A.P. Government and Politics Review Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering the Foundations of American Democracy, the Three Branches of Government, Civil Rights, Liberties, and Political Ideologies based on the lecture transcript.

What was the legislative structure of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

A single chamber (unicameral) legislature where each state had only $1$ vote.

According to the transcript, which article of the Constitution establishes the process for amending the document?

Article $V$.

What is the core argument of Federalist $10$ written by James Madison?

The dangers of factions can be mitigated by a large republic and a Republican government.

In Federalist $70$, why does Hamilton argue for a single, energetic Executive?

To protect against foreign attacks, provide for the administration of laws, protect liberty and property, and ensure the executive can be held accountable by the public.

What was the main concern expressed in the Anti-Federalist paper Brutus $1$?

The country was too large to be governed as a republic and the Constitution gave too much power to the national government.

Define 'Popular Sovereignty.'

The idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the people.

What is the difference between Participatory Democracy and Pluralist Theory?

Participatory Democracy emphasizes widespread political participation in civil society groups, while Pluralist Theory emphasizes the role of organized groups (like interest groups) in the policymaking process.

Which plan proposed at the Constitutional Convention called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population?

The Virginia Plan, devised by James Madison.

How did the Great (Connecticut) Compromise structure the House of Representatives and the Senate?

The House of Representatives is based on state population (elected by citizens), and the Senate has equal representation with $2$ senators per state (originally appointed by state legislatures).

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise establish?

An agreement that a slave would count as $3/5^{ths}$ of a person for calculating a state’s representation and influence in the Electoral College.

Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison ($1803$).

According to Federalist $78$, why is the Judiciary considered the 'least dangerous' branch?

It lacks the power of the 'sword' (execution) and the 'purse' (legislative funding) and must rely on the other branches to enforce its decisions.

What is the difference between 'Original Jurisdiction' and 'Appellate Jurisdiction'?

Original Jurisdiction is the authority to hear a case for the first time, while Appellate Jurisdiction is the authority to review decisions made by lower courts.

What are the three requirements for a law to pass the 'Lemon Test' regarding church and state?

$1$. Have a secular purpose; $2$. Neither advance nor prohibit religion; $3$. Avoid excessive government entanglement with religion.

Which Supreme Court case ruled that the $2^{nd}$ Amendment right to bear arms is applicable to the states through the $14^{th}$ Amendment?

McDonald v. Chicago ($2010$).

What is 'Selective Incorporation'?

The doctrine where the Supreme Court extends protections from the Bill of Rights to the states using the Due Process Clause of the $14^{th}$ Amendment.

Define the 'Rational-Choice Voting' model.

Voting based on what is perceived to be in the individual voter’s best interest.

What was the significant impact of the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC ($2010$)?

It held that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited because it is protected as free speech under the $1^{st}$ Amendment.

What is the 'Bully Pulpit'?

A prominent stage from which the President can pitch ideas and appeal directly to the American people to pressure other branches of government.

In terms of economic policy, what is the 'Supply-side theory' favored by conservatives?

The theory of letting people and businesses keep control of their money (lower taxes) to allow the economy to work on its own with minimal government interference.

What is the function of a 'Cloture resolution' in the Senate?

A way to force a vote on a filibustered bill, requiring $60$ votes to pass instead of a simple majority.

Which amendment to the Constitution lowered the legal voting age to $18$?

The $26^{th}$ Amendment ($1971$).

What is 'Logrolling' in the context of Congressional behavior?

The trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to ensure their respective earmarks are passed.

What does the 'Elastic Clause' (Article $I$, Section $8$, Clause $18$) allow Congress to do?

To make all laws which shall be 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its expressed (enumerated) powers.

How does the transcript define 'Keynesian economics'?

The belief that the government must manage the economy by investing in the people through works projects and agencies, similar to FDR's 'New Deal.'