Review of Domestic and Foreign Policy, Judiciary Branch

A comprehensive set of flashcards reviewing key concepts from domestic policy, foreign policy, and the judicial branch.

What are three key features of a capitalist/free-market economy?

Private ownership, prices set by supply and demand, and competition with profit motive.

How did Adam Smith describe the free-market system?

An 'invisible hand' guides individuals pursuing self-interest to benefit the whole economy.

Name three examples of free-market failures.

Pollution (externalities), monopolies, and underprovided public goods.

How can governments fix free-market failures?

By regulating, taxing, and providing public goods.

What is fiscal policy?

Government changes taxes and spending to influence the economy.

What is monetary policy?

Central bank controls money supply and interest rates to manage economic growth.

What steps does Keynesian economics suggest for a slowing economy?

Increase government spending and cut taxes.

What is entitlement spending?

Mandatory spending based on eligibility, like Social Security and Medicare.

What is discretionary spending?

Spending decided yearly by Congress, like defense and education budgets.

What is horizontal equity in taxation?

People with similar incomes pay similar taxes.

What is vertical equity in taxation?

People with higher incomes pay higher taxes.

What defines a 'night-watchman' state?

A government that only protects rights with minimal intervention.

What defines a 'nanny-state'?

A government that actively regulates and provides social welfare.

Why is Social Security a concern?

Because fewer workers pay into it while more retirees receive benefits.

Name three possible solutions to Social Security’s problems

Raise taxes, raise retirement age, or reduce benefits.

What problems did AFDC have?

Created dependency and high costs.

How did TANF try to fix AFDC’s problems?

By adding work requirements and time limits on benefits.

What role did the Framers envision for the president in foreign affairs?

Significant power as commander in chief and chief diplomat.

How have presidential foreign policy powers changed over time?

Presidents have gained more informal powers and latitude.

What role did the Framers give Congress in foreign affairs?

Congress controls war declarations, treaties, and funding.

How does the U.S. Senate influence foreign policy?

The Senate approves treaties and confirms key foreign policy appointments.

What are the main bureaucratic agencies involved in foreign policy?

State Department, Defense Department, Homeland Security, and Commerce Department.

What is the key assumption of Realism in foreign policy?

States act in their own self-interest to gain power.

What is the primary goal of Realism?

To protect national security and maintain power.

What are the key assumptions of classical Liberalism?

Cooperation, rule of law, and importance of institutions.

What is Democratic Peace Theory?

Democracies are less likely to fight each other due to shared norms.

How does isolationism differ from internationalism?

Isolationism avoids entanglement; internationalism supports engagement.

What is the Supreme Court’s role in foreign affairs?

It reviews cases but defers to the executive and Congress.

Why were the courts called the 'least dangerous branch'?

They have no control over money or military.

What has changed about the power of the courts in recent times?

Courts have become more partisan and powerful.

What is the general purpose of the federal courts?

To mediate disputes, interpret laws, and ensure justice.

What do federal courts decide between?

Conflicts between individuals and between branches of government.

Constitutional Interpretation by Courts

What kind of interpretation do federal courts provide? Interpretation of the Constitution and federal laws.

Is the constitutional right to judicial review explicitly stated or implied?

It is implied, not explicitly stated.

Why was the Judiciary Act of 1789 important?

It created the federal court system and defined jurisdictions.

What is the organization and purpose of Federal District Courts?

Trial courts organized by geographic districts.

What is the organization and purpose of Federal Appeals Courts?

They review district court decisions.

How do Supreme Court judges get their jobs?

They are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

How do Supreme Court judges keep their jobs?

They serve for life unless they resign, retire, or are impeached.

Why are Supreme Court judges considered independent?

Due to lifetime appointments and protections from salary reduction.

What are the two main types of jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

Original and appellate jurisdiction.

Requirements for Supreme Court Cases

It must involve a federal question (Issue of federal law/constitution), must have standing (actual injury to the person suing), and rule of four (at least four justices agree)

What are informal requirements for Supreme Court cases?

Standing, ripeness, mootness, and broad importance.

What happens during the Supreme Court hearing?

Justices hear oral arguments and ask questions.

What is the macro theory in judicial decisions?

It considers broader political and social factors.

What is the micro theory in judicial decisions?

It focuses on individual justices’ beliefs and values.

What are the different types of Court decisions?

Majority opinion, concurring opinion, and dissenting opinion.

How does the Supreme Court make policy?

By interpreting laws and the Constitution.

How does Congress check the Court?

By passing laws and approving justices.

How does the President check the Court?

By nominating justices.

What is the main check on the Supreme Court?

Constitutional amendments and limits on enforcement.

How is the Nevada court system organized?

It includes district courts, appellate courts, and a state supreme court.

How does electing judges affect the judicial process?

It increases accountability but risks politicizing.

How does Nevada elect judges?

Through nonpartisan elections.

What is an alternative to electing judges?

Merit-based appointment systems.

Has Nevada considered alternatives to judicial elections?

Yes, merit selection has been discussed.

Federal Courts vs Circuit and Supreme Court

District courts hold trials; appeals courts review; Supreme Court is the highest.

Civil Law vs Common Law

Civil law uses written codes; common law relies on judicial decisions.

Judicial Review Importance

It invalidates unconstitutional laws, protecting democracy.

What are majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions?

Majority sets the law; only majority carries weight.

What are strict constructionist perspective

Narrow. Focuses on the literal words: "persons, houses, papers, and effects.

Judicial Activism vs Restraint

Activism makes new policy; restraint defers to legislature.

How do Congress, the Court, and the President interact in checks and balances?

Congress makes laws; President nominates judges; Court interprets.

What are two benefits and two drawbacks of judicial elections?

Benefits: accountability; Drawbacks: politicization.

What remedy have many states adopted to address judicial election concerns?

Merit-based appointment systems.

Originalist perspective

Focused on history and its original intent/public meaning

Modern

Focus on today, flexible interpretation of laws and precedents, adapting to societal changes.