American politics

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery in the United States.

14th Amendment

Guarantees citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Grants voting rights regardless of race.

17th Amendment

Provides for the direct election of U.S. senators.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

23rd Amendment

Allocates electoral votes for the District of Columbia.

26th Amendment

Established the voting age as 18 years.

Electoral Participation

Involvement in democratic processes such as voting.

Campaign Finance

Regulates contributions, PACs, and Super PACs in political campaigns.

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation in Congress based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation for each state in Congress.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature combining both population-based and equal representation.

Functions of Interest Groups

Influence policy, lobby, educate, and mobilize voters.

Sources of Power for Interest Groups

Money, size, unity, expertise, and access to media.

Single-Issue Groups

Interest groups that focus exclusively on one specific issue.

Political Party

An organized group that seeks to elect candidates to public office.

U.S. Political Parties

The two dominant parties are the Democrats and Republicans.

First Amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Voter Participation Factors

Includes education, income, age, race, party identification, and policy issues.

Magna Carta

An early document that limited the power of the king and established due process.

Federal System

Division of powers between national and state governments.

Civil Rights

Protect against discrimination based on race, gender, etc.

Civil Liberties

Guaranteed freedoms, such as speech and privacy.

Congressional Committees

Groups that divide the workload and specialize in specific areas.

Quorum

Minimum number of members needed to conduct business in Congress.

Implied Presidential Powers

Include executive orders, emergency powers, and diplomatic recognition.

Declaration of Independence

Asserted the United States' separation from Great Britain.

First Three U.S. Presidents

George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson.

Modern Presidency

Characterized by increased executive power and media use.

Articles of Confederation

Failed due to a weak central government without tax or enforcement power.

Shared Powers

Powers that are exercised by both the national and state governments.

First Congress

Established in 1789 in New York City.

Supreme Court Composition

The size is determined by Congress; presently, it consists of 9 justices.

Checks and Balances

System ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Senate Conviction Requirement

Requires a two-thirds majority to convict an impeached official.

Bureaucracy Structure

Hierarchical organization of task-specialized government agencies.

Spoils System

Practice of awarding government jobs to political supporters.

Pendleton Act

Established merit-based hiring for government positions.

Civil Service Reform Act (1978)

Modernized the bureaucracy, focusing on merit and accountability.

Public Opinion

The collective views of citizens on political and policy issues.

PACs

Political Action Committees that contribute limited funds directly to candidates.

Super PACs

Independent expenditure-only committees that can spend unlimited funds.

Campaign Finance Laws

Regulations that monitor spending and contributions in elections.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, possibly leading to gerrymandering.

Freedom of Press

Protects journalistic expression and limits government censorship.

VP’s Role

Acts as President of the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes.

Freedom of Press Impact

Encourages government accountability and limits control over the media.

VP’s Executive Role

Advises the President and is part of the National Security Council.