GOV OST PREP

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak federal government and gave most powers to the individual states. It was eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

U.S Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, adopted in 1787, established a strong federal government and outlined the structure of the American political system.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution that outlines the reasons for its adoption and the goals of the government it establishes.

Articles of the Constitution

The first seven articles of the U.S. Constitution that define the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. This principle ensures a system of checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with specific powers to limit the others.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states, allowing for both national and state governance.

Limited Government

A political system where the powers of the government are restricted by law, typically through a constitution, to protect individual rights and liberties.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable to the laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.

Federalist

A political group that advocated for a strong national government and supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the need for a powerful central authority to maintain order and unity.

Anti-Federalist

A political group that opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, fearing that a strong national government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty. Wanted the bill of rights.

Amendment Ratification Process

2/3 of the house and senate, then 3/4 of the state legislators

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee fundamental rights and liberties to individuals, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system.

Reconstruction Amendments (13,14,15)

The three amendments to the U.S. Constitution enacted after the Civil War, aimed at establishing rights for former slaves and addressing issues of citizenship and voting rights.

Prohibition Amendments (18,21)

The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, while the 21st Amendment repealed this prohibition, effectively restoring the legal status of alcohol.

Presidential Amendments (12,20,22,25)

The amendments related to the presidential election process and the presidential succession, which address issues such as electors, terms of office, and the procedures for dealing with presidential disabilities.

Suffrage/Voting Amendments (15,19,23,24,26)

The amendments that expanded voting rights in the United States, eliminating barriers such as race, gender, poll taxes, and age restrictions for citizens 18 years and older.

Progressive Amendments (16,17,18,19)

The amendments aimed at addressing social and political reform issues, including the income tax (16th), direct election of senators (17th), prohibition of alcohol (18th), and women's suffrage (19th).

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch of the U.S. government, detailing the powers and responsibilities of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Makes the Laws

This phrase refers to the primary function of the legislative branch, as outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, where Congress is responsible for creating legislation that governs the country.

Bicameral Legislature

A system of government in which the legislature consists of two separate chambers, typically a House and a Senate, as seen in the U.S. Congress.

House Qualifications

The requirements that individuals must meet to be eligible for election to the House of Representatives, which include being at least 25 years old, a citizen of the U.S. for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent.

Senate Qualifications

The criteria necessary for individuals to be elected to the Senate, including being at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent.

Term Length of House and Senate

Members of the House serve two-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms.

Special Duties of House and Senate

Both chambers of Congress have unique responsibilities, such as the House's power to initiate revenue bills and impeach officials, while the Senate approves treaties and confirms presidential appointments.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

The process by which a proposed legislation is debated, modified, and approved by both chambers of Congress before being signed by the President to become law.

Powers of Congress

The powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the ability to tax, regulate commerce, declare war, and make legislation necessary for carrying out its functions.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for Congress to carry out its enumerated powers, derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government by the Constitution and are instead reserved for the states, such as establishing local governments and conducting elections.

Gerrymandering

The practice of redrawing electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group by manipulating district shapes.

Gridlock

A situation in which political parties fail to reach agreement, leading to a slowdown or halt in the legislative process, often due to opposing views in divided government.

Expansionary Policy

Economic policy aimed at increasing demand, often through government spending or lowering taxes to boost economic growth.

Contractionary Policy

Economic policy aimed at reducing demand, often through higher taxes or decreased government spending to control inflation.

Fiscal Policy

Government strategy regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Government Spending

Expenditures by the government on goods and services, aimed at stimulating economic activity and providing public services.

Taxes

Compulsory financial charges imposed by the government on individuals or businesses to fund public services and infrastructure.

Revenue

Money collected by the government through taxes and other sources, used to fund public services and programs.

 Government Deficit

The amount by which government spending exceeds its revenue over a specific period, often leading to the need for borrowing.

Recession

A significant decline in economic activity across the economy lasting longer than a few months, typically identified by a decrease in GDP, employment, and spending.

Supply and Demand

An economic model describing the relationship between the quantity of a good that producers are willing to sell and the quantity that consumers are willing to buy, determining prices in a market.

Monetary Policy

The process by which a central bank manages the money supply and interest rates to influence economic activity and stabilize the economy.

Money Supply

The total amount of monetary assets available in an economy at a specific time, including cash, coins, and balances held in checking and savings accounts.

Inflation

A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over time.

Unemployment

The state of being jobless and actively seeking employment. It is typically measured as a percentage of the labor force.

