ap gov final

Civic Duty

A belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs.

Equality of Opportunity

The belief that each person should have an equal chance at success and that no person should be limited by circumstances outside of her control.

Equality of Results

Having similar or equal results among individuals within a society; often contrasted with equality of opportunity.

Class Consciousness

An awareness of belonging to a particular socioeconomic class who’s interests are different from those of others. Usually used in reference to workers who view their interests as opposite those of managers and business owners.

Public Opinion

the distribution of individual preferences or evaluations of a given issue, candidate, or institution within a specific population.

Random Sample

a sample taken randomly relating to data

Political Socialization (general def)

the process through which individuals in a society acquire political attitudes, views, and knowledge

Political Socialization: The family

How your family/people you grew up with has influenced what you believe in politically. Usually affects younger children.

Political Socialization: Religion

How your religion/people you are in contact with relating to religion influence what you believe politically. Usually affects older children.

Political Socialization: the gender gap

Women are typically more left leaning than men

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs and values that shape one's view on politics, society, and government. It guides how individuals and groups understand and approach issues like equality, freedom, and the role of the state. Examples include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism.

19th Amendment

This amendment made it so that women could vote

23rd Amendment

Made is so people in DC could vote

24th Amendment

Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18

Motor - Voter Act of 1993

It requires states to offer voter registration opportunities when people apply for or renew their driver's licenses. It was to promote voter turnout and accessibility.

Literacy Tests

Tests that were required for people of color when they were attempting to vote. This was one way of making it so they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so.

Poll Tax

A tax required to vote. This negatively impacted poc and people with lower wages.

Grandfather Clause

If your grandfather could vote, then so can you. This was a measure put in place so that African American people who’s grandparents were enslaved could not vote.

White Primary

only white voters were allowed to participate in primary elections, to maintain white political dominance.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting. It bans literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory practices used to deny African Americans the right to vote. It also authorized the federal government to oversee voter registration and elections in areas with a history of discrimination.

The five elements of American Political Culture

liberty, equality, individualism, democracy, and nationalism.

internal political efficacy

The belief in one's ability to influence and participate in the political system within a country. It reflects individuals' confidence in their own political knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in making a difference through voting, activism, or engaging with political institutions.

external political efficacy

The belief that individuals can influence political decisions and policies beyond their personal control.

complaints following the 2000 election

VAP vs VEP

voting age population, voting eligible population. VEP is prefered way to measure data, becuase you could be the correct age to vote, and still not be able to because you committed a felony.

Tinker v. Des Moines

The case where students in iowa were gonna wear black arm bands in protest of the Vietnam war. They all got suspended as the school banned the arm bands recently before they heard about the protest. The question is: Does a prohibition against the wearing of armbands in public school, as a form of symbolic speech, violate the students’ freedom of speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment? the court ruled in favor of the kids 7-2. “First amendment rights are not left at the school house gates”

McDonald v. Chicago

The city of Chicago banned possession of handguns to combat crime. The question is: Does the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms apply to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment and thus limit Chicago’s ability to regulate guns? The court ruled in favor of the people, saying that the second amendment right to bear arms is applicable to states due to the 14th amendment.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Supreme Court upheld power of the national government and denied the right of a state to tax the federal bank using the Constitution's supremacy clause. The Court's broad interpretation of the necessary and proper clause paved the way for later rulings upholding expansive federal powers

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Gun Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress' authority to regulate interstate commerce, so Supreme Court ruled that the commerce clause could not be applied to Lopez bringing a gun to a school zone to make a sale (majority)

- Minority: said commerce clause gives rights to regulate local activity

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

NC congressional reapportionment plan was initially rejected b/c it only had one black-majority, so another was added. This was questioned as unconstitutional due to the oddly shaped districts. SCOTUS reversed decision, stating it violated the Equal Protection Clause, ruling in favor of the voters

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Jefferson won against Adams in election. Adams passed act appointing diff. officials before Jefferson took office. To be finalized, they needed to be delivered by Secretary of State (Madison). Marbury was appointed but Madison didn't deliver commission --> Marbury petitioned for SC to compel Madison to deliver

- SCOTUS ruled Madison's refusal illegal, but did not order him to deliver Marbury's commission --> Marbury's claim was unconstitutional b/c it violated Article 3, Section 2

Engel v. Vitale

The 1962 Supreme Court decision holding that state officials violated the First Amendment when they wrote a prayer to be recited by New York's schoolchildren (not allowed in public schools).

