PSC 101 MidTerm

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government.

What lead to the creation of the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles were created after the failure of the first governing structures during and after the American Revolution, aiming to unify the states while preserving their sovereignty.

What is the United States Constitution?

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the national government and fundamental rights.

How does the Nevada State Constitution differ from the US Constitution?

The Nevada State Constitution governs the state of Nevada and includes provisions that address state-specific issues, while the US Constitution is applicable to the entire nation.

What was the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise, reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, created a bicameral legislature, balancing the Virginia Plan's and New Jersey Plan's proposals for representation.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and liberties to the citizens.

How does a bill become a law?

A bill is proposed in Congress, debated, amended, and must be passed by both the House and Senate. Then it is sent to the President for approval or veto.

What are the three branches of government?

The three branches of government are the Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws) branches.

What is Dillon's Rule?

Dillon's Rule is a legal principle stating that local governments only have powers explicitly granted to them by the state government.

What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is a group of representatives from each state who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States based on the popular vote in their states.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States, creating a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government.

What led to the creation of the Articles of Confederation?

Failures of prior governing structures during and after the American Revolution prompted the need for a unifying document.

What is the United States Constitution?

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of the national government and fundamental rights.

What is the Nevada State Constitution?

The governing document for the state of Nevada that includes state-specific issues and laws.

How does the US Constitution differ from the Nevada State Constitution?

The US Constitution applies to the entire nation, while the Nevada Constitution addresses state-specific matters.

What was the Great Compromise?

A 1787 agreement that established a bicameral legislature, balancing representation from large and small states.

What plans did the Great Compromise balance?

The Virginia Plan, which favored larger states, and the New Jersey Plan, which favored smaller states.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual rights and liberties.

How does a bill become a law?

A bill must be proposed, debated, amended, and passed by both the House and Senate before being signed by the President.

What is the role of the Federal Chief Executive?

To enforce federal laws and manage the federal government.

What is the role of the State of Nevada Chief Executive?

To enforce state laws and oversee state government operations.

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

How do checks and balances work in government?

Each branch has the power to limit the actions of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

What is Dillon's Rule?

A legal principle stating local governments have only the powers explicitly granted to them by the state.

What is Home Rule?

A principle allowing local governments to self-govern without direct state intervention.

What is the Electoral College?

A body that formally elects the President and Vice President based on state popular votes.

What is a Unitary government?

A system where power is centralized in a national government.

What is a Confederate government?

A union of sovereign states with a weak central authority.

What is a Federal government?

A system of government that divides powers between a central authority and constituent political units.

What is a Citizen?

A legally recognized subject or national of a state.

What is a Subject?

An individual under the authority of a sovereign government.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A document declaring the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule.

What is a Republic?

A form of government in which power resides in elected individuals representing the citizen body.

What is a Republican form of government?

A government in which the interests of the people are represented by elected officials.

What was Shays’ Rebellion?

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers protesting economic injustices.

What is the Virginia Plan?

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch based on population.

What is the New Jersey Plan?

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

What is Federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments.

What is Dual Federalism?

A concept that describes the division of responsibilities between federal and state governments.

What are States Rights?

The rights and powers held by individual states rather than by the federal government.

Who were the Federalists?

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Opponents of the Constitution who advocated for stronger state governments.

What is Ratification?

The formal approval of the Constitution or an amendment.

What is the First Amendment?

An amendment that protects the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

What are Political Parties?

Organizations that seek to influence government policy by electing their members to office.

What is Public Opinion?

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on a particular issue or person.

What is Political Socialization?

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

What is Political Ideology?

A set of beliefs about politics and society that guides political behavior.

What is Polling?

The process of collecting public opinion data to gauge the preferences of a population.

What are Republicans and Democrats?

The two primary political parties in the United States.

What are Minor Parties?

Political parties that are not one of the two dominant parties in a political system.

Who is Sarah Winnemucca?

A Northern Paiute author and activist known for her advocacy for Native American rights.

Who was Padre Francisco Hermenegildo Tomas Garces?

A Spanish missionary known for his explorations in California and Nevada around 1776.

What was the June 1859 Comstock Lode?

A major silver mining discovery in Nevada that fueled economic growth.

When was Nevada established as a Territory of the United States?

March 2, 1861.

Who was Oran Clemens?

The brother of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and an influential figure in Nevada.

Who was John W. North?

An early political figure in Nevada known for his role in establishing the territory.

Who was William Steward?

A key political figure in Nevada during its early statehood.

What was the Nevada First Constitutional Convention?

The meeting in 1864 to draft Nevada's first state constitution.

What was the Nevada Second Constitutional Convention?

A subsequent meeting to revise the original constitution.

Who were the delegates of the 1864 Convention?

A group of representatives who drafted Nevada's state constitution.

Who was James W. Nye?

Nevada's first governor and a significant figure in the state's early government.

What was the Nevada Enabling Act?

The act passed by Congress in 1864 that allowed Nevada to become a state.

What are Campaigns and Elections?

Processes through which candidates for public office are nominated and elected.

What are Registration Requirements in Nevada?

The criteria voters must meet to register to vote in Nevada.

What are Campaign Consultants and Volunteers?

Individuals who assist in planning and executing election campaigns.

What is Fundraising?

The process of collecting money for political campaigns or causes.

What is Campaign Strategy?

The plan developed to win an election or promote a candidate.

What is Partisan?

A strong supporter of a specific political party.

Who is Mickey Edwards?

An influential political figure and former congressman known for his public service.

What is the U.S. House of Representatives?

The lower chamber of Congress where representatives serve two-year terms.

What is the U.S. Senate?

The upper chamber of Congress where Senators serve six-year terms.

What is a Constituent?

A person represented by an elected official.

What are Interest Groups?

Organizations that seek to influence government policy on specific issues.

What is a Committee?

A group of legislators assigned to review legislation or perform oversight functions.

What is a Filibuster?

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill.

What is Cloture?

A procedure to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

What is Floor Debate?

Discussion among lawmakers about the merits of a bill on the floor of the legislature.

What is a Simple Majority?

More than half of votes cast to pass a measure.

What is a Super Majority?

A requirement of more than a simple majority to pass certain measures.

What is Impeachment?

The process by which a government official is charged with misconduct.

What is Override?

The ability of Congress to reverse a President's veto with a two-thirds vote.

What is a Bill?

A proposed law presented for debate and approval.

What is a Law?

A rule enacted by a legislative body that governs behavior.

What is Party Leadership?

The leaders of a political party responsible for directing party strategy.

What are the U.S. President's Duties?

Responsibilities including enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and commanding the military.

What are Expressed Powers?

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

What are Implied Powers?

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but understood to be necessary.

What are Delegated Powers?

Powers specifically assigned to the federal government.

What are Inherent Powers?

Powers assumed by the government that are not specifically listed.

What is the Cabinet?

A group of senior officials chosen by the President to head executive departments.

What is the Supreme Court?

The highest court in the United States, tasked with interpreting laws.

What is the Judicial Branch?

The part of government that interprets and applies the law.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

What is Media and Political Discernment?

The ability to critically evaluate news and information relating to politics.

What is Agenda Setting?

The process by which the media sets the agenda for public discussion.

What is Framing?

The way issues are presented to influence public perception.

What is Priming?

The act of preparing the public to take a specific view of an issue.

What is Propaganda and Public Relations?

Strategies used to influence public opinion and attitudes toward an organization or cause.