Discount Rate

The interest rate charged by central banks on loans to commercial banks, affecting money supply and economic activity.

Reserved Requirments

Funds that banks must hold in reserve against deposits, ensuring liquidity and stability in the banking system.

Article II

of the United States Constitution outlines the executive branch, including the powers of the President and the administration of federal laws.

Enforces/Executes the Law

The President, as the head of the executive branch, is responsible for enforcing and executing federal laws, ensuring they are implemented and obeyed.

Vice Presidents

are the second-highest executives in the U.S. government, supporting the President and assuming office if the President is unable to serve.

Qualifications for President and Vice President

The qualifications for the President and Vice President of the United States include being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

Term Length and Limit

The term length for the President of the United States is four years, with a limit of two terms as established by the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution.

Presidential Primary Election

A preliminary election in which voters select delegates to the national party conventions, determining the candidates for the general election.

Presidential General Election

The presidential general election is held every four years, allowing voters to select among the candidates nominated by their parties, ultimately determining the next President and Vice President of the United States.

Popular Vote

The total number of votes cast by the electorate for candidates in an election, as opposed to the electoral votes awarded.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President based on the popular votes in each state.

Presidential Powers

The powers granted to the President of the United States by the Constitution, including the ability to enact laws, conduct foreign policy, and act as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

President Roles

The various responsibilities and functions attributed to the President of the United States, including being the head of state, head of government, and Commander-in-Chief.

Domestic Policy

Policies related to issues within a country, such as health care, education, and environmental regulations.

Foreign Policy

The strategies and decisions made by a nation in its interactions with other countries, addressing issues such as trade, diplomacy, and military relations.

Executive Departments

The specialized units within the executive branch of the federal government that administer specific areas of public policy, government functions, and services. Each department is headed by a Secretary who is a member of the President's Cabinet.

Presidential Succession

The line of individuals designated to assume the presidency in the event that the sitting president is unable to fulfill their duties, due to resignation, death, or incapacitation. This succession is outlined in the Presidential Succession Act.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet is composed of the heads of the executive departments, who advise the President on issues related to their respective areas of responsibility and help implement federal policies.

Impeachment

The process by which a sitting president, vice president, or other civil officer of the United States can be charged with misconduct. It involves an investigation by the House of Representatives and, if passed, a trial in the Senate for possible removal from office.

Article III

of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the federal government, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Interprets the Law

is the primary function of the judicial branch, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently, and resolving disputes under the law.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, established under Article III of the Constitution, with the authority to interpret federal laws and the Constitution.

Number of Supreme Court Justices

There are nine justices on the Supreme Court, including one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices, responsible for hearing cases and making decisions on significant legal issues.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

is the head of the Supreme Court, responsible for presiding over court proceedings and leading the administration of the judiciary.

Process of Choosing Federal Judges

The method by which federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring that judges are appointed based on merit and political considerations.

Judges Length of Terms

Federal judges serve lifetime appointments, remaining in office until they resign, retire, or are removed through impeachment.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution, enabling them to invalidate unlawful governmental actions.

Precedent

A legal principle established in previous court decisions that serves as an authoritative rule in future cases, guiding judges in their rulings.

Federal Court System (District, Appeals, & Supreme)

The hierarchical structure of courts in the United States, consisting of District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court, each with distinct roles in the judicial process.

Political Spectrum

A system that classifies political beliefs and ideologies on a continuum from left (liberal) to right (conservative), illustrating the range of viewpoints in a society.

Conservative & Liberal

Refers to political ideologies where conservatives typically advocate for traditional values and limited government intervention, while liberals promote social equality and expanded government role in addressing social issues.

Interest /Advocacy Groups & Lobbying

Organizations that seek to influence government policy and decision-making by representing specific interests or causes, often employing lobbying tactics to persuade lawmakers.

Credibility of Source Material/Bias

The assessment of the reliability and impartiality of information or evidence presented in a given source. It evaluates the motivations behind the source and its potential impact on the information conveyed.

Compromise/ Negotiation/ Consensus/ Persuasion

The process of reaching an agreement through discussion and mutual concessions among parties with differing views, often necessary for resolving conflicts or making decisions in a political context.

Negotiation

A process of settling differences through a discussion of issues

Consensus Building

Process of working toward achieving general agreement within a group

Persuasion

Process of inducing (convincing) others into accepting a point of view by means of reasoning and argumentation.

Compromise

Process of making concessions (giving something up) to settle differences.