CSET Multiple Subject Subtest 1: History and Social Science Political Science Government

The theory of the Divine right

The right of the ruler to rule was inherited from his or her ancestors, who were believed to have been appointed by a supreme being. It is identified w/absolutist governments. It was accepted as the justification for the rule of kings in much of the western world from the 15th-18th centuries. Theory was weakend & replaced by the new contact theory, which held that ruler's power was granted to him not by God, but the sovereign people.

The economic interest theory

The primary role of gov. & of the state is to develop, promote, & protect economic interests such as trade, markets, commerce, & wealth. Economic interestss that thrive under the protection of the state are powerful in determining the direction of governmental policy.

The force theory

This theory holds that the state is a product of force & conquest. Like other theories, it cannot be proved & is generally considered inadequate as an explanation of the origin of the state.

Presidential government

A distictive feature of the executive is that he or she is elected independently of the legislative & holds office for a fixed period. Also, the executive has extensive power not subject to control by the legislature. The term presidential government is descriptive of the system employed by the US.

Cabinet or parliamentary gov.

Policy-making executives are the prime minister & the # of the cabinet, all of whom are members of the legislature & dependent on support of the legislature for continuance in office. Parliamentary gov. differs from the American system of separation of powers in that executive authority is dependent on the legislature.

Confederation

A loose union of states in which the principal power of gov are retained by the individual member states. Central gov. exists to perform a limited # of functions, such as national defense. The US was a confederation for 8 years under the Articles of Confederation.

Federation

A federation, such as the US, is a union of 2 or more local governments under 1 central gov., with both the central & local govs excercising independent spheres of authority, either in theory or in practice. In encourages unity in matters of general concern, but autonomy (independent authority) in matters of local concern.

Anarchism

holds that all government is evil, unnecessary, & undesirable.

Individualism

advocates the restriction of governmental activities within narrow limits, leaving a broad area of freedom to the individual.

Socialism

stands for relatively rapid & sweeping economic collectivism (gov. ownership).

Dictatorship

Government resting on the will of a single person or a small group of persons. The welfare of the state is often held above the welfare of the individual.

Democracy

The primary meaning is government by the people. Indirect democracy implies government by the people's representatives, as in the U.S.

Balance of Power

Separated and balanced among executive, legislative, & judicial branches to avoid centralization of powers & resultant tyranny.

The presidential veto

An example of an executive check on the legislative branch.

Control of expenditures

Is an example of a legislative check on the executive branch.

The power to interpret

The Constitution & laws is an example of a check the judicianry holds over the president & Congress.

The power of enforcement

of court decisions is a check of the executive over the judicial branch.

Article I, Section 10

This forbids the states to enter treaties, coin money, subvert the national currency, or pass any law impairing the obligation of contracts, and so on. It outlaws tariffs by states.

The 14th Amendment

It defines citizenship, providing supremacy of national citizenship over state citizenship. It restrains the states from depriving persons of life, liberty, or property without due process of law or denying persons the equal protection of laws.

The 15th Amendment

intended to give blacks the right to vote.

The 19th Amendment

forbids states to deny women the right to vote.

The 24th Amendment

forbids states to collect a poll tax as a prerequisite to voting in national elections.

The 26th Amendment

allows 18-year olds to vote in national elections.

Two major parties

During most of US history, power has alternated between 2 major parties.

Minor parties

do arise & influence national politics. Minor parties have sometimes had senators & representatives elected and have occasionally dominated state & local politics.

No minor party

has ever had a president elected.

Major parties

sometimes disappear, but the development of a new second party is the traditional pattern.

Voters

can be confronted with an either-or choice, thus simplifying decisions & political processes.

Electoral decisions

are usually majority decisions, encouraging majority support for governmental policies.

Governmental stability

is enhanced by a two-party system as opposed to a multiparty system.