VOCAB 14

custom that the Senate will not approve a presidential appointment opposed by a majority party senator from the State in which the appointee would serve.

unwritten rule in both houses of Congress reserving the top posts in each chamber (chair person) for members with the longest records of service.

basic principle of American system government, that V the executive, legislative and judicial powers are divided among the three .independent and coequal branches.

period of time during which each year, Congress assembles and conducts its business.

a law which gives reporters some protection against having to disclose their sources or reveal other confidential information in legal proceedings.

false and malicious use of spoken words.

money given to State and local party organizations for voting-related activities.

an extraordinary session of a legislative body which is called in case of an emergency.

political parties that have split away from the major parties.

voting for candidates of different parties for different offices

practice of giving offices and other favors of government to political supporters and friends.

permanent committee in a legislative body to which bills in a specified subject matter area are referred.

the practice of voting for candidates of only one party in an election

one who argues a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's provision, in particular those granting power to the Federal Government.

a person to appear and to produce documents or other requested material in court.

the government must create fair policies and laws.