AP Gov AMSCO 1.9 Federalism in Action Study Guide

Who/what branch began the initial impetus for environmental policy in the U.S.?

President Roosevelt, Executive Branch

What significant legislation was enacted in 1970 to require environmental impact statements?

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

What does the National Environmental Policy Act require from government agencies?

To file an environmental impact statement for policies that might harm the environment.

What was a major outcome of the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s?

Congress began to strongly regulate industry to assist environmental efforts.

What is the purpose of the Clean Air Act?

To call for improved air quality and decreased contaminants.

What did the Clean Water Act of 1972 regulate?

The discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters and monitors quality standards for surface water.

What program does the Endangered Species Act empower?

The National Fish and Wildlife Service to protect endangered species.

What is the purpose of the Superfund program?

To have industry pay for waste cleanup, protecting taxpayers from the costs.

What role did Congress play in the establishment of national parks?

Congress was needed to establish national parks.

What major environmental legislation required the Department of Transportation to reduce automobile emissions?

Clean Air Act

What limits did the EPA establish in 2012?

Limits on how much mercury and other hazardous chemicals coal and oil field power plants could emit.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in 2015 regarding EPA regulations?

The Supreme Court overturned the EPA regulation, arguing that the agency neglected to consider the cost burden to power plants and customers.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

A multi-country agreement from 1997 that committed signing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Why did the USA not join the Kyoto Protocol?

The conservative-leaning Senate did not meet the ⅔ majority vote required for ratification.

What is the Paris Agreement?

An international climate agreement from 2015 that aimed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How did Obama approach the Paris Agreement without Senate approval?

Obama bypassed the Senate and accepted membership in the Paris Agreement.

What action did Trump take regarding the Paris Agreement in 2017?

Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement, also bypassing the Senate's vote.

Can states in the USA adhere to climate agreement guidelines despite national withdrawal?

Yes, states can still decide to adhere to the guidelines of each climate agreement even if the USA has left.

What was the purpose of the Uniform State Narcotics Act?

It strongly urged states to make marijuana and other drugs illegal.

What significant legislation was passed in 1937 regarding marijuana?

The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, which aimed to regulate the substance.

What cultural movement in the 1960s brought attention to drug use?

The counterculture movement.

What is the Controlled Substances Act of 1970?

A comprehensive federal drug policy that categorized illegal substances and placed marijuana in the same category as heroin and cocaine.

What was a key feature of the Controlled Substances Act?

It was the first law to enforce heavy punishments for marijuana dealers and users.

How did attitudes toward marijuana change from the 1970s to the 1980s?

Attitudes shifted with the emergence of advocates like NORML, leading to decriminalization and recognition of marijuana's medical benefits.

What medical conditions did parts of the medical community recognize marijuana could help?

Conditions such as glaucoma and depression.

What was the outcome of Gonzales v. Raich (2005)?

The Supreme Court ruled that Congress has the authority to regulate marijuana under the Constitution's commerce clause.

What stance did the Justice Department take regarding marijuana in states where it was legalized?

The Justice Department would not use federal resources to crack down on marijuana sales or use in those states.