Exam Review Notes

  • Exam Format

    • Review material through provided videos.
    • Three must-watch videos related to finals content.

  • Important Agencies

    • Focus on key government agencies and their roles.
    • Department of Justice is responsible for arresting and prosecuting crimes.
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are critical health-related agencies under Health and Human Services.
    • Department of Defense oversees military operations, spending more than any other country globally.

  • Executive vs Independent Agencies

    • Executive agencies operate under the president's authority (e.g., Department of Justice, Department of Defense).
    • Independent agencies serve the public and require "cause" for the removal of heads (e.g., CIA).

  • Judicial System Overview

    • Judicial Branch Constitution: Established in Article III of the U.S. Constitution.
    • Original Jurisdiction: Refers to the authority of a court to hear a case first.
    • Civil Service vs. Bureaucracy: Civil service refers to government jobs, while bureaucracy involves implementing government policy.

  • Privatization in Government

    • Process where government functions are managed by private entities (e.g., private prisons).
    • Questions about effectiveness and ethical considerations arise concerning privatization.

  • Court Structure

    • Follow the hierarchy: District Courts → Circuit Courts → Supreme Court.
    • The Supreme Court hears approximately 80-100 cases per year (1% of requests).

  • Legal Concepts

    • Standing: Plaintiff must show personal injury or harm.
    • Mootness: Case no longer relevant due to changes in circumstance.
    • Judicial Review: Established in Marbury v. Madison, allows courts to invalidate laws contrary to the Constitution.
    • Amicus Curiae: "Friend of the Court" briefs support or oppose legal arguments in cases they are not directly involved.

  • Judicial Precedent

    • Stare Decisis: Legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

  • Video Review

    • Watch the assigned videos, especially 60-minute segments discussing government agencies and the Supreme Court.
    • Videos cover the complexities and functions of government systems.

  • Important Amendments

    • 11th Amendment: Limits the ability to sue states in federal courts.
    • 18th Amendment: Introduced prohibition (illegal transport/manufacture of alcohol).
    • 21st Amendment: Repealed the 18th and allowed states to regulate alcohol laws.

  • Major Supreme Court Cases

    • Know cases like Brown v. Mississippi for its role in establishing due process applicability to the states.
    • Rule of Four: Four justices must agree to hear a case.
    • The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction only in limited cases, primarily appellate jurisdiction.

  • Final Reminders

    • Preparation requires understanding of both the content from videos and foundational knowledge of legal system components, functions, and key amendments.