AP Gov Winter Final :(

Elitism

Elitism

A theory of government and politics contending that an upper-class elite will hold most of the power and run the government

Pluralism

A theory of governmental influence that power shared between many groups produces the best outcomes in society and government

Hyper-Pluralism

A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened

US Constitution

The fundamental law of the U.S. federal system of government. Contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured, with the goal of creating a just government and to ensure peace, an adequate national defense and a healthy, free nation.

Articles of Confederation

The written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. Created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments.

Checks and Balances

A design of government where each branch has powers that can prevent the other branches from making policies and ensuring that no part of government is too powerful

Separation of Powers

A design of government that distributes powers across institutions in order to avoid making one branch too powerful on its own

Shay’s Rebellion

A popular uprising against the government of Massachusetts - brought about by a momentary debt crisis at the end of the American Revolutionary War

Federalist 10

An essay in which Madison argues that the dangers of faction can be mitigated by a large republic and republican government

Federalist 51

An essay in which Madison argues that separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism will prevent tyranny

Factions

A group within a larger group that have different opinions and interests than the larger group - self-interested people

Virginia Plan

A plan of government calling for a three-branch government with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in Congress (benefit big states)

New Jersey Plan

A plan of government that provided for a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each states (benefit small states)

Connecticut/Great Compromise

An agreement for a plan of government that drew upon the Virginia and New Jersey Plans - settled issues of state representation by calling for a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives apportioned proportionately and a Senate apportioned equally

Constitutional Convention

A convention of delegates from all the states except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May of 1787. It was decided that the best solution to the country’s problems was to set aside the Articles of Confederation and write a new constitution. Major issues were equality and representation, slavery, and political equality.

Marbury v Madison

Established the right of the courts to determine the constitutionality of the actions of the other two branches of government. Established judicial review - the power of the federal courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)

Grants Congress the powers necessary to carry out its enumerated powers

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the authority to regulate interstate business and commercial activity

Brutus I

An Antifederalist paper arguing that the country was too large to be governed as a republic and that the Constitution gave too much power to the national government

Declaration of Independence

An official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule. Approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The principles in which the government are based

Political socialization

The experiences and factors that shape an individual’s political values, attitudes, and behaviors (influenced by media, family, peers)

American exceptionalism

The belief that the United States is either distinctive, unique, or exemplary compared to other nations

Public opinion polling (shortcomings)

Survey error, limited respondent options, lack of information, difficulty measuring intensity, and lack of interest in political issues

Public opinion polling (effect on policy)

Policy is based on public opinion

Polling (explained)

The process of gathering information about public opinion on various political issues or candidates

Polling (effects on politicians)

Politicians use polling data to understand public opinion on various issues. this information helps them tailor their messages, policies, and campaign strategies to resonate with the electorate.

Polling (effects on policymakers)

Help them understand the concerns of the people and make more informed decisions that go along with peoples’ needs

Media (effect on campaigns)

Can establish a broader audience for candidates and push their message out. Can greatly influence public opinion because it places a spotlight on the candidates themselves. Can conduct studies, interviews, and fact check statements politicians are making

Media (how candidates affect media)

Through their interactions, by making public posts on social media to spread their message. Participating in media coverage by being present for interviews. Can paint a false picture for people by stretching the truth. Often have advertisements made about them to further spread their message.

Media’s Role (watchdog)

The ability to hold those in power accountable for their actions and statements. Keeps the public informed and encourages politicians to not deceive public.

Media’s Role (agenda setter)

The ability to influence the public discourse about politics. Can draw attention to various stories and perspectives, while taking attention away from others. The ability to influence what the public views online, holds great power and can shape public opinion

Media’s Role (scorekeeper)

Giving analysis and evaluating political campaigns and keeping track of different candidate’s performances. They assess the accuracy of statements and provide this information to the public which can help voters make informed decisions

Political Efficacy

A person’s belief that they can make effective political change

Linkage Institutions

Channels that connect individuals with government, including elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media

Liberal/Conservative Ideology

Younger voters, racial and ethnic minorities, women, urban residents, and those with higher levels of education. Government should intervene in social issues to prevent inequality and injustice

Federalism

The sharing of power between the national government and states

Implied Powers

Powers not granted specifically to the national government, but considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers

Concurrent Powers

Powers granted to both states and the federal government in the Constitution

Inherent Powers

Powers over and beyond those explicitly spelled out in the Constitution or which can be reasonably be implied from express grants

Enumerated (Expressed) Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the national government through the Constitution

Reserved Powers

Powers not given to the national government, which are retained by the states and the people

