U.S. History PSCI 2305 Final Exam

What is the social contract theory?

People agree to be governed for protection of their rights.

What core values define American political culture?

Liberty, equality, and democracy.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

They created a weak national government.

What is popular sovereignty?

The government's power comes from the people.

Is the U.S. a direct democracy or a republic?

It's a republic where people elect representatives.

What did the Great Compromise create?

A two-house Congress: House by population, Senate equally.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It counted enslaved people as three-fifths for representation.

How does the Constitution limit government power?

With separation of powers and checks and balances.

Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported the Constitution; Anti-Federalists wanted a Bill of Rights.

How is the Constitution amended?

By 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of states.

What is federalism?

Shared power between federal and state governments.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It gives Congress implied powers to make laws.

What does the Tenth Amendment do?

It reserves powers to the states.

What is dual vs cooperative federalism?

Dual is separate powers; cooperative is shared responsibilities.

How do federal grants influence states?

They give money with conditions to shape policy.

What are civil liberties vs civil rights?

Liberties protect freedom; rights ensure equal treatment.

What is selective incorporation?

It applies the Bill of Rights to states via the 14th Amendment.

What are the two religion clauses?

Establishment bans official religion; free exercise protects belief.

Does free speech have limits?

Yes, like threats or inciting violence.

What is the right to privacy?

An implied right from several amendments.

What are Miranda rights?

Warnings about silence and counsel from the 5th and 6th Amendments.

What is the Equal Protection Clause?

It requires states to treat people equally.

What did Brown v. Board do?

It ended school segregation.

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 do?

It banned discrimination in public places and jobs.

What did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 do?

It banned racist voting laws and added federal oversight.

How is Congress structured?

House by population, Senate with 2 per state.

What is a filibuster?

A Senate delay tactic that can be ended by 60 votes.

How does a bill become a law?

It passes both houses and is signed by the President.

What are the President’s powers?

Commander-in-Chief, veto, appointments, treaties, and more.

What is an executive order?

A presidential directive with the force of law.

What is impeachment?

Congress can remove officials for high crimes.

How are federal judges chosen?

Appointed by President and confirmed by Senate for life.

What is judicial review?

Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws.

Why does public opinion matter?

It influences what officials do.

What is political socialization?

How people learn political values and beliefs.

What are agents of political socialization?

Family, school, media, peers, religion.

What is a political ideology?

A set of beliefs about government’s role.

How is public opinion measured?

With scientific polls using random sampling.

What are forms of political participation?

Voting, protesting, contacting officials, volunteering.

What affects voter turnout?

Education, age, income, interest, and barriers.

How does U.S. turnout compare?

Lower than other democracies, especially in midterms.

Which amendments expanded voting?

15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th.

What is political efficacy?

Belief that your actions matter in politics.

What do political parties do?

They organize elections and run government.

Why only two major parties?

Winner-take-all elections discourage third parties.

What is party polarization?

Parties are more divided and less willing to compromise.

What is an interest group?

An organization that influences policy.

What is lobbying?

Persuading officials to support policies.

What is the free rider problem?

People benefit without contributing to a group.

What roles does the media play?

Watchdog, agenda-setter, and informer.

What is agenda-setting?

Media shapes what issues people focus on.

What is framing?

Media influences how we interpret issues.

How has social media changed politics?

It spread news fast and lets people speak directly.

What is the equal-time rule?

Stations must give candidates equal airtime.

What are the policy-making stages?

Agenda, formulate, adopt, implement, evaluate.

What is fiscal vs monetary policy?

Fiscal is taxing/spending; monetary is money supply.

What do bureaucracies do?

They carry out and enforce laws.

Who handles foreign policy?

The President leads, but Congress shares power.

What are domestic/economic policy tools?

Programs, spending, regulation, and monetary control.