Government Terms

One of three key consequences of electoral campaigns for voters, in which the voter is activated to contribute money or ring doorbells instead of just voting. See also reinforcement and conversion.

That part of the potential group consisting of members who actually join. See also interest group.

The authority of administrative actors to select among various responses to a given problem. Discretion is greatest when routines, or standard operating procedures, do not fit a case.

According to David Mayhew, one of three primary activities undertaken by members of Congress to increase the probability of their reelection. Advertising involves contacts between members and their constituents between elections. See also credit claiming and position taking.

A policy designed to give special attention to or compensatory treatment of members of some previously disadvantaged group.

Families, schools, television, peer groups, and other influences that contribute to political socialization by shaping formal and especially informal learning about politics.

A law passed in 1990 that requires employers and public facilities to make �reasonable accommodations� for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against these individuals in employment.

Legal briefs submitted by a �friend of the court� for the purpose of raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties. These briefs attempt to influence a court�s decision.

Opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption. They argued that the Constitution was a class-based document, that it would erode fundamental liberties, and that it would weaken the power of the states. See also Federalists and U.S. Constitution.

A policy designed to ensure competition and prevent monopoly, which is the control of a market by one company.

The jurisdiction of courts that hear cases brought to them on appeal from lower courts. These courts do not review the factual record, only the legal issues involved. Compare original jurisdiction.

An act of Congress that actually funds programs within limits established by authorization bills. Appropriations usually cover one year.

A tense relationship beginning in the 1950s between the Soviet Union and the United States whereby one side�s weaponry became the other side�s goad to procure more weaponry, and so on.

The first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures.

An act of Congress that establishes, continues, or changes a discretionary government program or an entitlement. It specifies program goals and maximum expenditures for discretionary programs. Compare appropriations bill.