Studied by 326 people
Regarding participation in the political process, how do younger Americans differ from older Americans?
Less interested in politics and less politically active.
Pluralism
Assumes that diversity is beneficial to society and that autonomy should be enjoyed by disparate functional or cultural groups within a society, including religious groups, trade unions, professional organizations, and ethnic minorities.
Elitism
The advocacy or existence of an elite as a dominating element in a system or society.
Hyperpluralism
A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government, seeking to please them all, is thereby weakened.
Policy Gridlock
In politics, gridlock or deadlock or political stalemate is a situation when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people.
Why did the British government impose taxes on the colonies?
To pay for the French and Indian War debt and to get money to protect the colonies but it was taxation without representation.
What is the meaning of “natural rights”?
Privileges and basic freedoms people were entitled to simply because of their existence, conceived by John Locke.
Locke’s: life, liberty, property.
US Constitution: life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.
Describe what is meant by “consent of the governed”
People have the right to overthrow a tyrannical government. The idea that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and lawful only when consented, or agreed to, by the people over which that political power is exercised.
Why did Daniel Shays lead a rebellion against the state of Massechusetts?
A violent insurrection in the Massachusetts countryside during 1786 and 1787, Shays' Rebellion was brought about by a monetary debt crisis at the end of the American Revolutionary War. He thought that the economic policies and legislature were unjust.
How did the Constitution differ from the Articles of Confederation?
Constitution had a Bill of Rights, gave more power to the national government instead of the states, made it easier to make/amend laws.
Why did the framers of the Constitution establish the separation of powers?
So one branch of government wouldn’t have too much power and there could be a system of checks and balances.
What qualifications does Article VI of The Constitution prohibit from imposing for holding national office?
Religion.
What was Madison's concern regarding the tyranny of the majority?
The destabilizing effect of "the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority" on a government — public opinion becoming too powerful.
What is the feature of the Constitution that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches?
Checks and balances.
Distinguish between republic, monarchy, theocracy, and oligarchy
Republic: representatives choosing the leaders
Monarchy: kings and queens
Theocracy: “divine individual” ruling over the population; priests ruling over the population
Oligarchy: government ruled by a few (small group)
Distinguish between the purposes of The Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers, and the Bill of Rights
Declaration of Independence: declare United States’s independence from Britain and express grievances (complaints)
Federalist Papers: 85 essays trying to promote the ratification of the Constitution
Bill of Rights: give basic rights to the US citizens
How can the Constitution be formally amended?
2/3 of Congress agree to amend or 2/3 of the state legislatures agreeing.
How can the meaning of the Constitution be informally amended?
Enacting laws that expand the brief provisions of the Constitution.
Define Federalism
Federalism is a mode of government that combines a general government with regional governments in a single political system, dividing the powers between the two — federal and state governments.
What powers does the Constitution deny to the states?
The power to make money, enter treaties or alliances, declare war.
According to the Tenth Amendment, to whom do the powers of government belong if they are not given to the federal government?
The states.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Established that Congress had the power to establish a national bank and that a state (in this case, Maryland) did not have the power to tax branches of the federal government that are carrying out powers legal in the Constitution.
Gibbons v. Ogden
Granted Congress the power to regulate navigation and trade.
Describe the Necessary and Proper Clause
Gives Congress the power to make “all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution” other federal powers.
Distinguish between the Enumerated Powers and the Implied Powers
Enumerated powers are those expressly granted to Congress by the Constitution. Implied powers enable the federal government to carry out tasks outlined by the enumerated powers.
What is the purpose of the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
State courts respect the laws and judgments of courts from other states. This clause attempts to prevent conflict among states and ensure the dependability of judgments across the country.
Define Extradition
To make someone return for trial to another country or state where they have been accused of doing something illegal.
Distinguish between Dual Federalism and Cooperative Federalism
Dual federalism is when power is divided between national and state governments while cooperative federalism has states having to meet certain national goals.
Define Mandate
An official order or commission to do something.
How does Federalism contribute to democracy and how does it hinder it?
Contributes to democracy by creating more opportunities for participation in politics and more access to government.
However, economic disparities across states, states competing, and the difficulty of taking action on issues of national importance.
What did the Incorporation Doctrine do?
A constitutional doctrine through which parts of the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution (known as the Bill of Rights) are made applicable to the states through the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.
Gitlow v. New York
A landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court holding that the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution had extended the First Amendment's provisions protecting freedom of speech and freedom of the press to apply to the governments of U.S. states — the first Supreme Court decision applying the First Amendment's free speech protections to abuses by state governments.
