts during economic downturns to stimulate demand.

Fiscal policy uses government spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Monetarism believes that controlling the money supply is crucial for economic stability.

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, age, and disabilities in federally funded educational institutions.

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 aimed to improve the efficiency and accountability of the federal bureaucracy.

The stages of the public policy cycle involve the problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, policy adoption, policy implementation, and policy evaluation.

Sunshine laws promote transparency in government by opening up government functions and documents to public access.

The U.S. federal court system has 94 district courts which typically handle cases of original jurisdiction.

Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

The president's power to make treaties with other countries, but only with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Stare decisis, meaning "to stand by things decided." This is the basis of precedent, where courts adhere to past rulings in similar cases.

A certiorari petition is a request to the Supreme Court to review a case that has already been decided by a lower court.

The president's power to appoint ambassadors, judges, and other high-ranking officials, but only with the advice and consent of the Senate.

The president's power to veto bills passed by Congress, preventing them from becoming law.

The president's power to grant pardons and reprieves to individuals convicted of federal crimes.

The president's role as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, having the authority to direct military operations.

A group of experts chosen by the president to advise them on specific policy areas.

The office within the Executive Office of the President that creates the president's annual budget.

Special powers that the president can use during times of national crisis, such as suspending civil liberties or calling up state militias.

A theory arguing that the most significant future conflicts will arise due to cultural and religious differences.

The current governing document of the state of Georgia, adopted in 1983, marking the state's 10th constitution.

The governor of Georgia has independent appointment power, meaning he doesn't need approval from other branches of government.

This principle limits the autonomy of Georgia's local governments, as they can only exercise powers specifically granted by the state government.

Local governments in Georgia have the authority to govern their own affairs in specific areas determined by the state government.

A federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income families with children, but unlike its predecessor, it is not an entitlement program and places stricter work requirements.

A policy that aimed to reduce air pollution from power plants by setting limits on carbon emissions. It was challenged in court and eventually repealed by the Trump administration.

The State Department focuses on long-term international relations, while the National Security Council prioritizes short-term, often immediate, national security concerns.

The concept of limited war, where major powers avoid direct conflict and instead engage in smaller, contained conflicts.

A strategy of risking war to achieve political aims, often through aggressive actions and provocative rhetoric.

A period of improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by reduced tensions and increased cooperation.

A policy that emphasized the responsibility of U.S. allies to provide for their own national defense and sought to improve relations with Communist countries like the Soviet Union and China.

The influence of domestic interests on foreign policy decisions.