last poli sci review

Balanced Society

The framers generally wanted a society where power and resources are distributed evenly.

Definition of Tyranny

All powers concentrated in one place.

Election of the Senate

Members of the Senate are now elected instead of appointed.

Privatization of Prisons

Considered a bad thing by many.

Opponents of Gun Rights

They focus on the first part of the 2nd amendment.

2010 Supreme Court Ruling

All restrictions on corporate speech related to First Amendment rights were lifted.

Party Demanding Diversity

Democrats have a greater demand for diversity.

Modern-Day Conservative Republicans

They would oppose initiatives like the New Deal and the Great Society.

17th Amendment

Changed the election of senators.

Gerrymandering Motivation

Motivated by the Voting Rights Act.

Length of Senate Term

6 years.

Minimum Age to Serve in House

25 years.

Cloture

A vote to end filibusters in the House.

Most Power in the House

The Speaker.

Most Power in the Senate (formally)

The Vice President.

Most Power in the Senate (in practice)

The President pro tempore.

Bicameral Legislature

Framers thought a single legislature would become too powerful.

Which is More Stable

The Senate is considered more stable.

Powers of Congress

Not declaring laws of the constitution; that falls to the Supreme Court.

House vs. Senate Organization

The House is more organized due to its size.

Role of Whips

To see who will vote for a person and conduct a whip count.

Difference between Standing and Special Committees

Standing committees are permanent and more powerful; special committees are temporary and less powerful.

Passing a Bill

An intricate process, designed to be complex.

Past US Presidents

All have been male and white until Obama; all were Protestant until 1960.

Natural Born Citizen Requirement

Yes, required to be president.

Executive and Commander in Chief

The President.

Vice President’s Role

takes over the role of president of the United States if the president is unable to

Serving More than Two Terms

FDR is the only president who served more than two terms.

22nd Amendment (1951)

No more than two terms are allowed to be served.

Succession Rules

President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore, Cabinet Secretaries.

Lame Duck Meaning

A time when the current president has little power as everyone waits for the next one.

Prior Experience in Congress

Helps in the presidency due to knowledge of operations and relationships.

Before 2016, US Presidents

All had formal political or military experience; Trump was the first without.

Impeachment Grounds

The president can be impeached for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

Senate Consent Required For

Treaties, appointments, and nominations.

Presidential Unilateral Action

Can use executive agreements, grant pardons, and issue executive orders.

President’s Economic Goal

Low unemployment and inflation.

FRB (Federal Reserve Board)

Decides interest rates to control inflation.

Honeymoon Phase

Initial period in presidency where approval is high due to lack of controversy.

Judicial Branch Description

Called the least dangerous branch.

Judicial Power Expansion

Expanded to include judicial review.

Judicial Branch and Democracy

The least democratic branch as judges are appointed, not elected.

Adversarial vs. Inquisitorial System

The inquisitorial system seeks to discover the truth, unlike an adversarial approach.

Legal Tradition

Based on common law.

Difference between Original and Appeals Cases

Original cases examine the act itself while appeals review prior decisions.

Federal vs. State Court

Determined by jurisdiction.

Supreme Court Description

An appeals court with 9 justices; its structure isn't outlined in the Constitution.

Judge Requirements

There are no formal requirements, but qualifications matter.

Supreme Court Precedent

not bound to follow precedent.

Judicial Restraint vs. Activism

Restraint relies on precedent; activism may go against it.