Political Culture and Government Structure

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on American political values, the founding and the constitution, the structure of federalism, civil liberties, the presidency, bureaucracy, and domestic and foreign policy.

What defines political culture in the United States?

Shared beliefs, values, and norms about citizens’ relationships with government.

What is a core American political value?

Liberty.

Do Americans generally feel politically powerless?

False. Many feel they can influence government.

What does civic duty refer to?

Participating in political and community life.

What factor most strongly shapes political opinions?

Family and social groups.

What does American political culture emphasize?

Individualism over collective responsibility.

What does political ideology help citizens do?

Simplify complex political issues.

Do Americans' views on equality vary?

True. Opinions vary by race, gender, class, and region.

What type of government did the Articles of Confederation create?

Weak central government; most power was held by the states.

What system did the Constitution establish?

Federalism.

What do the Bill of Rights protect?

Individual liberties.

What was the Great Compromise?

Created a two-house legislature.

What does the Supremacy Clause ensure?

Federal laws override state laws.

What allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional?

Judicial review.

What did Federalists support?

Ratification and a strong national government.

What does the Tenth Amendment reserve?

Powers not delegated to the national government to the states or the people.

What is dual federalism also known as?

Layer cake federalism.

What is a concurrent power?

Taxation.

What are grants-in-aid?

Federal funds given to states.

What is cooperative federalism also called?

Marble cake.

What gives states more discretion, block grants or categorical grants?

Block grants.

Do other countries use federal systems?

False. Federalism exists in multiple countries.

What do civil liberties protect individuals from?

Government interference.

Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches?

The Fourth Amendment.

Is freedom of speech absolute in the U.S.?

False.

What does selective incorporation refer to?

Gradual application of the Bill of Rights to the states.

Is the right to privacy explicitly written in the Constitution?

False.

What does the Miranda rule ensure?

Suspects are informed of their rights.

What does the First Amendment protect?

Religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Which case established the clear and present danger principle?

Schenck v. United States.

What is the president's role regarding the government?

Head of state and head of government.

What is a formal power of the president?

Vetoing legislation.

Do executive orders have legal authority?

True.

What does the cabinet refer to?

Heads of major federal departments.

What does the War Powers Resolution do?

Limits the president’s power to commit troops abroad.

What is the president's significant power in foreign affairs?

Negotiating treaties.

Can the president be impeached?

True, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Which presidential role allows influence in legislation?

Chief Legislator.

What does bureaucracy refer to?

Complex organization of government offices, tasks, and rules.

Which is an example of a government corporation?

USPS.

Are bureaucrats elected by the public?

False.

What replaced the spoils system?

Pendleton Civil Service Act.

Does bureaucracy only serve the president's interests?

False.

What are regulatory agencies responsible for?

Enforcing rules to protect the public.

Does social policy promote welfare and equality?

True.

What program provides health insurance to the elderly?

Medicare.

Did the Affordable Care Act expand coverage?

True.

What does fiscal policy involve?

Government spending and taxation.

Is unemployment insurance a mandatory program?

False.

What does SNAP provide?

Food assistance.

Does domestic policy only affect the economy?

False.

What is the purpose of progressive taxation?

Redistribute wealth.

What is the main goal of U.S. foreign policy?

To protect national security and American interests.

Who are the primary actors in foreign policy?

President, State Department, Defense Department.

Was the United Nations created after World War II?

True.

What is NATO?

A military alliance.

Who has the power to recognize foreign governments?

The president.

What does soft power refer to?

Influence through diplomacy, culture, and values.

Are economic sanctions a tool of foreign policy?

True.

Which branch has primary responsibility for war and defense policy?

Executive branch.