Gov Final

Quite litteraly just the study guide and notes answers

Conditions for Government

Conditions for Government

Population (must have inhabitants), Territory (must have land, boundaries, and control over boundaries), Sovereignty (must have absolute power to enact policies in the territory), Government (must have an institution through which society makes and enforces policies), Consent of the Governed (is a condition necessary for a democracy)

Revoking consent

Can be done violently or though civil disobedience (civilly).

Types of Government

• Democracy (U.S.) [, supreme political authority rests with the people], Republic (Canada) [Political power is exercised by representatives selected by voters.], Confederacy (EU) [the states act as independent nations with no central authority above each one], Oligarchy (North Korea) [Power is held by a small, usually self-appointed elite group], Theocracy (Iran) [Legal system based on religious law], Monarchy (Japan) [Sovereignty resides in one family], Dictatorship (Nazi Germany) [uthoritarian leadership holds absolute and unchallenged authority over people and military].

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Consent of the governed (States the purpose of why the revolution was happening. Later became a proclamation of what we (as a country) believe. It was the formal separation from Britain Establishes ideals for citizenship. 

Articles of Confederation

Weak central government (Established the first centralized government in the United States)

Constitution (1787)

Popular sovereignty and separation of powers (Put power in the hands of ordinary people)

Bill of Rights

Protects individual liberties (First 10 amendments to the Constitution. It meant to resolve controversies that emerged during ratification debates. Limited the powers of the central government.)

Preamble

Justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, liberty.

Limited Government

Constitution limits powers

Separation of Powers

Three branches with checks and balances

Federalism

Division of powers (Federal, State, Local).

Civil Rights

Protections from discrimination (Protection against government }Negative laws/rights} Protection against censorship)

Civil Liberties

Freedoms from government interference (Positive acts of government {Positive laws/rights})

1st Amendment

Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition. (Free Exercise Clause & Establishment Clause)

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable search and seizure. (Exclusionary Rule)

5th and 14th Amendments

Due process (right to remain silent) and equal protection

15th and 19th Amendments

Voting rights (race and gender)

Miranda v. Arizona

Rights during arrest (must be read your rights)

Citizens United v. FEC

Campaign finance

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Eliminated discriminatory voting practices.

Title IX

Gender equality in education.

Political Parties

Organize voters, support candidates, GOTV efforts

Campaign Finance

Role of PACs, Super PACs, and "dark money."

Elections

Primaries, caucuses, Electoral College.

Swing States

Crucial in determining election outcomes

Voting Rights Expansion

Amendments (15th, 19th, 26th).

Political Ideologies:

Liberal, conservative, libertarian

Political Socialization

Influences include family, education, religion, media

House of Representatives

435 members; 2-year terms (Powers: Revenue bills, impeachment, elect President if no Electoral College majority)

Senate

100 members; 6-year terms. (Powers: Ratify treaties, confirm appointments)

Legislative Process

1. Drafting.

2. Committee hearings.

3. Floor debates.

4. Vote.

5. Reconciliation.

6. President’s signature or veto

Budget and Spending

Mandatory vs. discretionary spending.

Filibuster and Cloture

Senate tactics for delaying or ending debates

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of district boundaries.

Requirements for President

35 years old, natural-born citizen, 2-term limit.

Key Powers

• Propose laws, veto, convene special sessions, and submit a budget.

• Issue executive orders (e.g., Emancipation Proclamation)

Limits on Powers

• Veto override by Congress.

• Executive orders overturned by courts or future Presidents.

Key Roles

• Chief Diplomat: Direct foreign policy.

• Commander in Chief: Military leadership.

• Head of State: Represent the nation symbolically.

• Economic Planner: Oversee federal budget and economy.