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Spoils System
the firing of public-office holders of a defeated political party to replace them with loyalists of the newly elected party. TERM 2
Pendleton Act
DEFINITION 2 Reform measure that established the principle of federal employment on the basis of open competitive exams and created the civil service commission. TERM 3
Bicamerical Legislature
DEFINITION 3 A two house legislature TERM 4
Divide Governenment
DEFINITION 4 The political condition in which different political parties control the presidency and congress. TERM 5
Executive Orders
DEFINITION 5 Rules or regulations issued by the president that have the effect of law. All executive orders must be published in the federal register.
Executive Privilege
An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to congress or the judiciary. TERM 7
Logrolling
DEFINITION 7 Vote trading; voting to support a colleagues bill in return for a promise of future support. TERM 8
Pork
DEFINITION 8 Legislation that allows representation to bring money and jobs to their districts in the form of public works, programs, military bases, or other programs. TERM 9
President Pro Tempore
DEFINITION 9 The official chair of the senate; usually the most senior member of the majority party. TERM 10
Senatorial Courtesy
DEFINITION 10 A process by which presidents generally allows senators from the state in which a judicial vacancy occurs to block a nomination by simply registering their objection.
Patronage
Jobs, grants or other special favors that are given as rewards to friend and political allies for their support. TERM 17
Amicus Curiae
DEFINITION 17 "Friend of the court," amici may file briefs or even appear to argue their interests orally before the court. TERM 18
Original Jurisdiction
DEFINITION 18 The jurisdiction of courts that hear a case first, usually in a trial. These courts determine the facts of a case. TERM 19
Rule of Four
DEFINITION 19 At least 4 justices of the supreme court must vote to consider a case before it can be heard. TERM 20
Solicitor general
DEFINITION 20 The 4th ranking member of the Department of Justice; responsible for handling nearly all appeals on behalf of the U.S. government to the supreme court.
Merit System
A system of employment based on qualifications, test scores, and ability, rather than party loyalty. TERM 22
Strict Constructionist
DEFINITION 22 An approach to constitutional interpretational that emphasizes interpreting the constitution as it was originally written and intended by the Framers.
