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hello ap gov warriors welcome to my cute little unit 1 review. specialized for mrs. zondles 3rd period classroom. i love you all
Pluralist Theory
Argues that political power in a democracy is distributed among diverse and competing interest groups that influence public policy through negotiation and compromise.
Multiple Centers of Power (Pluralist theory)
Power is seen as evenly dispersed among various organized groups, such as labor unions and civil rights organizations, unlike the elitist view.
Active Public Participation (Pluralist theoru)
Citizens can influence government policies by joining or forming groups that represent their interests, emphasizing democratic governance.
Elitist Theory
Suggests that a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals control the majority of government decisions and policies, distinct from the general population.
Concentration of Power (Elitist theory)
Power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or organizations with the resources to influence political outcomes.
Limited Public Influence (Elitist theory)
Ordinary citizens have little real influence on policy decisions due to the dominance of informed elites with better access to policymakers.
Social Contract Theory (John Locke)
John Locke's belief that individuals consent to give up some freedoms for government protection of their remaining rights.
Natural Rights (John Locke)
Locke's argument that people have inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and property, that the government must protect.
Right to Overthrow (John Locke)
Locke's belief that a government should be dissolved and replaced if it fails to protect natural rights or becomes tyrannical.
The Great Compromise
A blend of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans resulting in a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Amendment Process
Requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or two-thirds of state legislatures to propose, and three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions to ratify.
Checks and Balances
A system ensuring no single branch of government becomes too powerful, with each branch having authority to check the others.
Legislative Checks on Executive
Official checks: approve presidential appoints, control budget, override presidential vetoes, impeach president/any executive officials (cabinet), ratify treaties
Other checks: Congressional oversight (hearings, investigations, audits)
Legislative Checks on Judicial
Can impeach/remove federal judges, approve federal judges, establish lower courts, restrict jurisdiction of courts to hear certain cases, expand/contract times and places that federal courts sit, propose amendments to override SC decisions
Executive Checks on Legislative
Official checks: Suggest legislation, veto legislation, call special sessions
Other checks: executive orders, enforcing legislation
Executive Checks on Judicial
Appoint judges, pardon federal offenders, enforce court decisions
Judicial Checks on Executive
Can declare presidential acts unconstitutional and prevent executive action through injunction, presides over impeachment trial, appointment for life means that judges are free from executive control
Judicial Checks on Legislative
Includes declaring legislation unconstitutional.
Articles of Confederation
A structure where the national government had limited power, with most power residing in the states, leading to significant weaknesses such as:
Congress could not levy taxes or regulate commerce. No executive branch to enforce laws. Amendments required a unanimous vote. No national judiciary.
Main Arguments of Fed 10
Argues that a large republic can better guard against faction dangers than smaller republics, acknowledging the inevitability of factions.
Categorical Grants
Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes with strict spending guidelines, such as Medicaid.
Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between national and state governments, exemplified by state and federal courts.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI of the Constitution stating that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.
Necessary and Proper Clause
Grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers, justifying federal power expansion.
Commerce Clause
Grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states, serving as a basis for federal regulation.
Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by both state and federal governments, such as taxation and creating courts.
Examples of Devolution
The transfer of powers from the federal government back to the states, notably during the Reagan era with welfare programs.
Americans with Disabilities Act
An unfunded federal mandate requiring states to make public facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
Examples of Federal Power Over States
Imposition of mandates like the Americans with Disabilities Act and environmental regulations.
Examples of State Power over Federal Government
States can challenge federal laws in court or refuse to enforce certain federal regulations.
Block Grants
Federal funds given to states for broad purposes, allowing more discretion in spending compared to categorical grants.
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