flashcards

What are the three forms of mixed government?

Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy.

Example of monarchy in modern government?

Constitutional monarchy (President).

Example of aristocracy in government?

House of Lords (UK), Senate (US).

Example of democracy in government?

House of Commons (UK), House of Representatives (US).

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers (House and Senate).

What did Wesberry v. Sanders (1964) decide?

Congressional districts must have approximately equal populations.

What did Thornburg v. Gingles (1986) decide?

District lines cannot dilute minority representation and cannot be drawn with race as the predominant factor.

What did Davis v. Bandemer (1986) decide?

Gerrymandering is unconstitutional if it is too biased against a political party’s candidates.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulating district lines for political advantage.

What is a referendum?

A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue.

What is apportionment?

The allocation of seats in a legislature based on population.

What is redistricting?

Drawing new district boundaries after a census.

What is direct democracy?

Citizens vote directly on laws or policies.

What is a partisan?

A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.

What is dual federalism?

A system where state and national governments each have distinct, separate powers ('layer cake federalism').

How does dual federalism relate to Federalist No. 51?

It divides authority between state and national governments to prevent corruption and protect liberty.

What are transaction costs?

The time, effort, and resources needed for collective decision-making.

What are conformity costs?

The sacrifices individuals make when following group decisions.

Example of high transaction cost?

Amending the Constitution (requires 2/3 Congress, 3/4 states).

Example of high conformity cost?

Dictatorship (decisions forced against preferences).

What is the free rider problem?

Benefiting from a public good without contributing.

What is the tragedy of the commons?

Overuse of shared resources for personal gain.

What is the prisoner’s dilemma?

A situation where individuals pursue self-interest, harming the collective good, even though cooperation would benefit all.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Weak executive, no national judiciary, no power to tax, states had veto power.

Why was it called a 'league of friendship'?

States acted independently with little national authority.

How did it affect the war effort?

Congress couldn’t enforce taxation, relied on state contributions (free riding).

What rebellion exposed its weaknesses?

Shays’ Rebellion.

How were decisions made under the Articles of Confederation?

By unanimous consent of the states; each state had one vote.

What sorts of decisions were not made effectively under the Articles?

Taxation, enforcing laws, regulating trade, and raising money for war.

How did the Articles affect national and state governments after the war?

States acted independently with trade barriers and currencies, leading to economic disunity and debt problems.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

Bicameral legislature: House by population, Senate with equal representation.

What is the commerce clause?

Gives Congress power to regulate trade.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

Gives Congress authority to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

What was the 3/5 Compromise?

Counted slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.

What was the 20-Year Compromise?

Slave importation could not be banned until 1808.

What did the Fugitive Slave Clause state?

Escaped slaves must be returned to their owners.

What powers belong to Congress (Article I)?

Makes laws, declares war, controls spending, confirms treaties.

What powers belong to the Executive (Article II)?

Enforces laws, appoints judges, negotiates treaties, commander-in-chief.

What powers belong to the Judiciary (Article III)?

Interprets laws, judicial review, establishes courts.

What are checks and balances?

Each branch can limit the powers of the others.

What is Madison’s concern in Federalist No. 10?

Factions (interest groups) as a threat to stability.

How can the effects of factions be minimized?

Through a large republic and pluralism of interests.

What was Madison’s main point in Federalist No. 51?

Separation of powers and checks & balances prevent corruption.

What did Madison mean by 'ambition must counteract ambition'?

Each branch should check the others to prevent tyranny.

According to Madison, what are factions?

Groups of people with shared interests who may act against the common good.

How can factions be eliminated?

Only by destroying liberty or forcing everyone to have the same opinions (both impossible).

Who were the Federalists?

Supported a strong national government (Hamilton, Madison, Jay).

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Favored states’ rights and small government.

What compromise helped ratify the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights.

What is nullification?

When a state rejects or refuses to follow federal legislation.

What are public goods?

Goods provided to all (ex: military, highways).

What are private goods?

Goods/services provided by private businesses for individual benefit.

What are collective goods?

Government-provided goods that have both public and private benefits (ex: education).

How does government control behavior in public policy?

Through subsidies, taxes, mandates, incentives.

What is a plurality vote?

Candidate with the most votes wins (not necessarily majority).

What is a simple majority?

50% of votes plus one.

What is a supermajority?

A higher threshold like 2/3 or 3/4 required for approval.

What risks come with delegation of power?

Agents may misuse authority (tyranny), so oversight and whistleblower protections are needed.