Government AIR Test Review

Negotiation

A process of settling differences through a discussion of issues.

Consensus Building

Both parties search for common ground or areas of mutual agreement in order to solve a conflict.

Persuasion

Process of inducing (convincing) others into accepting a point of view by means of reasoning and argumentation.

Compromise

Process of making concessions (giving something up) to settle differences.

Articles of Confederation

Span of the first constitution of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government that was later replaced by the Constitution.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework for the national government and fundamental rights of citizens. It was adopted in 1787 and has been amended 27 times.

Articles of the Constitution

The list of provisions and amendments that outline the framework and principles of the federal government in the United States, detailing the powers of each branch and the rights of the citizens.

Rule of Law

The principle that law applies equally to all individuals, ensuring that no one is above the law and that justice is administered fairly.

Amendment ratification process

The method by which changes or additions to the U.S. Constitution are officially approved, requiring a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions.

Reconstruction Amendments (13,14,15)

The amendments that abolished slavery (13), granted citizenship to all born in the U.S. (14), and secured voting rights for African American men (15).

Prohibition Amendments (18 & 21)

The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, while the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, effectively ending Prohibition.

Presidential Amendments (12, 20, 22, 25)

The amendments that address presidential succession and election procedures, including the election of the President and Vice President (12), shortens time between elections (20), presidential term limits (22), and presidential succession (25).

Suffrage/Voting Amendments (15, 19, 23, 24, 26)

The amendments that expanded voting rights, including the prohibition of voting discrimination based on race (15), women's right to vote (19), voting rights for residents of Washington D.C. (23), abolition of poll taxes (24), and voting age set to 18 (26).

Progressive Amendments (16, 17, 18, 19)

The amendments aimed at addressing social issues and reforming government practices, including Congress collecting income tax (16), direct election of senators (17), Prohibition (18), and women's suffrage (19).

Article 1

Establishes the term limits of Congress, the key powers of Congress and the difference between the House and the Senate.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative system with two chambers or houses. Ex: House of Representatives and the Senate.

House Qualifications

2 year terms, chosen by the people, 25 years of age, and # is based off of population.

Senate Qualifications

6 year terms, chosen by the state they reside in, 30 years of age, and 2 senators per state.

House/Senate Special Duties

House initiates impeachment process and the Senate conducts impeachment trials.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

The process by which proposed legislation is introduced, debated, and voted on by both the House and Senate (60 votes) before being presented to the President for approval or veto.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Gerrymandering

The practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group (House of Representatives).

Gridlock

When there is difficulty in passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people. The ratio between bills passed and the agenda of the legislature also decreases.

Revenue

The total amount of money brought in by a company's operations, measured over a set amount of time.

Government Deficit

When a government's expenditures exceed its revenues in a given period.

When is unemployment more common?

During a Contractionary Policy.

Article 2

Outlines the executive branch's powers, responsibilities, and qualifications for the presidency.

Qualification of Pres./VP

Includes natural-born citizenship, at least 35 years old, and residency for 14 years.

Presidential Primary Election

An election where party members vote to select their candidate for the general election.

Electoral College

A group of 538 representatives from each state (based on pop.) who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

Domestic Policy

The decisions and actions a government takes regarding issues within its own country, including education, healthcare, and economic regulation.

Foreign Policy

The strategies and decisions made by a government to manage its relationships and interactions with other countries, including trade, tact, and military actions.

Cabinet

Includes the vice president and all of the heads of each executive department.

Article 3

Establishes the judicial branch of the federal government and outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Supreme Court.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions.