American politics

POL 101 – Final Exam Review Study Guide

Key Constitutional Amendments:

1. Bill of Rights (1–10): Protect individual freedoms (e.g., speech, religion, bear arms, due process).

2. Reconstruction Amendments:

   • 13th: Abolished slavery.

   • 14th: Citizenship, equal protection.

   • 15th: Voting rights regardless of race.

3. Others:

   • 17th: Direct election of senators.

   • 19th: Women's suffrage.

   • 23rd: Electoral votes for D.C.

   • 26th: Voting age set to 18.

Political Participation & Elections:

2. Electoral Participation: Involvement in democratic processes; voting is most common.

3. Campaign Finance & Donors: Focus on contributions, PACs, Super PACs, and spending regulations (e.g., Citizens United).

4. Virginia vs. New Jersey Plans:

   • Virginia: Representation by population.

   • New Jersey: Equal state representation.

   • Led to the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature).

Interest Groups & Political Parties:

5. Functions of Interest Groups: Influence policy, lobby, educate, mobilize voters.

6. Sources of Power: Money, size, unity, expertise, media access.

7. Single-Issue Groups: Focus on one issue (e.g., NRA).

8. Primary Concerns: Shaping policy and legislation.

9. Political Party: Group that seeks to elect candidates to influence government policy.

10. US Political Parties: Dominated by Democrats and Republicans.

Presidency & Government Structures:

11. Trump vs. Biden Differences (Second Term vs. First Term): Contrast policies, leadership styles, and priorities.

12. First Amendment Importance: Protects freedoms (speech, religion, press, assembly, petition).

13. Voter Participation Factors: Education, income, age, race, party ID, policy issues.

14. Magna Carta's Influence: Early check on power, basis for due process and limited government.

15. Federal System & Power Sharing: Divides powers between national and state governments.

Rights, Laws, & Congress:

16. Civil Rights vs. Liberties:

• Rights: Protection from discrimination.

• Liberties: Freedoms guaranteed (e.g., speech).

17. Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments.

18. 1913 & Senator Elections: 17th Amendment—direct election of senators.

19. Congressional Committees: Divide workload, specialize in areas (e.g., finance, judiciary).

20. Quorum: Minimum number needed to conduct business in Congress.

Presidency, Constitution, and Federalism:

21. Implied Presidential Powers: Executive orders, emergency powers, diplomatic recognition.

22. Declaration of Independence: Asserted U.S. separation from Britain.

23. First Three Presidents: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson.

24. Modern Presidency: Increased executive power, media use, policy leadership.

25. Politics Definition: The process of making collective decisions, especially in governance.

26. Articles of Confederation Failures: Weak central government, no power to tax or enforce laws.

27. Shared Powers: Taxation, law enforcement, building infrastructure.

Structure & Powers:

28. First Congress: 1789, New York City.

29. Supreme Court Composition: Constitution leaves size to Congress; currently 9 justices.

30. Checks & Balances: Each branch limits the others (e.g., veto, judicial review).

Impeachment & Bureaucracy:

31. Senate Conviction Requirement: Two-thirds majority.

32. Bureaucracy Structure: Hierarchical, task-specialized agencies.

33. Spoils System: Government jobs for political supporters.

34. Pendleton Act: Introduced merit-based hiring.

35. Civil Service Reform Act (1978): Modernized bureaucracy, emphasized merit and accountability.

Media & Public Influence:

36. Public Opinion: Citizens’ collective views on politics and policy.

37. PACs vs. Super PACs:

• PACs: Donate directly to candidates, limited contributions.

• Super PACs: Independent expenditures only, unlimited funds.

38. Campaign Finance Laws: Regulate spending, limit contributions, ensure transparency.

39. Redistricting: Redrawing voting districts; can lead to gerrymandering.

40. First Amendment & News Media: Protects press freedom; limits government censorship.

Vice Presidency & Government Roles:

41. News Media Types: Print, broadcast, digital.

42. VP’s Role in Congress: President of Senate, tie-breaking vote.

43. Freedom of Press Impact: Limits government control; encourages accountability.

44. VP’s Executive Role: Advisor to President, part of National Security Council, diplomatic duties.