Near v. Minnesota
A landmark decision of the US Supreme Court under which prior restraint on publication was found to violate freedom of the press as protected under the First Amendment. This holding had a broader impact on free speech generally.
New York Times v. United States
Defended the First Amendment right of free press against prior restraint by the government.
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
A landmark US Supreme Court decision ruling that the First Amendment to the US Constitution's freedom of speech protections limit the ability of American public officials to sue for defamation.
Griswold v. Connecticut
A landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects the liberty of married couples to buy and use contraceptives without government restriction.
Roe v. Wade
A landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States generally protected a right to have an abortion.
Obergerfell v. Hodges
Landmark decision of the Supreme Court of the United States which ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Define Actual Malice, Privacy, Libel, and Slander
Actual Malice: a legal requirement imposed upon public officials or public figures when they file suit for libel.
Privacy: the right to be free from unwarranted publicity, to live a life of seclusion, and to live without unwarranted interference by the public in matters with which the public is not necessarily concerned
Libel: a method of defamation expressed by print, writing, pictures, signs
Slander: verbal defamatory statements
Brown v. Board of Education
A landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that U.S. state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools are unconstitutional, even if the segregated schools are otherwise equal in quality.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)
A landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that involved a dispute of whether preferential treatment for minorities could reduce educational opportunities for whites without violating the Constitution.
What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ban?
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Why did Congress pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
It outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War, including literacy tests as a prerequisite to voting.
What was the primary objective of the women’s suffrage movement?
The primary goal of the organization is to achieve voting rights for women by means of a Congressional amendment to the Constitution.
Define Demography
The study of statistics such as births, deaths, income, or the incidence of disease, which illustrate the changing structure of human populations.
What are the main socializing agents?
Families, media, peers, schools, religions, work and legal systems.
How do politicians use public opinion polls?
To figure out what is important to the public, the approval ratings can influence decision making.
Distinguish between liberals and conservatives
Liberals care more about social issues and liberties
Conservatives care more about economic policies and want less liberal opinions on social issues
Distinguish between civil disobedience and a protest
Civil disobedients often break laws that are unrelated to the law or policy they are protesting. Protesting stays within the boundaries of the law.
Describe the Gatekeeping Function of the Media
Gatekeeping on social media refers to the intentional withholding of information, knowledge, access, or opportunity.
Define Investigative Journalism
A form of journalism in which reporters go in-depth to investigate a single story that may uncover corruption, review government policies or of corporate houses, or draw attention to social, economic, political or cultural trends.
Define Selective Exposure
People choose to focus on information in their environment that is congruent with and confirms their current attitudes.
What is the primary interest of most U.S. Media organizations?
Making a profit.
What are some of the concerns about Agenda Setting by the media?
Media filters and shapes reality.
Media concentration on a few issues and subjects leads the public to perceive those issues as more important than other issues.
Describe how the Media is a “key linkage institution” in the Policymaking System
They highlight what issues are newsworthy at a particular time, increases growth of government, increases access to information
What is the core function of a political party?
The core function of a political party is to represent and advocate for the interests and beliefs of its members, as well as to seek political power and influence in order to shape public policy and govern.
How do political parties benefit some voters?
Political parties benefit voters by providing representation, access to information, mobilization of supporters, policy influence, and promoting accountability.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Open Primaries?
Advantages of Open Primaries:
Boosts voter participation and engagement
Enhances inclusivity and diversity in candidate selection
Empowers independent voters
Disadvantages of Open Primaries:
Risk of strategic voting and manipulation
Weakens party members' influence in candidate selection
Potential for less ideologically consistent candidates
What is a Party Platform?
A formal set of principal goals which are supported by a political party or individual candidate, in order to appeal to the general public.
What does the Responsible Party Model advocate?
It allows voters to hold members of their party accountable.
Where are Democratic and Republican candidates for president formally nominated at?
National party conventions.
Describe what takes place in a caucus
Caucuses do not directly select a Presidential candidate, but rather delegates who are then “pledged” to vote for a particular candidate at the party's national convention.
How do political campaigns use “wedge issues”?
Political campaigns use "wedge issues" to create division and tension within a targeted population. These issues are points of internal disagreement within an opposing party, and by highlighting these topics, campaigns aim to attract voters who align with their stance and potentially sway undecided voters.
Which age group is most likely to vote?
Older age groups, particularly those above 65, tend to have higher voter turnout compared to younger age groups. In the US, white males over 65.
