American Politics and the US Constitution

Natural Rights

Rights that individuals possess inherently, which cannot be restricted by the government without permission.

Representative Democracy

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Due Process

A procedural right granted by the government to its citizens, which can be taken away by the government.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which created a weak national government.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses.

Great Compromise

The agreement that established a bicameral legislature to balance interests of populous states and smaller states.

Separation of Powers

A governance model that divides government responsibilities into different branches to prevent tyranny.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch authority over the others.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to evaluate the actions of other branches of government to ensure they comply with the Constitution.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

Executive Privilege

The president's power to withhold information from Congress to protect confidentiality.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Documents submitted to the court by non-parties to provide additional information or perspective on the case.

Interest Groups

Organizations that attempt to influence government policies and decisions to benefit their members.

PACs

Political Action Committees that collect and distribute contributions to candidates.

Super PACs

Independent political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected from government infringement as laid out in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

First Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights that guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Fourteenth Amendment

Constitutional amendment that provides for equal protection under the law and addresses citizenship rights.

Nineteenth Amendment

Constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote in the United States.

Citizens United v. FEC

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled political spending is protected speech under the First Amendment.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals form their attitudes and beliefs about politics.

Public Opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues, which can influence government actions.

Framing

The presentation of information in a way that influences how the audience interprets it.

Agenda Setting

The media's ability to influence which topics are considered important for public discourse.

Social Contract

An agreement among members of society to cooperate for social benefits, defining human nature and natural rights.

Natural Rights vs. Procedural Rights

Natural rights are inherent and cannot be taken away (Lockean philosophy), while procedural rights (Montesquieu's influence) are granted by government and can be modified.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S. which created a weak national government, leading to the Constitutional Convention.

The Great Compromise

A solution during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature to balance representation between populous and smaller states.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between national and state governments, allowing for diverse representation.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to evaluate actions of the legislative and executive branches, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Congress Powers

Powers outlined in the Constitution to address issues in the Articles of Confederation, including taxing, regulating commerce, borrowing money, declaring war, and impeaching officials.

Legislative Process

An intentionally lengthy and cumbersome system to maintain balance among government branches, with checks on Congress's ability to pass laws.

Committee System

A system used by Congress to add layers to the law-making process.

Reapportionment and Redistricting

The process states undergo every ten years to adjust electoral districts based on population changes.

Presidential Powers

Responsibilities and authority of the president, including limits on terms, impeachment potential, executive privilege, issuing executive orders, budget preparation, and veto power.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that presidential power is limited by oversight from other branches of government.

Judicial Review

The authority of the courts to evaluate and determine the constitutionality of government actions, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Federal Judiciary

A structured court system created by the Founders, including district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court, responsible for interpreting the Constitution.

Federalism

A governance system where national and state governments hold different powers, evolving to address the complexities of governance.

House and Senate Structural Differences

Members of the House are closer to constituent demands, while members of the Senate represent broader interests, with House members serving two-year terms and senators six-year terms.

Election of President and Vice President

Presidential electors are responsible for the election, with electoral votes distributed based on congressional representation.

Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents have significant advantages over challengers, resulting in high reelection rates.

Campaign Finance

Efforts to regulate campaign finance have been challenged, particularly after the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allowed super PACs.

Primaries

Presidential nominations are largely controlled by political parties, with the primary election process having nationalized, impacting candidate selection.

Interest Groups

Interest groups work to influence legislation and election outcomes, often through campaign contributions and lobbying.

Voter Registration Requirements

Voters in nearly all states must register to vote, which can vary; some states make it easier or harder to vote.

Civil Rights Amendments

The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, known as the Civil War Amendments, aimed to end slavery and grant civil rights and voting rights.

Voting Behavior Influences

Factors such as political party affiliation, incumbency, personal traits, and issues influence voting decisions.

Civil Rights

Requirements for government action, ensuring protection and equality under the law.

Discrimination

May be permissible under the Constitution, but cannot jeopardize fundamental freedoms or affect protected classes.

Historical Denial of Rights

Certain groups, such as racial minorities and women, have historically been denied civil rights, which have been rectified over time.

Civil Rights Achievements

Protection of civil rights has predominantly been accomplished in courts, with significant legislative and constitutional amendments.

Levels of Scrutiny

Three levels used by courts to evaluate discrimination: rational basis test, intermediate scrutiny, and strict scrutiny.

Civil Liberties

Define what the government is prohibited from doing, encompassing individual freedom, rights of the accused, and procedural protections.

First Amendment

Guarantees religious freedom and the right to political expression without government interference.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Covers grand jury indictments, self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and due process rights.

Sixth Amendment

Provides the right to a speedy and public trial, legal representation, and the ability to confront witnesses.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.

Fourteenth Amendment

Aim to provide equal protection under the law for all citizens.

Civil War Amendments

The Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments that ended slavery and granted voting rights.

Jim Crow Laws

State laws that attempted to limit the rights granted to newly freed enslaved individuals.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Legislation aimed at eliminating discrimination in various areas.

Nineteenth Amendment

Gave women the right to vote nationally.

Current Women’s Rights Issues

Includes education rights, equal wages, harassment, and reproductive rights.