Majority and supermajority, checks and balances, and political ideology

The margin required to override a presidential veto is __

2/3 majority in the House and Senate

The margin required to ratify a treaty is __

2/3 majority in the Senate

The margin required to impeach a president is __

Simple majority (half plus one) in the House of Representatives

The margin to convict a president that has been impeached is __

2/3 majority in the Senate

The margin required to elevate a president’s nominee to a seat on a federal court (including the Supreme Court) is __

A simple majority in the Senate

The margin required to elect the president is __

A simple majority (270 electoral votes)

The margin required to pass a law is __

A simple majority in both houses of congress

The margin required to propose an amendment is __

2/3 majority in both houses of congress or if 2/3 of state legislatures request a convention

The margin required to ratify an amendment is __

¾ of states

Liberal position on the economy

-increased govt. regulation of business to protect workers and the environment

-markets need regulation to function efficiently

-favors taxation of businesses and the wealthy to support spending on public goods

Conservative position on the economy

-govt. should minimally regulate the economy

-market forces operate to produce efficiency and productivity in markets

-favors reduced taxation of businesses and the wealthy in order to stimulate the economy

Liberal position on federalism

-favors federal power

Conservative position on federalism

-favors states’ rights

Liberal position on national security

-favors reducing military spending

-supports involvement in global affairs, diplomacy and aid

Conservative position on national security

-favors increasing military spending

-supports limitations on foreign aid, limited involvement with foreign nations, and military strength

Liberal position on social welfare programs

-increased funding of social welfare programs

Conservative position on social welfare programs

-reduced funding of social welfare programs

Liberal position on education

-increased funding of public education

Conservative position on education

-vouchers and support for private and religious education

Liberal position on immigration

-supports legal immigration and citizenship path for certain groups of undocumented immigrants

Conservation position on immigration

-reduced legal immigration and opposes citizenship path for undocumented immigrants

Liberal position on abortion rights

-favors abortion rights (pro-choice)

Conservative position on abortion rights

-opposes abortion rights (pro-life)

Liberal position on civil rights

-favors expanded civil rights protections

-favors affirmative action

Conservative position on civil rights

-favors limited civil rights protections

-opposes affirmative action

Liberal position on environmental protection

-favors regulations to protect the environment and combat climate change

Conservative position on environmental protection

-opposes government action to regulate business

-views climate change as an insignificant problem

Liberal position on gun control

-favors restrictions on gun purchases and ownership

Conservative position on gun control

-opposes restrictions on gun purchases and ownership

Liberal position on healthcare

-supports expanded access and government involvement in healthcare

Conservative position on healthcare

-favors private sector, free market healthcare system with minimal government involvement