Why do presidential candidates tend to focus their efforts on battleground states?
The winner-take-all system makes battleground/swing states more relevant to a campaign.
Distinguish between interest groups and political parties
Political parties seek to win elections and operate government. Interest groups only seek to influence public policy.
Define Lobbying
Communicating directly with any official in the legislative or executive branch of the District government with the purpose of influencing any legislative action or an administrative decision.
What do political action committees (PACs) do?
A political action committee (PAC) is a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates.
Why are campaign contributions so important for interest groups seeking to influence government?
Groups can offer contributions in return for favorable votes on pending legislation.
How has social media affected interest groups?
Interest groups use social media for their political communication objectives, in part because of their low cost.
Know the meaning and importance of pork barrel aid and casework
Pork barrel aid refers to the allocation of government funds for specific projects or programs that benefit a particular lawmaker's constituents or district. It is often criticized for being driven by political considerations rather than the overall public interest.
Casework involves the assistance provided by elected officials or their staff to constituents who are seeking help with issues related to government services or policies. It can include helping individuals navigate bureaucratic processes, resolving problems, or advocating for their interests. Casework is an important aspect of representative democracy, as it allows elected officials to directly address the concerns of their constituents.
What are the advantages incumbents have in winning elections?
Name recognition: Incumbents are already known to the voters, which gives them an advantage over challengers who may be less familiar.
Fundraising: Incumbents often have established networks and access to resources, making it easier for them to raise campaign funds.
Experience: Incumbents can highlight their track record and use their experience in office to demonstrate their effectiveness and credibility.
Constituent service: Incumbents have the opportunity to build relationships with constituents through their work in office, which can help them garner support during elections.
Access to media: Incumbents often receive more media coverage compared to challengers, allowing them to reach a larger audience and shape the narrative around their campaign.
Party support: Incumbents typically have the backing of their political party, which can provide additional resources, endorsements, and campaign infrastructure.
What is a bicameral legislature?
A bicameral legislature is a type of legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses. This system is commonly found in democratic countries, such as the United States.
Who presides over the House of Representatives and plays a crucial role in determining committee assignments and leadership roles and assigning bills to committees?
The Speaker of the House.
What is the title of the most prominent partisan leader of the Senate?
The title of the most prominent partisan leader of the Senate is the Majority Leader, who controls the agenda and schedules the debates.
Where does most of the work of Congress happen?
Most of the work of Congress happens in congressional and standing committees.
Which Congressional Committee was created to reconcile differences in versions of a bill passed by the House and the Senate?
The Congressional Committee created to reconcile differences in versions of a bill passed by the House and the Senate is called the Conference Committee.
What does it mean to filibuster, and how can a filibuster be brought to an end?
To filibuster means to engage in prolonged speech or debate in order to delay or prevent a vote on a proposed legislation. A filibuster can be brought to an end through various methods, such as cloture. Cloture is a procedure that allows a supermajority of senators (usually 60 out of 100) to vote to end the debate and proceed to a vote. Once cloture is invoked, a limited amount of additional debate time is allowed before the final vote takes place.
Understand the meaning of partisan polarization in Congress.
Partisan polarization in Congress refers to the increasing ideological divide between political parties, leading to a lack of cooperation and compromise. It is characterized by the alignment of party members along strict party lines, resulting in gridlock and difficulty in passing legislation. This polarization is often fueled by factors such as gerrymandering, media influence, and ideological differences between parties.
What is the purpose of omnibus legislation?
The purpose of omnibus legislation is to consolidate multiple related bills into a single comprehensive piece of legislation. It allows lawmakers to address multiple issues or make various policy changes in one bill, streamlining the legislative process and promoting efficiency.
“The Presidency is a Paradox”
Americans want a powerful president, but at the
same time we dislike power being concentrated in any one person or institution.
How can a President be removed from office?
A President can be removed from office through the process of impeachment. The House of Representatives has the power to impeach the President by bringing charges against them. If a majority of the House votes in favor of impeachment, the case is then tried in the Senate. If two-thirds of the Senators vote to convict the President, they will be removed from office.
What was Watergate?
Watergate was a political scandal in the United States during the 1970s. It involved the break-in and wiretapping of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex, and subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. The scandal led to President Richard Nixon's resignation in 1974.
What tool allows presidents to make regulations regarding how legislation will be implemented and carries the force of law?
An executive order.
Who breaks a tie in the Senate?
The Vice President of the United States breaks a tie in the Senate.
