American Government Sem 2 Final Study Guide

UNIT 1 – FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY

Declaration of Independence
Who, When, What, Why?

adopted on July 4, 1776, was a formal declaration by the 13 American colonies asserting their independence from Great Britain. It was written by a committee, primarily by Thomas Jefferson, and justified the break with British rule, citing grievances against King George III and advocating for the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

Articles of Confederation
What were the Articles?
Why did we replace the Articles?

The Articles of Confederation were the United States' first constitution, establishing a weak central government with limited powers. The U.S. Constitution replaced it due to its inability to address critical issues like economic instability and the need for a stronger, more effective national government.

Constitution
Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
What are the three main parts of the Constitution?

The Federalists supported the U.S. Constitution and a strong national government, while the Anti-Federalists opposed it, fearing a powerful central government that could infringe on individual rights and state sovereignty. The Constitution has three main parts: the Preamble, which states the purpose of the document; the Articles, which establish the structure and powers of the government; and the Amendments, which include changes to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights
When and why was the Bill of Rights added?

Proposed 1789, ratifies 1791 to persuade Anti- Federalkists to support the constitution by guaranteeing key individual liberties an limiting federal power.

Be able to identify the rights guaranteed in the BOR.

1.Speech, press, religion, assembly, petition

2. Keep & bear arms

3. No peacetime quartering of soldiers

4. No unreasonable searches/ seizures; warrants with probable cause

5. Grand jury, double-jeopardy bar, self-incrimination bar, due process, just compensation

6. Speedy public trial, impartial jury, confront & call witnesses, counsel

7. Jury trial in civil suits

8. No excessive bail/fines or cruel & unusual punishment

9. Unenumerated rights retained by the people

10. Powers not given to the U.S are reserved to the states or the people

Formal Amendment Process
What is a formal amendment?

A formal amendment is any change that follows the Article V process and becomes full constitutional text.

Who has the power to propose amendments?

Congress or a national convention

Who has the power to ratify amendments?

State legislatures or conventions

Know your 27 Amendments - Bill of Rights, all 10

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which guarantee individual liberties and rights.

Six Basic Principles of the Constitution
Popular sovereignty (give an example)

The principle that the government derives its authority from the people, exemplified by voting in elections.

Limited government

A political principle where governmental power is restricted by law, ensuring individual rights and liberties are protected.

Separation of powers (give an example):

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power; for example, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and balances (give an example).

A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the others' actions; for example, the presidential veto of legislation passed by Congress.

Judicial review-

the power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, allowing them to invalidate laws and executive actions that are unconstitutional.

Federalism

a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional entities, such as states.

Checks and Balances
Why do we have a system of checks and balances?

 To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It ensures that each branch can limit the power of the other two.

Explain/identify ways the legislative, executive, and judicial branches 2 check one another.

The legislative branch can make laws, the executive branch can veto them, and the judicial branch can declare them unconstitutional. Additionally, the President appoints judges with Senate approval, while Congress can impeach executives and judges.

UNIT 2 – LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Interest Groups

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)

A political organization that raises funds to support candidates and influence elections, often representing specific interest groups.

How do PACs influence elections?

PACs influence elections by raising and distributing money to candidates, advocating for specific policies, and mobilizing voters in support of their preferred candidates.

Mass Media

What are the three roles the media identified in class?

Gatekeeper- decides what issues get public attention, watchdog investigates and exposes wrongdoing, scorekeeper tracks political reputations and election winners.

How does the media influence public opinion?

By framing issues and controlling what information is emphasized or ignored. 

Legislative Branch
What are the two houses of Congress?

the HOR and the senate

What do we call a two-house system?

A two-house system is called a bicameral system

What is the main job of Congress?

The main job of Congress is to make laws, representing the interests of their constituents.

House
Qualifications?

Members must be at least 25 years old, have been a citizen for at least 7 years, and reside in the state they represent.

How many from each state?

varies based on population, but normally 2

How is state representation determined?

State population (from the Census)

How long is the term of a House Rep?

2 years

Leadership of the House?

Speaker of the House

Role in impeachment?

Brings charges/impeaches

What is gerrymandering?

Redrawing district lines to favor one party.

Senate
Qualifications?

30 years old, U.S citizen for 9 years, live in the state they represent

How many from each state?

2 senators per state

How long is the term of a Senator?

6 years

Leadership of the Senate?

Vice President (President or Senate) and President pro tempore

Jobs of the Senate?

 Confirms presidential appointments, ratifies treaties, holds impeachment trials. 

Bill to a Law
How does a bill become a law - make sure you are familiar with the entire process (steps)

1. Idea introduced in House or Senate

2. Goes to committee

3. Debated and voted on

4. Sent to the other chamber

5. Conference committee (If needed)

6. Final vote in both chambers

7. President signs or vetoes

UNIT 3 – EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND POL. PARTIES
Political Ideology

What is the difference between a conservative and a liberal?

-Conservatives favor limited government, traditional values

-Liberals favor more government involvement in social programs and progressive change.

Political Parties
What is a major party?

One of the two dominant parties (Democratic, Republican)

What are the functions of political parties?

Nominate candidates, inform voters, watchdog, unify government

What is a third party?

A smaller party, not one of the two major ones

Electoral College
Number of electors per state:

Number of senators + Representatives

How do you win the electoral vote in a state?

Win the popular vote in that state 2/3

How many votes are needed to win?

 270

How many votes are there total?

 538

Amendment 23:

Gave washington D.C 3 electoral votes

Who is this President
Qualifications

35 years old, natural born citizen, 14 year resident

Roles of the president:

 Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Chief Diplomat, etc.

Term of the president:

4 years(max 2 terms-22nd amendment)

Amendment 20 and Amendment 22:

Changed start date of terms, limited the president to two terms.

Vice President
How elected?

Runs with president

Two formal duties of V.P.?

 Preside over Senate, assume presidency if needed

Amendment 25:

Presidential succession and disability. 

The Cabinet
Who appointments Cabinet members?

President

Who confirms the appointments of the Cabinet?

Senate Jobs

Secretary of State:

Foreign affairs

Secretary of Defense:

 Military

Attorney General:

Head of Department of Justice

Director of Homeland Security:

Protects U.S from threats

UNIT 4 – JUD. BRANCH, CIVIL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS
The Dual Court System

Who appoints Supreme Court Justices & Federal judges?

President

Who confirms the appointments of Supreme Court Justices & Federal judges?

Senate

Opinions:

majority- the court’s decision, concurring-agrees with the majority but for different reasons, dissenting- disagrees with the majority

Length of service

Lifetime (with good service)

Incorporating the Bill of Rights

1st Amendment

Religion-free exercise and no establishment, Petition- right to protest, gather, Assembly- right to protest, gather

1st Amendment

Speech and Press- express opinions freely

6th and 8th Amendment-

 Right to a fair trial/lawyer, no cruel or unusual punishment

Additional Elements:

Landmark Cases:

The importance of Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board

Plessy v. Ferguson: Upheld “seprate but equal” (1896)

Brown v Board of Education:

Overturned Plessy; ended segregation in schools (1954)