college us gov. v1

socialize the young

instill in children knowledge of and pride in the nation and its political system and values; prepare and teach the next generations

government public services

Services offered by the government to provide security and protection for citizens and businesses, paid by tax $. (i. e., first responders, transportation, etc.)

Harold Lasswell's definition of politics

the struggle over who gets what, when, and how

political apathy

who votes and why? ages 18-25 less likely to vote (don't care or don't think they have an effect), ages 65-84 more likely (need healthcare, medicare/aid, older ppl in office)
**lack of interest/participation in politics

elite & class theory

A belief that certain groups hold disproportionate power in a political system- only people with money, power, fame, etc. can make changes

hyperpluralism theory

a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened, everyone wants their way

pluralist theory

A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies.

public policy

A choice that government makes in response to a political issue. A policy is a course of action taken with regard to some problem. (ex: Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

challenges to democracy

Increased complexity of issues, limited participation in government, escalating campaign costs, and diverse political interests.

constituents

the people who are represented by elected officials, elect one into office/vote

Hobbes

(Grouchy) English philosopher and political theorist best known for his book Leviathan (1651), in which he argues that the only way to secure civil society is through universal submission to the absolute authority (monarchy) of a sovereign and people must be controlled.

John Locke

17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property. "Gov. exists to protect natural rights"

Montesquieu

French political philosopher who advocated the separation of executive and legislative and judicial powers (1689-1755)
Legislative MAKES laws
Executive ENFORCES laws
Judicial INTERPRETS laws
*checks and balances

Voltaire

(1694-1778) French philosopher. He believed that freedom of speech was the best weapon against bad government. He also spoke out against the corruption of the French government, and the intolerance of the Catholic Church. **free speech, religious toleration, intellectual freedom

Rosseau

"The Social Contract", people are born good but environment and education corrupts them
-what is good for everyone is MORE important than individual good

Adam Smith

'The Wealth of Nations' described capitalism, competition and division of labor guide free-market, based on self-interest

Niccolò Machiavelli, 'The Prince'

"father of modern politics", Italian political advisor
Is it better to be loved or feared? Thought being feared was better.
Taught to rulers/princes:
It's okay to tell people what they want to hear even if it's not true/meant, It's okay to pretend to be someone you're not, It's okay to make promises you don't intend to keep

political platform

Formal declaration of the principles and policies of a political party.

Mayflower Compact

1620 - The first agreement for self-government in America. It was signed by the 41 men on the Mayflower and set up a government for the Plymouth colony.

Magna Carta (1215)

An English document drawn up by nobles under King John which limited the power of the king. It has influenced later constitutional documents in Britain and America.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

person can burn the American flag for symbolic speech purposes

The French & Indian War (7 years war)

(1754-1763) War fought in the colonies between the English and the French for possession of the Ohio Valley area. The English won.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

The fundamental document establishing the US as an independent nation-July 4, 1776. It declared the 13 colonies independent from Britain; "breakup letter" with England, before constitution

The english heritage

the power of ideas

natural rights

inherent in human beings, not dependent on government

consent of the governed

The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people. (People are in charge)

Limited Government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Articles of Confederation

A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War. Ratified 1781; confederation created among 13 states and former colonies
Had few powers, no president or national court system. The power rested in the states: failed because there was no power to tax

State that had a plan- representation should only be based on population

Virginia

John Jay

One of the authors of the Federalist Papers

writ of habeas corpus

A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody. (The right to go before a judge/know why you're being detained)

Connecticut Compromise

Virginia wanted more senators to match population, New Jersey wanted equal amount- compromise suggested 2 senators per state, house of representatives by population (435)

Three-Fifths compromise

led to one of deadliest wars in U.S, counted slaves

No bills of attainder

can't pick on certain groups, discrimination

ex post facto

cannot change laws then punish offender after

evidence for conviction

beyond reasonable doubt

federalists

supported new constitution; alexander hamilton, john jay, james madison

antifederalists

opposed to new constitution, believed it was enemy to freedom

federalism

organizing a nation so that 2 or more levels of government have formal authority over same land & people

political politician

voting, attending town rallies/hall, support campaigns, run for office, protest peacefully

full faith & credit clause

requires each state to recognize licenses, records, etc.

extradition

requires state to surrender person charged with crime alleged to state

concurrent powers

states cannot sign treaties with foreign country, only national government (not concurrent)
national government taxes you and state government taxes you (concurrent)

supremacy clause

US constitution is supreme, national government in charge
states have freedom to make own laws as long as they don't conflict constitution

implied powers (McCulloch v. Maryland 1819)

federal government created a bank in Maryland, it is implied that the bank doesn't pay taxes
bf/gf/couple: it is implied that you're nice to each other/ treat each other well

enumerated powers

couple scenario: "i don't want you talking to them"

Commerce Power (Gibbons v. Ogden 1824)

Federal government has exclusive power over interstate commerce

Categorial grants

used for specific purposes, required formula/qualifications to get grant (distribution of federal money)

Block grants

automatic, support community development (distribution of federal money)

devolution

transfers responsibility for policies from federal to state/local government
*city to county to state to national government

privileges & immunities clause

can't have favorites/ discriminate against citizens, give all US citizens same treatment