How influential are modern presidents in the legislative process compared to what the Framers intended?
The influence of modern presidents in the legislative process varies compared to the intentions of the Framers. While the Framers envisioned a system of checks and balances with Congress as the primary legislative body, modern presidents have gained significant influence through executive orders, veto power, and the ability to shape public opinion. However, the extent of their influence is subject to the cooperation of Congress.
Why does the perception of an electoral mandate matter in presidential politics?
The perception of an electoral mandate is important in presidential politics as it affects the president's legitimacy, authority, and ability to govern effectively. It measures public support and can impact their policy agenda, negotiations with Congress, and public opinion.
How can Congress check the president’s war powers?
Declare War: Congress has the power to formally declare war, limiting the president's ability to engage in military conflicts without congressional approval.
War Powers Resolution: Congress passed the War Powers Resolution in 1973, which requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces and limits the duration of military engagements without congressional authorization to 60 days.
Power of the Purse: Congress controls the budget and can refuse to fund military operations or use its appropriations power to place restrictions on the president's war efforts.
Oversight and Investigations: Congress has the authority to conduct oversight hearings, investigations, and request information from the executive branch to ensure the president is acting within the bounds of the Constitution and relevant laws.
Impeachment: In extreme cases, Congress can impeach and remove a president who abuses their war powers or acts unconstitutionally.
When presidents appear on television, what are they trying to do?
They are typically trying to communicate with the public, address important issues, deliver speeches, make policy announcements, or provide updates on government activities. They may also use television appearances to shape public opinion, gain support for their agenda, or respond to current events.
What constitutional powers does the president share with the Senate?
The president shares the power to make treaties and appoint ambassadors, judges, and other officials with the Senate.
What causes the government to shut down?
The government can shut down due to spending bills expiring and Congress and the President finding themselves at an impasse (deadlock).
Know the difference between “the deficit” and the “national debt.”
The deficit refers to the annual shortfall between government spending and revenue. It represents how much more the government spends than it takes in during a specific year. The national debt, on the other hand, is the total accumulation of deficits over time. It is the overall amount of money that the government owes. In simple terms, the deficit is the yearly shortfall, while the national debt is the total amount of money owed.
Who does the law require to submit a budget proposal to Congress each February?
The law requires the President of the United States to submit a budget proposal to Congress each February.
Know the difference between regressive, progressive, and proportional taxes.
Regressive taxes: These taxes take a larger percentage of income from low-income individuals compared to high-income individuals. Examples include sales tax and property tax (benefit the rich)
Progressive taxes: These taxes take a larger percentage of income from high-income individuals compared to low-income individuals. Examples include income tax and estate tax (benefit the poor)
Proportional taxes: Also known as a flat tax, these taxes take the same percentage of income from all individuals, regardless of their income level. An example is a flat income tax rate (no regard for income)
Know the difference between the merit principle and the spoils system.
The merit principle is a system of hiring and promoting employees based on their qualifications, skills, and performance. It emphasizes merit and competence in the selection process. On the other hand, the spoils system is a practice of appointing individuals to government positions based on political loyalty or favors, rather than their qualifications or abilities. It often leads to corruption and inefficiency.
Who appoints, and who confirms Cabinet Secretary Positions in the Federal Government?
The President of the United States appoints Cabinet Secretaries in the Federal Government, and their appointments are confirmed by the United States Senate.
Why do its proponents argue that deregulation is good public policy?
It promotes competition, reduces government intervention, and stimulates economic growth. They believe that removing excessive regulations allows businesses to operate more efficiently, innovate, and create jobs. Also believe it will lead to lower prices.
Know the 3 main players in an Iron Triangle.
Bureaucratic Agencies: These are government agencies responsible for implementing and enforcing policies.
Interest Groups: These are organizations that represent specific industries, causes, or groups of people and seek to influence policy decisions.
Congressional Committees: These are groups of members of Congress who have jurisdiction over specific policy areas and play a key role in shaping legislation.
How do interest groups attempt to influence the Supreme Court’s decisions?
Interest groups try to influence the Supreme Court by filing amicus curiae briefs (help the court with making decisions), lobbying, and advocating publicly. They also back or oppose specific justices' nominations and financially support candidates who share their interests.
What is the basic organizational structure of the federal court system?
The basic organizational structure of the federal court system in the United States consists of three levels: the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals, and the District Courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court and has the final authority on interpreting the Constitution. The Courts of Appeals are intermediate appellate courts that review decisions made by the District Courts. The District Courts are the trial courts where most federal cases begin.
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