AP Gov Unit 2 Terms
Federalist Papers
Federalist 70 (by Alexander Hamilton)
Key Ideas:
Advocates for a strong, energetic executive.
Argues that a single president is more effective than a plural executive (multiple people in charge).
Emphasizes the importance of decisiveness in the executive, suggesting that a strong president can act swiftly and efficiently, which is necessary in times of national crisis.
Stresses the need for accountability and that a unitary executive is easier to monitor and hold accountable.
Highlights the importance of energy in the executive branch for a functioning government.
Federalist 78 (by Alexander Hamilton)
Key Ideas:
Focuses on the judiciary's independence and the importance of life tenure for judges to avoid political pressures.
Argues that the judiciary is the weakest branch of government and that it has "neither force nor will, but merely judgment."
Emphasizes that courts should have the power of judicial review to ensure laws are consistent with the Constitution.
The judiciary should act as a check on legislative and executive powers, thus protecting individual rights.
Big Ideas
1. Roles of the President and Staff
Formal Roles:
Chief Executive: Enforces laws, executive orders, and manages the federal bureaucracy.
Commander-in-Chief: Leads the military.
Chief Diplomat: Manages foreign relations and negotiates treaties (with Senate approval).
Chief Legislator: Influences the legislative agenda, signs bills, or vetoes them.
Head of State: Symbolic leader of the nation.
Economic Leader: Oversees the nation’s economic policy.
Party Leader: Leads their political party.
Staff: Includes the Cabinet, White House staff, Chief of Staff, and National Security Council.
2. Constitutional Requirements for the President
Must be at least 35 years old.
A natural-born citizen of the United States.
Must have been a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.
3. Informal vs. Formal Powers of the President
Formal Powers: Defined by the Constitution (e.g., veto power, commander-in-chief, treaty-making).
Informal Powers: Not explicitly stated but inferred (e.g., executive orders, executive agreements, issuing signing statements, influencing public opinion).
4. Executive Orders vs. Executive Agreements
Executive Orders: Directives issued by the president that have the force of law but do not require Congressional approval.
Executive Agreements: International agreements made by the president without Senate approval, typically concerning routine matters.
5. Checks on the Executive, Bureaucracy, and Judiciary
Executive: Can be checked by Congress (e.g., impeachment, overriding vetoes), Judiciary (e.g., judicial review).
Bureaucracy: Can be checked by Congress (e.g., budget control, oversight), President (e.g., appointments).
Judiciary: Can be checked by Congress (e.g., altering the structure of courts), Executive (e.g., presidential appointments).
6. Impeachment Process
Initiated in the House of Representatives by a majority vote.
If passed, the case moves to the Senate, where a trial is held.
The president can be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.
7. Relationship Between the President, Press, and Public Opinion
The media plays a key role in shaping public perceptions of the president.
Presidents rely on public opinion for political support, particularly during times of crisis or when trying to pass legislation.
Press conferences, social media, and public addresses are key tools presidents use to communicate with the public.
8. Shifts in Presidential Power and Attempts to Limit
Over time, presidential power has expanded, particularly in foreign policy and national security.
War Powers Resolution (1973) attempts to limit the president’s ability to engage in military action without Congressional approval.
9. Steps to Presidential Nominations
Primaries and Caucuses: Voters select their preferred candidates for the general election.
National Conventions: Party delegates formally nominate the candidate.
General Election: Voters select the president indirectly through the Electoral College.
10. How the Electoral College Works
Each state has electors equal to its number of Congressional representatives (Senators and House members).
Winner-takes-all system in most states, except in Maine and Nebraska.
A candidate needs a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) to win the presidency.
11. Purpose and Function of the Bureaucracy
Implements and enforces federal laws.
Consists of various agencies and departments (e.g., FBI, EPA).
Provides expertise and continuity in policy-making.
12. Discretionary Authority
The ability of bureaucrats to make choices regarding the best way to implement laws.
13. Oversight
Congress conducts oversight of the executive branch through hearings and investigations to ensure laws are being executed properly.
14. Iron Triangles
The relationship between Congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that work together to shape policy and benefit each other.
15. Federal Court Set-Up
District Courts: The trial courts where federal cases begin.
Circuit Courts: Intermediate appellate courts that hear appeals from district courts.
Supreme Court: The highest court with the power of judicial review.
16. Supreme Court Basics / Role of Ideology
The Supreme Court is composed of 9 justices, and its decisions shape constitutional law.
Ideology influences judicial decisions, as justices may interpret the Constitution through different philosophical lenses (e.g., liberal, conservative, originalist, living constitutionalist).
17. Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint
Judicial Activism: Judges interpret the Constitution in a way that reflects modern values and may involve striking down laws or executive actions.
Judicial Restraint: Judges limit their power, deferring to the legislative and executive branches unless there is a clear violation of the Constitution.
18. Role of Stare Decisis
The principle of stare decisis means courts generally follow precedents set by previous decisions, ensuring legal stability and consistency.