Is America in Trouble? Video Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and events referenced in the video notes on American democracy and politics.

Polarization

The growing ideological distance and hostility between political camps, leading to bitter rhetoric and gridlock.

Partisan divide

A sharp split between political parties with little common ground.

Popular vote

The total number of votes cast nationwide for a candidate; can differ from the outcome of the presidential election.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the president; a candidate can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote.

Presidents who lost the popular vote but became president

U.S. leaders who were elected despite not winning the nationwide vote.

Dred Scott decision (1857)

Supreme Court ruling that Black people had no rights under the Constitution and the white man was bound to respect none.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Supreme Court ruling that official school-sponsored prayer in public schools is unconstitutional.

Miller v. California (1973)

Established the modern test for obscenity and allowed regulation of pornographic material.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Recognized a constitutional right to abortion; later overturned in 2022 by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health (2022)

Overruled Roe v. Wade, allowing states to regulate or restrict abortion.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruling that expanded corporate and union spending in elections, shaping campaign finance.

Supreme Court (lifetime appointments)

The highest U.S. court whose justices serve for life, influencing rights and public policy.

Four central questions in American politics

Who governs? How does American politics work? What does government do? Who are we?

Who governs?

One of the four core questions; inquiries into who holds political power in the U.S.

How does American politics work?

One of the four core questions; examines the processes and institutions that operate in U.S. politics.

What does government do?

One of the four core questions; explores the functions and actions of government.

Who are we?

One of the four core questions; considers American identity and shared ideas.

Deliberative government design

The Founders’ idea that government should move slowly to encourage careful decision-making, potentially causing gridlock in fast-changing times.

Democracy as a strength

The view that public disagreement and rowdiness reflect healthy citizen engagement rather than weakness.

U.S. as a destination for immigrants

The United States has long been the top destination for immigrants worldwide.

Over 500,000 elected officials

The United States has more than half a million elected officials at federal, state, and local levels.