- Violated Establishment Clause (the clause in the First Amendment of the US Constitution that prohibits the establishment of religion by Congress)

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Wisconsin tried to fine Amish children for truancy, but their religion prohibited them attending school after 14 y/o

- SCOTUS ruled in favor of Yoder (daughter was not going to school) and that attempt to fine was unconstitutional because it violated the establishment clause and the first amendment

Schenck v. United States

A 1919 decision upholding the conviction of a socialist who had urged young men to resist the draft during World War I (convicted of being in violation with Espionage Act). Justice Holmes declared that government can limit speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

New York Times Co. v United States

the Nixon Administration attempted to prevent the New York Times and Washington Post from publishing materials about US activities in Vietnam

- SCOTUS ruled that Nixon admin violated first amendment b/c documents did not pose threat

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Gideon was denied requested counsel b/c of precedent set by Betts v. Brady, where it was ruled that counsel could be denied to defendants prosecuted by a state.

- SCOTUS overruled BvB b/c 6th amendment gives right to counsel and 14th protects citizen's from having their rights being infringed upon by states

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Jane Roe filed a lawsuit against Henry Wade, the district attorney of Dallas County, saying that the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments protected her right for an abortion

- SCOTUS ruled Texas law that made abortion illegal was unconstitutional b/c the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause protects the right to privacy, a woman has the right to choose an abortion,

Brown v. Board of Education

1954 - The Supreme Court overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.

- Violated Equal Protection Clause in 14th Amendment

Citizens United v. FEC

Citizens United wanted to make movies about Hilary showing she was unfit for presidency but FEC prevented large corps from funding a candidate (CU sued)

- SCOTUS overruled Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce and portions of McConnell v. FEC, saying that first amendment protects corps funding b/c it is a form of free speech

Miranda vs. Arizona

This guy Miranda got arrested but he didn’t know that he didn’t have to confess so he did and thereby self incriminated himself. The result of this case was in violation of the 5th amendment, and Miranda rights were instated. Now when you get arrested you must be told you have a right to an attorney, right to remain silent, and that anything you do say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Main ideas of Article 1

congress is bicameral (two parties)

senate represents the state and HOR represents people of the states

VPOTUS is the president of the senate

Main ideas of Article 2

President signs bills into law

president appoints judges + members of their cabinet (which must be approved by the senate)

president proposes a budget

Main Ideas of article 3

estb. the judicial branch

allows congress to estb. other inferior courts

Marbury v. Madison did what?

Established the court’s power of Judicial Review

Which branch of congress is larger, and designed to represent the people?

The House of Representatives

Which branch of congress is smaller, and designed to equally represent states?

The Senate

How do elections work in the house?

every two years all members are up for re election

How do elections work in the senate?

every two years 1/3 of the members are up for re election

Who can declare war?

Congress, they can also provide funds in this case as well

Who regulates interstate commerce?

Congress

Which branch of the government does the necessary and proper clause apply to?

Congress (under article 1, section 8)

Which branch of government passes the federal budget?

Congress, with optional suggestions from the president

Which branch of congress do revenue bills originate in?

The House

What is the House Rules Committee?

considers all bills reported from policy and fiscal committees and determines whether, and in what order, to schedule their consideration on the floor of the House.

What is the filibuster, and what branch of congress can it be used in?

A solely senate tactic to prolong debate and delay/prevent a vote on a bill.

What is a conference committee?

a committee with members from both branches that is called together in the case that a very similar bill, with different wording is passed in both branches, to reconcile the differences. (similar to consent calendar)

Mandatory spending

all spending that does not take place through appropriations legislation. It includes entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and required interest spending on the federal debt. Makes up 2/3 of all federal spending.

discretionary spending

spending that is approved on an annual basis for defense spending, education and infrastructure

pork barrel legislation

funding for a local project in a larger appropriation bill, essentially politicians trading favors with constituents or special interest groups in exchange for political support

logrolling

combining several pieces of legislation into one bill to make it more likely to pass

Baker v. Carr

Gerrymandering case in which the courts decided that courts could decide weather or not legislative districts in states were equal, “one person one vote” doctrine

Shaw v. Reno

case which decided against racial gerrymandering of any kind

Powers of the President

vetoes and pocket vetoes (regular vetoes can be overridden by a 2/3 vote)

