Midterm Study Guide on American Politics

A comprehensive set of 100 flashcards covering key concepts and information about American politics, including polarization, ideologies, forms of government, the legislative process, the presidency, civil liberties, and the bureaucracy.

What is polarization in American politics?

Political parties moving further apart ideologically.

What are the current ideological trends of the Democratic and Republican parties?

Democrats are more liberal, Republicans are more conservative.

What are the main effects of polarization in Congress?

Gridlock, fewer compromises, more use of filibuster, increased executive orders.

Define liberalism in the context of American politics.

Active government involvement in the economy and progressive on social issues.

What is conservatism?

Limited government in the economy, low taxes, deregulation, and traditional social values.

What does libertarianism advocate?

Government should stay out of both economic and personal life.

Describe populism.

A strong government to protect ordinary people, often culturally conservative but economically left.

What is the difference between one-dimensional and two-dimensional ideology?

One-dimensional is a left vs. right spectrum; two-dimensional separates economic and social issues.

What is democracy?

A system where people rule, either directly or through representatives.

What characterizes a monarchy?

Rule by a king or queen, with power passed down through generations.

What is autocracy?

A system where a single ruler holds unlimited power.

Define oligarchy.

A small elite group that rules over everyone else.

What is theocracy?

A system where religious leaders govern or are intertwined with government.

What is the purpose of checks and balances?

To limit the powers of each branch of government and prevent tyranny.

How does Congress interact with the President and Courts?

Congress makes laws, the President can veto them, and Courts can declare them unconstitutional.

Define ideology in politics.

A belief system regarding the government's role.

What is a political party?

An organization that seeks power through elections.

What is majoritarianism?

The idea that policies should follow the opinion of the majority.

What is a criticism of majoritarianism?

It can lead to 'tyranny of the majority,' ignoring minority rights.

What does civic interest refer to?

When citizens act for the good of society, not just themselves.

What is elitism in politics?

A theory that a small group of elites controls political decisions.

Explain pluralism.

A system where many interest groups compete for influence.

What is civil society?

Non-governmental groups that organize people for common goals.

What is mob rule?

A scenario where the majority makes decisions unfairly toward minorities.

Define rule of law.

The principle that all individuals, including leaders, are subject to the law.

What does natural law refer to according to John Locke?

Life, liberty, and property are inherent rights.

What is the role of government in John Locke’s philosophy?

To protect the natural rights of life, liberty, and property.

What were the main views of the Federalists?

They supported a strong national government and the Constitution.

What did the Anti-Federalists fear?

The central power of the national government and demanded a Bill of Rights.

What is the social contract?

An agreement where people give up some freedoms for government protection.

What did the Connecticut Compromise establish?

A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What taxes did Britain impose on the colonies after the French and Indian War?

Sugar, Stamp, and Tea Acts.

What was the response of colonists to British taxation?

'No taxation without representation!'

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first government that was very weak and granted most powers to the states.

What problem did Shays’ Rebellion highlight?

The failure of the Articles of Confederation.

What is the Supremacy Doctrine?

The Constitution and federal law are supreme over state law.

What does the Bill of Limits refer to?

Nickname for the Bill of Rights as it limits government power.

What are the 'Gates Against Public Influence'?

Founders set up buffers like the Electoral College and independent judiciary to prevent mob rule.

Define federalism.

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

What does self-governance allow states to control?

Internal issues such as education, elections, and policing.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers that both state and federal governments share, like taxing and law enforcement.

What are prohibited powers?

Powers denied to both state and federal governments.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Constitutional provision stating that federal laws take precedence over state laws.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Also known as the 'elastic clause,' it allows Congress to stretch its powers.

What did the Commerce Clause establish?

Congress's ability to regulate interstate commerce.

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

It upheld the national bank and affirmed the implied powers and supremacy of federal law.

What was the impact of Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

Established a broad definition of commerce and increased Congress's power.

What did the 16th Amendment do?

Allowed the federal government to levy income tax.

What change did the 17th Amendment bring?

Established the direct election of Senators.

