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.
SENIORITY RULE:
unwritten rule in both houses of Congress reserving the top posts in each chamber (chair person) for members with the longest records of service.
SEPARATION OF POWERS:
basic principle of American system government, that V the executive, legislative and judicial powers are divided among the three .independent and coequal branches.
SESSION:
period of time during which each year, Congress assembles and conducts its business.
SHIELD LAW:
a law which gives reporters some protection against having to disclose their sources or reveal other confidential information in legal proceedings.
SLANDER:
false and malicious use of spoken words.
SOFT MONEY:
money given to State and local party organizations for voting-related activities.
SPECIAL SESSION:
an extraordinary session of a legislative body which is called in case of an emergency.
SPLINTER PARTIES:
political parties that have split away from the major parties.
SPLIT-TICKET VOTING:
voting for candidates of different parties for different offices
SPOILS SYSTEM:
practice of giving offices and other favors of government to political supporters and friends.
STANDING COMMITTEE:
permanent committee in a legislative body to which bills in a specified subject matter area are referred.
STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING:
the practice of voting for candidates of only one party in an election
STRICT CONSTRUCTIONIST:
one who argues a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's provision, in particular those granting power to the Federal Government.
SUBPOENA:
a person to appear and to produce documents or other requested material in court.
SUBSTANTIVE DUE PROCESS:
the government must create fair policies and laws.