Political Concepts and Principles

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Federalism

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A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

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Suffrage

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The right to vote in political elections, a fundamental civil right.

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Example of Stare Decisis

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The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a previous ruling was based on the principle of stare decisis.

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Pork-Barrel Spending

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Government spending that benefits a specific, localized constituency to win political favor.

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Caucus

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A meeting of party members to choose candidates or determine a political course of action.

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Veto

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To reject a bill passed by a legislature, thus preventing it from becoming law.

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Example of Due Process

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Without due process, a person accused of a crime could be imprisoned without a fair trial.

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Example of Pork-Barrel Spending

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The new bridge project was widely seen as pork-barrel spending designed to help the incumbent's re-election campaign.

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Example of Incumbency

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The power of incumbency makes it difficult for challengers to unseat a sitting member of Congress.