Midterm Review Govt

Social Contract

The idea that people give up certain freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and social order.

Thomas Jefferson’s View

Government exists to serve the people; if it fails, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

Confederal

A form of government where power is concentrated in regional governments and the national government is weak.

Republic

A form of government in which the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a bicameral legislature based on population; favored large states.

Connecticut Compromise

Blended Virginia and New Jersey Plans—Senate with equal representation; House based on population.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government has powers to limit the others, preventing tyranny.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong national government; Anti-Federalists wanted more state power and a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays defending the Constitution, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Amendments to the Constitution

Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Ratified How?

Proposed by 2/3 of Congress, ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures.

Delegated Powers

Powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Expressed Powers

Specifically written powers, such as taxing and declaring war.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to respect other states’ laws and judicial decisions.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to execute its powers.

House

The House of Representatives has 435 members with 2-year terms.

Senate

The Senate has 100 members with 6-year terms.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating congressional district boundaries for political gain.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees focused on specific policy areas.

Select Committees

Temporary committees for investigations or special issues.

Legislative/Executive Roles in Lawmaking

Congress makes laws; the President can sign or veto them.

Power to Impeach

House brings charges (simple majority), Senate holds trial and votes to remove (2/3 required).

Chief Justice

Presides over presidential impeachment trials.

President Pro Tempore

Senior member of Senate majority—presides in the Vice President’s absence.

Power to Borrow

Congress can borrow money to fund the government.

Vacancy Replacement

Governors usually appoint interim senators; states set House special elections.

Presidential Power Today

Expanded through legislation, crisis, and media.

Commander in Chief

The President leads the U.S. military.

President’s Cabinet

Advisers who head executive departments.

Approving Treaties/Appointments

Senate must approve treaties and presidential appointments.

Veto Power

The President can reject bills—Congress can override with a 2/3 vote.

Department of Homeland Security

Created post-9/11 to address terrorism and domestic safety.

Bureaucracy

A large system of agencies that implement laws.

Foreign Policy

U.S. strategies in global relations.

U.S. Involvement History

Grew post-WWII to contain communism and support global stability.

Secretary of State

Chief diplomat handling foreign affairs.

Foreign Policy Leader

The President leads U.S. foreign policy.

Foreign Policy Since WWII

Focused on containment, international alliances, and economic aid.

Since Cold War

Emphasized global terrorism, diplomacy, and trade.

Foreign Aid

Monetary and resource assistance to other nations.

U.N. Security Council

Maintains international peace; the U.S. is a permanent member with veto power.

Political Parties

Groups that nominate candidates and shape policy.

Political Socialization

How people form political beliefs through family, media, and education.

Reaching Voters / Demographics

Targeted messaging via data on age, race, gender, and region.

Mass Media & Public Agenda

Media highlights issues, influencing public and government priorities.

Presidential Primaries

Elections within parties to choose nominees.

Electoral College

Body that formally elects the President.

Winner Takes All

Most states award all electoral votes to the popular vote winner.

Swing States

States that could go either party—heavily targeted during elections.

PACs

Groups that raise and spend money to influence elections and policy.

Appointments

The President nominates officials; the Senate confirms them.

Federal Judges

Serve for life unless impeached.

Jurisdiction Types

Includes original, appellate, and subject matter jurisdictions.

District Courts

Trial-level courts where cases are initially heard.

Supreme Court

The highest court that reviews constitutional issues.

Freedom of Speech (1st Amendment)

Protects expression but has certain limits.

Seditious Speech

Advocating government overthrow, which can be limited if it poses danger.

Freedom of Religion

Includes the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits government-sponsored religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Guarantees the right to practice religion freely.

Plaintiff

The person bringing a civil case.

Defendant

The person being sued or accused in a legal case.

Civil Trial

Resolves disputes over rights or money.

Criminal Trial

Determines guilt for violating laws.

Defamatory Speech

False statements that harm someone’s reputation—limited protection.

Assembly

The right to gather peacefully.

4th Amendment

Protection against unlawful searches and seizures.

Probable Cause/Warrant

Required for legal searches.

5th Amendment

Protection from self-incrimination; ensures due process.

14th Amendment

Guarantees equal protection under the law; applies Bill of Rights to states.

Due Process Clause

Ensures fair treatment through the law.

Grand Jury

Determines if there is enough evidence for a trial.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law overrides state law.

Guarantee Clause

States are guaranteed a republican form of government.

Shared State Constitution Traits

Include popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and rights of citizens.

State Executive

Governor enforces state laws.

Counties vs. Municipalities

Counties cover broad regional areas; municipalities govern cities and towns.

3 Ways to Participate Locally

Attend town hall meetings, vote in local elections, or serve on community organizations.