GOVT MIDTERM

What were the Articles of Confederation?

First U.S. constitution; created weak central gov’t, strong states.

Name 3 fatal flaws in the Articles of Confederation.

No power to tax, couldn’t raise army, couldn’t regulate trade.

What did the Federalists argue for?

Strong national gov., economic unity, large republic, no Bill of Rights needed.

What did the Anti-Federalists argue for?

State power, fear of monarchy, need for Bill of Rights.

What was the compromise between Federalists & Anti-Federalists?

Federalists agreed to add Bill of Rights after ratification.

Federalist No. 10 main idea?

Factions are inevitable; large republic prevents tyranny of majority.

Federalist No. 51 main idea?

Separation of powers and checks/balances prevent tyranny.

Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan?

Virginia = rep. by population; New Jersey = equal rep. by state.

What did the Great Compromise include?

Bicameral legislature: House = pop., Senate = 2 per state.

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by federal and state govs (e.g., taxing, enforcing laws).

Dual federalism is like a...?

Layer cake – separate powers.

Cooperative federalism is like a...?

Marble cake – shared powers.

Which came first: dual or cooperative federalism?

Dual came first; U.S. later evolved into cooperative federalism.

Civil liberties vs. civil rights?

Liberties = freedom from gov. (speech, religion); Rights = protection by gov. (equal treatment).

What’s the significance of the 14th Amendment?

Applied Bill of Rights to states; enforced equal protection.

What is incorporation?

Process of applying Bill of Rights to states using 14th Amendment.

Rights protected by the 1st Amendment?

Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.

Key differences between House & Senate?

House = by population; Senate = 2 per state; House = more responsive.

Steps to make a bill into a law?

Introduction → Committee → Subcommittee → Floor vote → Conference → President → Possible veto override.

What are Mayhew’s 3 congressional behaviors?

Advertising, credit claiming, position taking.

What is a filibuster?

Senate tactic to block vote by talking indefinitely.

What is impeachment?

House charges; Senate holds trial for removal.

What is the ubiquitous presidency?

President is constantly present via media, culture, and communication.

What does “going public” mean?

President appeals directly to people to pressure Congress.

What is a veto?

President’s rejection of a bill; can be overridden by Congress.

What is an executive order?

Directive by the president with force of law, no congressional approval.

What is judicial review?

Power to strike down laws as unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

What is jurisdiction?

Court’s authority to hear a case.

What are district and circuit courts?

District = trial courts; Circuit = appeals courts.

What’s “stare decisis”?

Follow precedent in legal decisions.

Judicial activism vs. restraint?

Activism = active interpretation; Restraint = defer to legislatures.

How many justices must agree to hear a case?

Four (Rule of Four).

What’s an amicus curiae brief?

“Friend of the court” brief giving outside perspective.