Fiscal Federalism

The federal governments use of grants in aid to influence policies in the states

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Constitutional clause prevent states from discriminating against people from out of state

McCullough v Maryland

Maryland argued that the establishment of a nation bank was unconstitutional because nowhere does it say that Congress has the power to do so. McCullough’s lawyers argued that the bank was constitutional because of the necessary and proper clause. Unanimous in favor of McCullough, argued bank was constitutional on account of necessary and proper clause. Established the supremacy of national laws over state laws

Gibbons v Ogden

NY state legislature grants Robert Livingston and Robert Fulton exclusive privileges to operate their steamboats on the rivers of the state (monopoly). Gibbons and Ogden bought a franchise from them so they could operate steamboats there. Partnership ended but gibbons continued sending his steamboats despite not having the license to do so. Gibbons argued he could because he had a federal license from Congress. The court favored Gibbons because of the Commerce Clause and Supremacy Clause. Established the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.

U.S. v Lopez

Senior Alfonso Lopez decided to carry a pistol to school. He was arrested and sent to jail and the next day charges were dropped. Federal law called the Gun Free School Zone act of 1990. Federal laws were charged to Lopez and he was found guilty and sent to jail for 6 months. Clear ruling in favor of state power over federal power.

Role of Lobbyists

Interacting with government officials one-on-one to advance a group’s public policy goals

PACs

Political Action Committee - an organization that raises money for candidates and campaigns but have limits on how much they can contribute directly to the campaign or candidate

Special Interest Groups

An organization of people who share a common interest and work together to protect and promote that interest by influencing the government

Factors affecting voting decisions

Frontloading

The recent tendency of states to hold primaries early in the calendar in order to capitalize on media attention

McGovern-Fraser Commission

Limited ability of state party leaders to choose delegates, required women, young voters, and minorities to be represented in state delegations in proportion to their populations

Voter ID Laws

Factors affecting voting behavior

Causes of low voter turnout

Can’t Vote: resident aliens, sick, traveling, religious beliefs, incarcerated, mentally ill

Actual nonvoters: lack political efficacy, time zone (western time zones have seen results from eastern time), and apathy

Caucus

People gather at a town meeting, split up in the room or raise hands to vote while being given the opportunity to switch their vote

Open primary

Allows a voter to cast their vote within whatever party they wish

Closed primary

Voters choose from candidates only from the party in which they are registered

Presidential primary process (impact on party strength)

Party conventions (purpose)

Democratic National Convention and the Republic National Convention: usually held every four years to select their candidates for the offices of president and vice president. They are attended by delegates, who are mostly elected in primaries.

Reasons for a two party system (framers v current - strengths)

Reasons for a two party system (framers v current - weakness)

Voter turn-out (midterms v presidential)

Electoral College

Each state has a number of Electoral College votes that are equal to the state’s representation in congress. There are a total of 538 ECVs and to win, a candidate must win an absolute majority of 270. If no candidate wins, the president would be elected by the House of Representatives, each state having 1 vote.

Split-ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election

Voting Amendments

15th - states cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race

17th - established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures)

19th - gave women the right to vote

24th - abolished poll taxes

26th - lower voting age from 21 to 18

What do political parties do?

Nominate candidates, inform/activate supporters: rallies, campaigns, social media, bonding agent": bringing people together, govern: put policies in place through Congress, acts as a watchdog: watching opposing side

Gender Gap

Difference in political views between men and women

Citizens United v FEC

A 2010 decision by the Supreme Court holding that independent expenditures are free speech protected by the 1st Amendment and so cannot be limited to federal law. Leads to creation of Super PACs and massive rise in amount of third party electioneering

Buckley v Valeo

A case where the Supreme Court upheld federal limits on campaign contributions and ruled that spending money to influence elections is a form of constitutionally protected free speech. The court also stated candidates can give unlimited amounts of money to their own campaigns

Republican and Democratic Platform

Human Life - R: pro-life D: pro-choice
Planned Parenthood - R: stop funding D: continue funding
Judges - R: restraint judges D: activist judges
Religious Freedom: R & D: right of the individual
Climate Change- R: shouldn't set restrictions on business to help the climate D: government should interfere
Education: R: educational resources that are profitable (private schools) D: educational resources that help all children (public schools)
Sex Education: R: use it to promote sex after marriage D: use it to promote safe sex
ObamaCare: R: against the funding D: for the funding
Marriage: R: Heterosexual marriage D: Freedom of marriage
Medical Research: R: Pro stem cell research if it does not deal with embryonic human life D: Use any resources for stem cell research