2023 Exam Review - Under Construction

2023 Exam Review - Under Construction

Political Party Registration Statistics

  • Registration Overview:

    • Democrats (DEMS) and Republicans (REPS) hover around 27% registration each.

    • Independents (INDs) have a record-breaking 5% registration.

  • Implications of Ratings:

    • Although many voters may still lean toward traditional parties, the low figure for INDs indicates significant dissatisfaction with the current political landscape.

    • Notable discontent among INDs regarding issues such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Minnesota and military action in Iran.

Electoral Impact of Independents

  • Historical Context:

    • In the 2016 Presidential Election, the Independent vote surpassed 6 million, providing a critical voting margin in favor of Hillary Clinton's popular vote.

United Nations Overview

  • General Assembly (GA):

    • Often considered the primary component of the UN.

    • Functions primarily to express the opinions and consensus of world leaders; however, it does not possess real power.

  • United Nations Security Council (UNSC):

    • Holds significant power to enforce resolutions and take action.

    • Composed of 10 rotating, elected members along with the Permanent Five (P5):

    • United States

    • United Kingdom

    • France

    • China

    • Russia

    • Requires 9 out of 15 votes to pass resolutions; notable that any P5 member can veto any resolution.

    • This veto power gives the P5 considerable influence and can hinder the UNSC's effectiveness, allowing its operations to be deemed inept at times.

  • Examples of UNSC Resolutions:

    • Interventions and resolutions related to:

    • Libya

    • Al-Qaeda

    • Iraq (the first time)

    • Yugoslavia

    • Coalition Support for Actions: Not just NATO; countries such as Sweden and various Arab partners assisted in operations.

    • The role of India and Pakistan in nuclear action and policies is noted.

Military Operations and Authorizations

  • Operation Midnight Hammerbus:

    • A military operation planned for summer 2025 aimed at destroying Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation's overall success is mentioned, although further details are needed regarding its implications.

  • Questions Regarding Military Authority:

    • Q: Why doesn't the UNSC stop Iran?

    • A: Russia and China would likely veto such actions; there has been ongoing effort to constrain Iran for decades.

  • Military Authorization (AUMP):

    • Senator Obama (Dem.) indicated the necessity of Presidential Authorization for the Use of Military Force to engage in military operations abroad.

    • However, President Obama cited the 2011 UNSC resolution concerning Libya as sufficient justification for military action.

U.S. Involvement in Global Conflicts

  • Key regions of focus include:

    • Afghanistan

    • Iraq

    • Iran

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Oman

    • Qatar

Electoral College Mechanics

  • Plenary Votes from States:

    • 48 out of 50 states operate on a winner-takes-all basis regarding electoral votes.

  • Majority vs. Plurality:

    • A candidate does not need the majority of the popular vote; they only require a plurality of the electoral votes.

    • Q: What if no candidate wins a majority of electoral seats?

    • A: The decision then goes to the House of Representatives (HR), which will choose from the top three candidates. Each state casts one vote.

    • example: John Quincy Adams is highlighted as a historical figure involved in such a situation.

  • Electoral Seats Allocation:

    • Based on the U.S. Census.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreements

  • Budapest Memorandum (1994):

    • Noteworthy historical agreement where Ukraine agreed to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, receiving security guarantees from:

    • United States

    • United Kingdom

    • Russia

    • This agreement is essential in understanding the dynamics of Ukraine's security policy and international relations.