1.
A system that allows each branch of government (legislative, executive, judicial) to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
2.
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The goal is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for a system of checks and balances.
3.
An essay by James Madison arguing that separation of powers within the national government (specifically checks and balances) is the best way to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one person or group.
4.
A two-house legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Established by Article I of the Constitution as a result of the Great Compromise.
5.
This grants Congress the authority to pass all laws "necessary and proper" for carrying out the enumerated list of powers. It is the basis for the implied powers of Congress.
6.
Powers specifically granted to the federal government, especially Congress, by the Constitution (e.g., coining money, regulating interstate commerce, declaring war).
7.
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.
8.
The review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, and policy implementation by Congress. Often conducted through committee hearings and investigations.
9.
Permanent committees established under the standing rules of the Senate or House, specializing in the consideration of particular subject areas (e.g., House Ways and Means, Senate Judiciary).
10.
A committee unique to the House of Representatives that is responsible for determining under what rules, debate time, and amendments bills will come to the floor. Often called the "traffic cop" of the House.
11.
A parliamentary device used in the House to facilitate debate. It includes all members but operates under different rules, making it easier to consider and amend legislation.
12.
A mechanism by which members of the House can force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for consideration, provided a majority of members sign the petition (218 signatures).
13.
A tactic used in the Senate to prevent a measure from being brought to a vote by using continuous debate.
14.
A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote, requiring 60 senators (three-fifths of the body) to invoke it. Used to overcome a filibuster.
15.
Legislative provisions that direct federal funds to specific projects, facilities, or institutions. Often criticized as wasteful spending used to benefit a legislator's district.
16.
An agreement between two or more members of Congress to support each other's bills or initiatives. The exchange of favors for mutual benefit.
17.
A formal agreement between two or more sovereign states. Must be negotiated by the President and ratified by a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
18.
A rule or regulation issued by the President that has the effect of law without requiring congressional approval. Used to manage the operations of the federal government.
19.
A written comment issued by the President when signing a bill into law, often providing the President's interpretation of the law or expressing constitutional reservations.
20.
The formal body of presidential advisers, largely consisting of the heads of the major executive departments (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense).
21.
Personnel who run the White House and advise the President, including the Chief of Staff and press secretary. Not subject to Senate confirmation.
22.
The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of acts of the legislative and executive branches. Established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803).
23.
A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." It is the doctrine under which courts adhere to precedent (prior judicial decisions) in deciding future cases.
24.
A philosophy of judicial decision-making whereby judges allow their personal views about public policy, among other factors, to guide their decisions, often leading to overturning precedent or striking down laws.
25.
A philosophy of judicial decision-making whereby judges play minimal policymaking roles and defer to the elected branches of government when interpreting the law.
26.
A large, complex, hierarchical organization composed of unelected officials who implement and manage government policies. The executive branch agencies and departments.
27.
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies not specifically spelled out in advance by laws.
28.
The power delegated to the bureaucracy to make rules and regulations that have the force of law, filling in the details of laws passed by Congress.
29.
A three-way alliance among legislators (Congress), bureaucrats (executive branch agencies), and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests.
30.
A looser, more complex set of relationships among a broad range of interest groups, congressional staffers, academic experts, media, and agency officials who debate policy and implementation. (Often seen as replacing or existing alongside the Iron Triangl