How did federal power change from the early republic to the Civil War?

The federal government was initially small and states strong, but asserted its supremacy during the Civil War.

What characterized the New Deal era regarding federal power?

A massive expansion of the federal role in the economy.

What was the devolution movement?

A shift of some powers back to the states during the Reagan/Bush era.

Define initiative as it applies to direct democracy.

A process where citizens propose laws.

What is a referendum?

A vote by citizens on laws passed by the legislature.

What does recall mean in political terms?

A procedure for voters to remove elected officials before their terms expire.

Differentiate civil liberties from civil rights.

Civil liberties protect individuals from government overreach; civil rights are protections provided by the government.

What is the incorporation doctrine?

The process of applying the Bill of Rights protections to states through the 14th Amendment.

What do courts consider in the Compelling Interest Test?

Whether there is a strong government reason to restrict a right.

What is the Lemon Test?

Used to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause.

What does the Sherbert Test assess?

Determines if the government has a compelling interest to limit religious practice.

What does the First Amendment protect in terms of speech?

Political speech, symbolic speech, and hate speech (unless inciting violence).

Which types of speech are restricted under the First Amendment?

Obscenity, libel, slander, true threats, and incitement.

What does the Establishment Clause entail?

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

What does the Free Exercise Clause guarantee?

Protection of individuals to practice their religious beliefs freely.

What was established by DC v. Heller (2008)?

Individuals have the right to bear arms.

What did McDonald v. Chicago (2010) accomplish?

Incorporated the right to bear arms to the states.

What does the Third Amendment prohibit?

The quartering of soldiers in private homes.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

Unreasonable searches and seizures.

What was established by Mapp v. Ohio (1961)?

The exclusionary rule that bans illegally obtained evidence from court.

What are the protections provided by the Fifth Amendment?

Due process, protection against double jeopardy, and the right against self-incrimination.

What rights are guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment?

Right to a lawyer, jury trial, and a speedy/public trial.

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

Cruel and unusual punishment.

What ongoing debates are associated with the Eighth Amendment?

Debates about the death penalty and excessive bail.

What did the 13th Amendment achieve?

Abolished slavery.

What is the significance of the 14th Amendment?

It established equal protection under the law and due process.

What does the 15th Amendment prohibit?

Race-based voting restrictions.

What right was granted by the 19th Amendment?

Women’s suffrage.

What did the 23rd Amendment establish?

Granted DC electoral votes.

What does the 24th Amendment ban?

Poll taxes.

What change did the 26th Amendment make?

Lowered the voting age to 18.

What is the structure of Congress?

Bicameral; House (435 members, 2-year terms) and Senate (100 members, 6-year terms).

How are the House and Senate different in terms of public opinion?

House is closer to public opinion; Senate is more deliberative.

What are some powers unique to the Senate?

Confirm appointments and ratify treaties.

What is the impeachment process in Congress?

House impeaches; Senate convicts or removes.

What roles do the House leaders have?

Speaker, majority/minority leaders, and whips.

What is the main power of the Senate's leadership?

The Majority Leader holds real power.

What is the legislative process for a bill?

Introduced, committee review, floor action, conference committee, then to the president.

What is the filibuster?

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action.

What is needed to invoke cloture?

60 votes in the Senate.

What happens if the President vetoes a bill?

Congress can override it with a 2/3 vote.

What are the main responsibilities of members of Congress?

Legislation, oversight, and casework.

What is the incumbency advantage?

Benefits of name recognition, funding, and gerrymandering leading to high reelection rates.

What are the qualifications to be President?

At least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and 14 years residency.

What is the limit on presidential terms established by the 22nd Amendment?

Two terms maximum.

What are the formal powers of the President?

Commander-in-Chief, treaty negotiation, and appointments.

What role does the President play in legislation?

Including veto power and agenda setting.

What is executive privilege?

The right to withhold information from other branches of government.

Define executive orders.

Legally binding instructions issued by the President.

What are signing statements?

Used by Presidents to interpret laws while signing them.

What is the purpose of checks on presidential power?

Prevent abuse of power by the President.