gov terms

legal documents filed by outside groups not directly involved with a case in an attempt to influence the decision of the scotus

let the decision stand

rule established by the supreme court providing that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial of it was the result of an illegal action taken by the government

provision from Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution requiring that the states normally honor the public acts and judicial decisions that take place in another state

interstate relations

amendment process

the authority to hear cases for the first time; supreme and district courts

Authority of court to review a decision of a lower court or administrative agency; circuit courts have appellate jurisdiction over district courts, supreme court has it over circuit courts

1. Establishing budgetary control and allocating funds for each agency (power of the purse) 2. conducting hearings and investigations 3. reorganizing an agency 4. creating new guidelines for an agency 5. dispersing responsibilities and preventing one agency from becoming too powerful i

Prohibits govt employees from engaging in pol. activities- limits: can't use official positions to influence or interfere with elections, engage in political activity while on duty, in uniform, or while using govt vehicle

state, treasury, defense, justice

divide departments goals and workload
ex: Border patrol, TSA, FBI, IRS

unique duties and independence from others in executive branch, no regulatory power or authority ex: NASA, EPA

independent agency with regulatory authority, specific industry or area of society
ex: FCC, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

lead regulatory agencies; FEC, FCC, EPA

Services that could be provided by private companies but not profitable: TVA, Amtrack, USPS

regulations made by bureaucracy that have power of law and can be enforced (such as with fines)

the ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional or executive intentions

A legislative grant of money to finance a government program or agency

congress creates big picture laws and regulations, president engages in staffing, interest groups seek to extend influence over bureaucracy

when congress creates multiple entities to oversee and manage same important tasks

An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review- rare