US Government Exam Review

Flashcards from lecture notes on US government and politics.

What is a political party?

An organization that seeks to influence government by nominating candidates and winning elections.

What are the main goals of political parties?

Win elections, implement policy, gain power, represent constituents.

Name three nontraditional political parties.

Libertarian, Green, Constitution.

What is a divided government?

When different parties control the presidency and Congress.

What is the Electoral College?

A system that elects the president via 538 state-based electoral votes.

How is a state's electoral vote count determined?

Number of Representatives + 2 Senators.

Which agency regulates federal campaigns?

Federal Election Commission (FEC).

What is a PAC?

A group that pools donations and gives money to campaigns.

What is mass media?

Channels that communicate with large audiences (TV, radio, etc.).

What are the roles of the media?

Inform public, shape opinion, act as watchdog, set agenda.

What is agenda setting in media?

Media influence on which issues get public attention.

What is economic policy?

Government action to influence the economy.

What is fiscal policy?

Use of taxes and spending to manage the economy.

What is monetary policy?

Control of money supply and interest rates by the Federal Reserve.

What is Keynesian economics?

The idea that government should increase spending in downturns.

What does the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) do?

Prepares the President's budget and oversees agencies.

What does the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) do?

Gives nonpartisan budget analysis to Congress.

Who prepares the Executive Budget?

The President and the OMB.

What is the Federal Reserve?

The central bank that manages monetary policy and financial stability.

What is trade policy?

Government strategy for international trade.

What is free trade policy?

Trade with minimal restrictions.

What is protectionist policy?

Use of tariffs and quotas to protect local industries.

Define tariffs, imports, and exports.

Tariffs = taxes on imports; Imports = goods from other countries; Exports = goods sold abroad.

What is domestic policy?

Government plans that affect internal national issues.

What is Congress's role in domestic policy?

Pass laws, control funding, conduct oversight.

What is the President's role in domestic policy?

Propose laws, issue orders, submit budget.

What is the bureaucracy's role in domestic policy?

Implement policies and make rules.

What is the Judicial branch's role in domestic policy?

Interpret laws and review constitutionality.

What is foreign policy?

A country's strategy for interacting with other nations.

What is national security policy?

Steps to protect the nation's safety and stability.

What is diplomacy?

Negotiation and dialogue with other nations.

What is economic aid?

Financial help to other countries.

What is technical assistance?

Providing expertise or training abroad.

What is military aid?

Providing weapons, training, or defense support.

What is the President's role in foreign policy?

Chief diplomat and commander-in-chief.

What is Congress's role in foreign policy?

Approves treaties, controls funding, can declare war.

How do interest groups impact foreign policy?

Lobby for policies that support their goals.

What role does the media play in foreign policy?

Shapes public opinion and policy attention.

How does the public influence foreign policy?

Through voting and advocacy.

What is the Dept. of Defense's role in foreign policy?

Manages military strategy and defense relations.

What is the Dept. of State's role in foreign policy?

Handles diplomacy and foreign affairs.

What is the Dept. of Homeland Security's role?

Focuses on border security and transnational threats.

What is the role of the Intelligence Community?

Provides info and analysis for decision-making.

What are civil liberties?

Individual freedoms protected from government interference.

What are civil rights?

Legal protections ensuring equal treatment and protection from discrimination.