Midterm Review Exam - Final

Thomas Jefferson’s View

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

Confederal

Power is concentrated in regional governments; national government is weak (ex: Articles of Confederation).

Republic

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

Virginia Plan

Drafted by James Madison, proposing a bicameral legislature based on population; favored large states.

Connecticut Compromise

Blended VA and NJ Plans—Senate with equal representation; House based on population.

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.

Expressed Powers

Specifically written powers, like taxing and declaring war.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must respect other states’ laws and judicial decisions.

Necessary and Proper Clause

AKA Elastic Clause—allows Congress to declare war and make laws needed to execute its powers.

House of Representatives

Composed of 435 members serving 2-year terms.

Senate

Composed of 100 members serving 6-year terms.

Leader of the House of Representatives

Speaker.

Leader of the Senate

Vice President.

Congressional Districts/Gerrymandering

Districts drawn for House seats; gerrymandering is manipulating boundaries for political gain.

Vacancy Replacement

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

Presidential Power Today

Expanded through legislation, crisis, and media, and has increased over time.

Commander in Chief

President leads U.S. military.

President’s Cabinet

15 Cabinet members nominated by the President and confirmed by Senate; advisers who head executive departments.

Department of State

Leads national foreign policy and manages international relations.

Department of the Treasury

Manages money.

Department of the Interior

Manages cultural resources.

Department of Agriculture

Manages farming crops.

Veto Power

President can reject bills; Congress can override with 2/3 majority.

Bureaucracy

When a President takes office, administrators switch but employees keep their jobs.

Foreign Policy

U.S. strategies in global relations.

U.S. Involvement History

U.S. leaders supported internationalism to contain communism and support global stability post-WWII.

Foreign Policy Leader

The President represents the USA to other nations.

Foreign Policy Since WWII

Truman doctrine was made to stop communism.

Reaching Voters/Demographics

Targeted messaging via data on age, race, gender, region; campaigning through various media.

Electoral College

Body that formally elects the President.

Winner Takes All

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

PACs

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

Jurisdiction Types

Original: First time hearing a case. Appellate: Reviewing a lower court’s decision.

Supreme Court

The highest court—reviews constitutional issues.

Roles of Chief Justice

Serves as a judge in formal impeachment trials for the President or Vice President.

Civil Matters

Disputes over property.

Criminal Matters

Involves crimes such as drug offenses.

Civil Liberties - 1st Amendment Freedom of Speech

Protects expression, with limits when likely to lead to lawless actions.

Establishment Clause

Forbids the government from establishing a national religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Allows individuals to freely practice and believe in a religion.

Plaintiff

The person bringing a civil case.

Defendant

The person being sued or accused.

Civil Trial

Resolves disputes over rights or money.

Criminal Trial

Determines guilt for violating laws.

Defamatory Speech

False statements harming someone’s reputation—limited protection.

4th Amendment

Protection against unlawful searches and seizures.

Probable Cause/Warrant

Police must have a reason for arrest and require warrants for legal searches.

14th Amendment

Ensures equal protection and applies Bill of Rights to states.

Due Process Clause

Ensures fair treatment through the law.

State Executive

Governor appoints the senate if a seat becomes available.