a court system made up of both federal and state courts

briefs filed by interested groups NOT involved in the court case, explaining which way the court should decide

The official decision of the court

An opinion that agrees with the majority in a SCOTUS ruling, but for a different reason

A statement written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion of the Court

idea that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values

idea that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect what the framers intended and what its words literally say

when the court determines the constitutionality of laws

how SCOTUS decides to hear a case

Let the decision stand; decision of lower court stays in place

A formal document requesting a case to be heard before the Supreme Court.

two houses in Congress

redrawing congressional district lines

permanent committee in Congress

power only for Senate, used to delay vote on a bill

agreement by two+ lawmakers to support each other's bills

additions to legislation that gives specific benefits to constituents in certain states/areas

investigates federal agencies and reports its findings to Congress to makes sure they are not spending more money than the government has appropriated for them

Advisory council for the president consisting of the heads of the executive departments

Subgovernments made up of interest group, government agency and members of congressional committee with a common interest

A written declaration by a president when signing a bill into law to point out sections of the law that the president thinks is unconstitutional

giving gov jobs to people based on favors or friendship, not merit

part of the budget where Congress can decide how much or how little funds they want to appropriate

Required govt spending by permanent laws (ie Social Security)

agencies and the employees that help the executive branch carry out/implement its laws

Argued for a "vigorous" executive branch

Addressed the need for an independent judicial branch with the power of judicial review

A rule issued by the president that has the force of law but did not need congressional approval

an agreement between the president and the leader of another country that doesn't need Senate approval

the role of the president as the commander of the military

Established judicial review; citing the Supremacy Clause

The head of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate

leader who tries to persuade party members to vote for bills the party supports

No racial gerrymandering

congressional districts should be relatively equal in population (one person, one vote)

the president's use of his prestige and visibility (media WANTS to cover him) to achieve policy goals

The executive office that makes the president's budget proposal, reviews the budget and programs of the executive departments, and analyzes proposed bills and agency rules

An agency of Congress that analyzes the proposed budget and estimates the cost of proposed legislation

drawing congressional district boundaries to benefit one party

Redrawing congressional districts after every census (10 years)

Legislative Branch

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch