chapters 1-5 intro to american pols UTSA

political culture

The shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that hold a society together and define the relationship between citizens and government.

core values of American political culture

Liberty, equality, and democracy.

political efficacy

The belief that ordinary citizens can influence government and politics.

digital citizenship

The ability to participate in society and politics online in a responsible and effective way.

Types of Government

Authoritarian, Totalitarian, and Democracy based on how much power the people have.

Purpose of the Declaration of Independence

To declare independence from Britain and justify it by citing natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. Constitution, which created a weak central government with limited powers.

Constitutional Convention

To revise the Articles, which led to the drafting of a new Constitution.

Great Compromise

Agreement creating a bicameral legislature with Senate (equal representation) and House (population-based).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.

Separation of Powers

Division of government power among executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has powers to limit the other branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between national and state governments.

Dual Federalism

Also called 'layer cake' federalism; national and state governments are seen as distinct.

Cooperative Federalism

Also called 'marble cake'; national and state governments work together on programs.

devolution

The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

Categorical vs. Block Grants

Categorical grants are for specific purposes; block grants offer broader spending flexibility.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce.

civil liberties

Individual freedoms protected from government interference, mainly in the Bill of Rights.

incorporation doctrine

The application of the Bill of Rights to the states via the 14th Amendment.

Establishment Clause

Prohibits the government from establishing an official religion.

Free Exercise Clause

Protects individuals' right to practice their religion freely.

exclusionary rule

Prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in court.

Miranda Rights

Rights that must be read to suspects, including the right to remain silent and to an attorney.

civil rights

Government-protected rights ensuring equal treatment under the law.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment guaranteeing all citizens equal protection under the law.

difference between de jure and de facto discrimination

De jure is by law; de facto is by practice or social norms.

affirmative action

Policies aimed at increasing representation of historically disadvantaged groups.

Brown v. Board of Education

Ended legal segregation in public schools.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Legalized same-sex marriage under the 14th Amendment.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Confirmed the supremacy of national over state government and established implied powers.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Reinforced federal authority over interstate commerce.

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

Ruled school-sponsored prayer unconstitutional.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Protected flag burning as symbolic speech under the First Amendment.

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Extended the exclusionary rule to the states.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Required police to inform suspects of their rights.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, ending legal school segregation.

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Guaranteed same-sex marriage rights nationwide.