Influencing relations with foreign nations (commander in chief, treaties, executive agreements)

Executive orders

pocket vetos

When a bill is kept unsigned for 10 days ish it dies ,

Which positions does the senate have to confirm before they can be appointed

federal judges

cabinet members

ambassadors

Federalist 70

the one where Hamilton wants only one executive rather than two (to ensure government accountability and be able to defend against congress)

22nd Amendment

established presidential term limits

Bully Pulpit

the president has the most ‘heard’ voice in the nation and can speak out about many things (usually goes along with the state of the union address)

Federalist 78

judicial independence, that the judicial branch should be completely seperate from the other two branches. also judicial review.

Stare Decisis

courts should follow previous precedents set by other courts to keep predictability

Judicial activism

asserts judicial review allows the courts to overturn/change current constitution or legislative acts

judicial restraint

judicial review should hold on to the already set acts and constitution things without changing (can shift, but no fundamental change or creation)

what does the bureaucracy do?

regulatory stuff, issuing fines, testifying before congress, forming iron triangles, creating issue networks

iron triangle

alliances of congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that are prominent in specific policy areas

the power of the purse

ability of congress to check bureaucratic agencies by controlling their funding

Compliance Monitoring

ensures that funds given to bureaus are being used properly

Civil Liberties

Guarantees of personal freedoms that government cannot restrict without due process.

Bill of Rights

first 10 amendments of the US constitution, which were designed to preserve the individual rights and liberties of American citizens.

14th Amendment

Granted citizenship to all those born/naturalized in the US; Due process clause; no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of the law; equal protection under the law for all citizens of the US.

Due process of the law

a fundamental principle in the United States legal system that requires the government to follow fair and just procedures when it takes away a person's life , liberty , or property . It is protected by a Clause in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Equal protection of the laws

all individuals should be treated equally under the law, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. (equal protection clause 14th amendment)

selective incorporation

a constitutional doctrine that ensures states cannot enact laws that take away the constitutional rights of American citizens that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights. (14th amendment)

Freedom of expression

right to express oneself and one's views in spoken words, actions, printed materials, assemblies or gatherings and petitions submitted to the government. It refers to the collective rights guaranteed in the First Amendment to the US Constitution: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

Freedom of religion

first amendment right that protects the right of individuals to practice their religion, or to practice no religion at all, without fear of government retribution.

Free Exercise clause

a clause in the first amendment that goes along with the freedom of religion that states that congress shall make no law that prohibits the free exercise of religion

Establishment Clause

first amendment clause that says that congress shall make no law that aligns with religion (supposedly keeping church separate from state.)

Exclusionary rule

A part of the fourth amendment, requirement that evidence unconstitutionally or illegally obtained be excluded from a criminal trial (porn case)

Unreasonable Search and Seizure

feature of the fourth amendment, Obtaining evidence in a haphazard or random manner. Probable cause and/or a search warrant are required for a legal and proper search for and seizure of incriminating evidence

Self incrimination

The situation occurring when an individual accused of a crime is compelled to be a witness against himself or herself in court. The Fifth Amendment forbids this. (miranda v. arizona)

inevitable discovery

Inevitable discovery allows evidence to be admissible in court, despite being obtained illegally, only if it is deemed that it would have been inevitably discovered through lawful means. (part of the 4th amendment)

Civil Rights

Civil Rights refer to protection from racial, religious, gender, or other discrimination. These protections are afforded by the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause.

Separate but Equal Doctrine

The Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that having separate facilities for black and white citizens was not a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause. (was abolished by Brown v. Board)

Plessy v Ferguson

Supreme court case that established the “separate but equal” doctrine and legalized segregation.

Civil disobedience

Opposing a law one considers unjust by peacefully disobeying it and accepting the resultant punishment. (mentioned in Letter from a Birmingham Jail)

15th Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. (BUT ONLY FOR MEN😥) The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action refers to policies and programs aimed at promoting equal opportunity and diversity in areas such as education and employment.

Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Results

Equality of opportunity: The belief that each person should have an equal chance at success and that no person should be limited by circumstances outside of her control. Equality of outcome: Having similar or equal results among individuals within a society; often contrasted with equality of opportunity.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

A letter written by MLK jr. to address the criticism directed towards his campaign and to point out that injustice is an acceptable reason for civil disobedience.