CLEP Gov: Constitution, Elections & Laws

What Enlightenment philosopher influenced the Declaration of Independence with his ideas on natural rights?

John Locke (Life, Liberty, Property)

What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

It created a weak federal government with no power to tax or regulate trade.

What compromise created a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Constitution?

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

What essay warned against excessive federal power and supported small republics?

Brutus No. 1 (Anti-Federalist Paper)

What is a critical election?

An election that leads to a major shift in political party support (e.g., 1932, 1968).

What is frontloading in primaries?

When states schedule their primaries early to gain influence in the election process.

What are faithless electors?

Members of the Electoral College who vote against their state's popular vote winner.

What is the difference between PACs and Super PACs?

PACs have donation limits and can coordinate with candidates; Super PACs have no limits but cannot coordinate with candidates.

What is a discharge petition in Congress?

A way to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

What court case established "one person, one vote" for legislative districts?

Baker v. Carr (1962)

What is pork barrel spending?

Government spending on projects that benefit a specific district to gain political support.

What is the "Imperial Presidency"?

The idea that the President has gained too much power, especially in foreign policy.

What is the difference between a treaty and an executive agreement?

Treaties require Senate approval; executive agreements do not.

What is a signing statement?

A statement issued by the President when signing a bill, explaining how they interpret the law.

What is executive privilege?

The President's right to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

What case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What is the difference between judicial restraint and judicial activism?

Restraint = courts defer to elected officials; Activism = courts interpret laws based on modern needs.

What is original jurisdiction?

A court's power to hear a case first before any appellate review.

What is stare decisis?

The legal principle of following precedent in court rulings.

What law limits federal employees' political activities?

Hatch Act (1939)

What is the Iron Triangle?

The relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

What is bureaucratic discretion?

The ability of bureaucratic agencies to interpret and enforce laws.

What act requires federal agencies to allow public access to government records?

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA, 1966)

What is the difference between dual and cooperative federalism?

Dual = clear division of state/federal powers ("layer cake"); Cooperative = shared responsibilities ("marble cake").

What Supreme Court case limited the federal use of the Commerce Clause?

United States v. Lopez (1995)

What are unfunded mandates?

Federal laws requiring state action without providing funding.

What does the 10th Amendment say?

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

What case established the "clear and present danger" test for speech?

Schenck v. United States (1919)

What case incorporated the First Amendment to the states?

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

What case legalized same-sex marriage?

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

What case ruled that busing could be used to desegregate schools?

Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (1971)

What is the difference between Keynesian and supply-side economics?

Keynesian = government spending to boost economy; Supply-side = tax cuts and deregulation.

What is the difference between entitlement and means-tested programs?

Entitlement = everyone who qualifies gets benefits (e.g., Social Security); Means-tested = based on income (e.g., Medicaid).

What is the difference between a progressive, regressive, and flat tax?

Progressive = higher income = higher percentage; Regressive = lower income = higher burden; Flat = same percentage for all.

What is a budget deficit?

When government spending exceeds revenue in a given year.

What foreign policy approach seeks to avoid involvement in international conflicts?

Isolationism

What was the Truman Doctrine?

A Cold War policy to contain the spread of communism.

What act limits the President’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval?

War Powers Act (1973)

What is the role of the National Security Council (NSC)?

To advise the President on national security and foreign policy.

What court case ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on elections?

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

What is dark money in politics?

Political donations from undisclosed sources.

What are swing states?

States that are closely contested in presidential elections.

What is the filibuster, and how can it be ended?

A Senate tactic to delay legislation; ended by a cloture vote (⅗ majority).