DL

POLITICAL SCIENCE TEST REVIEW NOTES

  • Authorization for Use of Force

    • Statement surprising; breaks traditional norms.

    • Emphasizes limited powers of the presidency per the Constitution.

  • Historical Context

    • Franklin Roosevelt (1940): Ran for a third term; criticized as the "indispensable man."

    • Dwight Eisenhower: Expanded presidential power; used CIA for covert operations without Congressional approval.

    • Richard Nixon: Labeled as "imperial president" due to Vietnam War and Watergate; claimed executive privilege for immunity from Congressional questioning.

    • Ronald Reagan: Violated Congressional amendments by shipping arms to Nicaragua; advocated for the unitary executive theory, minimizing Congressional oversight.

  • George W. Bush's Presidency

    • Revived unitary executive doctrine; centralized war on terror within Executive Branch.

  • Current Situation

    • President Obama appears willing to give up power but has not relinquished authority; stated belief in capability to conduct military action without Congress' specific authorization.

  • Interest Groups

    • Define interest groups: Organizations that advocate for specific issues or causes to influence legislative and political outcomes.

    • Types of interest groups include: public interest groups, professional organizations, labor unions, and business associations.

    • Strategies include lobbying, electioneering, and grassroots movements to mobilize constituents and effect change.

  • Examples

    • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Advocates for individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, focusing on issues like free speech and civil rights.

    • National Rifle Association (NRA): Represents gun owners and advocates for the rights to bear arms, often lobbying against gun control measures.

    • Sierra Club: An environmental organization dedicated to promoting policies for sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.

    • American Medical Association (AMA): Represents physicians and medical students, advocating for policies that affect healthcare and medical practices.

    • National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): Represents small businesses and advocates for legislation that supports entrepreneurial interests.

  • Lame Duck Politics

    • Refers to elected officials who remain in office after losing re-election or choosing not to run again until their successors are inaugurated.

    • Often characterized by decreased legislative influence, as newly elected officials may prioritize their agendas.

    • Can result in significant policy changes during the transition period if outgoing officials take bold actions.

  • Examples

    • President Barack Obama (2016): During his last months in office after the election of Donald Trump, Obama utilized executive orders to implement several policies, including changes in immigration enforcement despite knowing they might be reversed soon after.

    • Congress (2010): In the period following the 2010 midterm elections, outgoing lawmakers pushed through a series of bills related to tax cuts and budget agreements before the newly elected officials took office, reflecting a push to finalize agendas.

    • President Bill Clinton (2000): In the final days of his presidency, Clinton issued numerous pardons, including high-profile cases, which raised questions about the motivations and implications of such actions during the lame duck period.

    • State Governors: Often, governors implementing significant policy changes or issuing pardons in the final days of their term can heavily influence state legislation and governance even when they are no longer in office after the election of a successor.