Heimler Livestream (Shortened)

What ideas influenced the foundational documents of American democracy?

Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights, popular sovereignty, social contract, and republicanism.

What are the three models of democracy?

Participatory, elite, and pluralist.

What did Federalists support regarding government structure?

A strong central government, as reflected in the Constitution.

What is the basic process that a bill becomes a law?

Congressman sponsors bill > assigned committees do hearings, edit, report on added/discussed provisions > floor vote > differences between chambers ironed in conference committees > vote again > pass/fail

What is mandatory spending?

Payments required by law, like social security in terms of federal budget

What is discretionary spending

Money left over after mandatory spending from federal budget allocated for other programs

What was the main failure of the Articles of Confederation?

It created a weak federal government and strong state power.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

It established a two-house legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is the sharing of power between national and state governments.

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause grant Congress?

The ability to make laws that are necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

What landmark case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison.

What does the First Amendment protect?

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What is selective incorporation?

The process through which the Bill of Rights has been applied to the states using the Fourteenth Amendment.

Which Supreme Court case ruled that the right to own a gun is protected by the Second Amendment?

District of Columbia v. Heller.

How do core American beliefs vary?

They are interpreted differently depending on political ideology.

What are linkage institutions?

Entities such as political parties, interest groups, elections, and the media that connect citizens to the government.

What are the implications of the two-party system in the US?

It makes it difficult for third parties to win elections.

What does the media do as a linkage institution?

The media influences agenda-setting, investigative reporting, and acts as a watchdog.

What are the major influences on voter turnout?

Structural barriers, political efficacy, type of election, and demographics.

What are the implications of campaign finance laws?

They govern the spending on candidate campaigns and influence electoral outcomes.