Midterm Review Govt

Social Contract: Idea that people give up certain freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and social order (Locke, Rousseau).

Thomas Jefferson’s View: Government exists to serve the people; if it fails, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.

Confederal: Power is concentrated in regional governments; national government is weak (ex: Articles of Confederation).

Republic: A form of government in which the people elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Virginia Plan: Proposal for a bicameral legislature based on population; favored large states.

Connecticut Compromise: Blended VA and NJ Plans—Senate with equal representation; House based on population.

Judicial Review: Power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

Checks and Balances: Each branch has powers to limit the others—prevents tyranny.

Separation of Powers: Divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: Federalists supported a strong national government; Anti-Federalists wanted more state power and a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers: Essays defending the Constitution, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Amendments to the Constitution: Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Ratified How?: Proposed by 2/3 of Congress, ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures.

Delegated Powers: Powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Expressed Powers: Specifically written powers, like taxing and declaring war.

Full Faith and Credit Clause: States must respect other states’ laws and judicial decisions.

Necessary and Proper Clause: AKA Elastic Clause—allows Congress to make laws needed to execute its powers.

Basic Facts: House—435 members, 2-year terms. Senate—100 members, 6-year terms.

Congressional Districts/Gerrymandering: Districts drawn for House seats; gerrymandering is manipulating boundaries for political gain.

Standing Committees: Permanent committees focused on specific policy areas.

Select Committees: Temporary committees for investigations or special issues.

Legislative/Executive Roles in Lawmaking: Congress makes laws; President can sign or veto.

Power to Impeach:

House: Brings charges (simple majority)

Senate: Holds trial and votes to remove (2/3 required)

Chief Justice: Presides over presidential impeachment trial

President Pro Tempore: Senior member of Senate majority—presides in VP’s absence.

Power to Borrow: Congress can borrow money to fund government.

Vacancy Replacement: Governors usually appoint interim senators; states set House special elections.

Presidential Power Today: Expanded through legislation, crisis, and media.

Commander in Chief: President leads U.S. military.

President’s Cabinet: Advisers who head executive departments.

How Members Chosen: Nominated by President, confirmed by Senate.

Approving Treaties/Appointments: Senate must approve.

Veto Power: President can reject bills—Congress can override with 2/3.

Department of Homeland Security: Created post-9/11 to address terrorism and domestic safety.

Bureaucracy: Large system of agencies that implement laws.

Foreign Policy: U.S. strategies in global relations.

U.S. Involvement History: Grew post-WWII to contain communism and support global stability.

Secretary of State: Chief diplomat handling foreign affairs.

Foreign Policy Leader: The President.

Foreign Policy Since WWII: Focused on containment, international alliances, economic aid.

Since Cold War: Emphasis on global terrorism, diplomacy, trade.

Foreign Aid: Monetary and resource assistance to other nations.

U.N. Security Council: Maintains international peace—U.S. is a permanent member with veto power.

Political Parties: Groups that nominate candidates and shape policy.

Political Socialization: How people form political beliefs—family, media, education.

Reaching Voters / Demographics: Targeted messaging via data on age, race, gender, region.

Mass Media & Public Agenda: Media highlights issues, influencing public and government priorities.

Presidential Primaries: Elections within parties to choose nominees.

Electoral College: Body that formally elects the President.

Winner Takes All: Most states award all electoral votes to the popular vote winner.

Swing States: States that could go either party—heavily targeted.

PACs: Groups that raise and spend money to influence elections and policy.

Appointments: President nominates; Senate confirms.

Federal Judges: Serve for life unless impeached.

Jurisdiction Types:

Original: First time hearing a case

Appellate: Reviewing a lower court’s decision

Subject Matter: Federal law, treaties, constitutional questions

Parties Involved: Government officials, states, foreign parties

District Courts: Trial-level courts

Supreme Court: Highest court—reviews constitutional issues

Freedom of Speech (1st): Protects expression, with limits.

Seditious Speech: Advocating government overthrow—limited if it causes danger.

Freedom of Religion: Includes Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses.

Establishment Clause: No government-sponsored religion.

Free Exercise Clause: Can freely practice religion.

Plaintiff: Person bringing a civil case.

Defendant: Person being sued or accused.

Civil Trial: Resolves disputes over rights or money.

Criminal Trial: Determines guilt for violating laws.

Defamatory Speech: False statements harming someone’s reputation—limited protection.

Assembly: Right to gather peacefully.

4th Amendment: Protection against unlawful searches/seizures.

Probable Cause/Warrant: Required for legal searches.

5th Amendment: Protection from self-incrimination; due process.

14th Amendment: Equal protection; applied Bill of Rights to states.

Due Process Clause: Ensures fair treatment through law.

Grand Jury: Determines whether there's enough evidence for a trial.

Supremacy Clause: Federal law overrides state law.

Guarantee Clause: States guaranteed a republican form of government.

Shared State Constitution Traits: Popular sovereignty, separation of powers, rights of citizens.

State Executive: Governor enforces state laws.

Counties vs. Municipalities: Counties cover broad regional areas; municipalities govern cities/towns.

3 Ways to Participate Locally: Attend town hall meetings, vote in local elections, serve on advisory boards or community organizations.