State and Local Gov. Midterm Index Cards

Why do political parties analyze voter registration numbers in each Election District?

They analyze voter registration numbers to better understand their election districts, learning about the statistics of each political party within the districts, this helps with gerrymandering.

  While not a problem here in New York explain how, through the course of history to the present day, local election officials have discouraged voting rights to remain in power.

Local election officials may discourage voting rights to keep certain groups from gaining political traction or influence and maintaining control.

What does the expression 'The Governor has his/her own Army' refer to?

It refers to the national guard, which the governor can activate during emergencies.

How would you define the 'Police Powers' of a municipality?

They include parking violations, building codes, inspection violations, and local zoning.

Who was 'Jim Crow' and what does he represent?

Jim Crow was a mythical character representing segregation, literacy tests, poll taxes, and sharecropping.

Where do municipalities go to borrow money for capital projects?

They sell bonds through Wall Street brokerages.

What is the concept of a 'Pink Tax'?

It is a sales tax on feminine hygiene products or women's products.

What is Gerrymandering?

It is the remapping of election districts to benefit a political party or politician.

What are the revenue sources of a 'Sin' or 'Luxury' Tax?

Taxes on unnecessary or luxury purchases such as cigarettes, liquor, alcohol, and gambling.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause of Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution?

Necessary and Proper Clause is necessary because the vagueness of this clause added to the Constitution gave Congress the flexibility needed to interpret document and made it more practical for future interpretation.

When examining a municipal budget what are capitol expenses?

Capitol expenses ate projects we borrow money for, with intention of using the project to pay back overtime. Example: toll bridges.

Why are the Attorney General and local District Attorney defined as representing 'We The People'?

This is because the Attorney General and District Attorney are meant to represent the government on behalf of the people within their jurisdiction. They are supposed to represent the best interest of society.

What does Aristotle and Bernie Sanders refer to in an oligarchic form of government?

Wealthy elites running the government.

What was the purpose of the 'Green Book' during Jim Crow?

It provided safe travel information for African Americans, listing safe restaurants and hotels. It was against Jim Crow Laws.

What are the three steps to electing a president in the United States?

Receive petition signatures, go through primaries, campaign, and win 270 electoral votes.

What happens when the government ignores 'quality of life' issues?

People will start speaking out against the government.

Why do we have a census?

To understand population and better represent people in the state, local, and federal government.

What is the most volatile source of revenue for local municipalities?

Sales tax, as it generates significant revenue from all purchases. All purchases have a county and sales tax.

What was the significance of John Locke's statement on 'Life, Liberty, and the right to own property'?

It introduced the idea of natural rights. Prior people didn't have the right to own property, speak out against gov. etc.

What is patronage in government?

Jobs that new officials can distribute when they take office. When a new mayor takes office they get to hire new department heads, then those people may have the opportunity to hire people under them.

Why were governors given little authority after the creation of the new republic?

After creation of new republic, various governors were given little authority because society feared a strong executive power. After fighting the revolution because a King had to much control and say, the people wanted to get away from that.

What is the purpose of a primary election?

To choose one nominee per political party for the election.

How did Hurricane Sandy's damage to homes affect municipalities' income?

When a house is unlivable, such as some were after the storms, the property tax largely decreases until the house is fix and able to be lived in. Local government lost millions in revenue.

Why did states insist on a Bill of Rights before ratifying the second U.S. Constitution?

States wanted protection for themselves and the people. They wanted rights for the people. Prior to this they were not able to "speak out against the crown" without fear of consequence, which would be jailtime with no specific charges or length of time.

What was the significance of the Supreme Court decision of Plessy v. Ferguson?

Significance of this case was it set the tone for segregation, poll taxes, share cropping, literacy tests, etc.

What is the formal process for a candidate to get on the November ballot?

Must get signatures on a petition, if someone from same political party is running as well than they will need to do a primary election. Then they can campaign and gain support from the public to get their vote when election ballots come out.