Study Guide Government Midterm Exam Winter 2025

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation for each state in Congress regardless of population.

Great Compromise

The agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature, combining elements of both the Virginia and New Jersey plans.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that established a weak federal government.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that determined that three-fifths of a state's enslaved population would be counted for representation purposes.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with three branches and a bicameral legislature based on population.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Poll tax

A tax levied as a prerequisite for voting, often used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters.

Grandfather Clause

A provision that allowed individuals to bypass literacy tests or poll taxes if their grandfathers had been eligible to vote before the Civil War.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution, responsible for electing the President and Vice President.

Federalist

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who advocated for a strong national government.

Swing state

A state where no single candidate or party has overwhelming support, making it a key target for election campaigns.

Red state

A state that predominantly supports the Republican Party in elections.

Popular vote

The total number of votes cast by citizens in an election, regardless of the Electoral College.

Exceptional Elections

Elections that lead to significant changes in political dynamics or voter behavior.

Third party candidate

A candidate representing a political party other than the two dominant parties.

270 electoral votes

The minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency.

Executive branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, led by the President.

Executive order

A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Formal Powers

The explicitly granted powers of the President, including those outlined in the Constitution.

Executive Privilege

The right of the President to withhold information from Congress and the courts for the sake of national security.

Line-item veto

The power of the President to reject specific provisions of a bill while accepting the rest.

Pocket veto

An indirect veto by the President, enacted by not signing a bill into law within a set time frame.

Policy Agenda

A set of issues and priorities that an individual or organization aims to address.

Veto

The power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Cabinet Responsibilities

The duties and roles of the members of the President's Cabinet.

Attorney General

The head of the Department of Justice, serving as the chief legal advisor to the government.

Positions in First Cabinet

The original roles appointed by President Washington, including Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of War, and Attorney General.

State, Defense, Education

Key roles in the Cabinet that address foreign affairs, national security, and educational policies, respectively.

Ambassador

An official representative of a country's government sent to another nation.

Joint Chiefs of Staff

A group of senior military leaders who advise the President on military matters.

Chief of Staff

The individual who manages the President's schedule and oversees White House staff.

Cabinet

A body of advisers to the President, composed of the heads of the executive departments.

Inherent powers

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are implied through the President's role.

Alternatives to the Electoral College

Possible methods for electing a president that do not involve the use of the Electoral College.

Cabinet Firsts

Notable achievements regarding diversity in presidential cabinets, including the appointment of women and minorities.