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who led the whigs?
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Chapter 5 – States of Consciousness 1. Consciousness is the awareness of internal and external events being experienced at a given moment. 2. Waking consciousness: Normal awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Altered states: Changes in awareness, such as dreaming, meditation, hypnosis, or drug effects. 3. Altered states occur through: Sleep and dreaming Meditation and hypnosis Psychoactive drugs Sensory deprivation Fatigue 4. Stages of sleep: NREM 1: Light sleep; easily awakened. NREM 2: Deeper sleep; heart rate and body temperature decrease. NREM 3: Deep sleep; body restoration. REM: Vivid dreams, active brain, temporary muscle paralysis. 5. About how long does a complete cycle of sleep take? 90 minutes 6. Sleep deprivation results in permanent negative effects. False. Many effects improve with adequate sleep, although prolonged sleep deprivation can cause serious problems. 7. Forgetting is an important human function. True. It helps prevent information overload. 8. Night terrors happen during deep sleep and are often not remembered; nightmares are frightening dreams that are usually remembered. 9. Staying up all night studying is a good idea. False. Sleep helps memory and learning. 10. Why do humans sleep? To restore the body, conserve energy, support brain function, and strengthen memories. 11. Three main theories of dreaming: Wish-fulfillment theory Information-processing theory Physiological-function theory 12. Latent content; manifest content. 13. Insomnia 14. Sleep apnea 15. Circadian rhythms 16. Meditation is a learned technique for relaxation and focused attention that brings about an altered state of consciousness. Long-term practice can improve health. 17. Drug categories: Psychoactive drugs: Drugs that affect consciousness, mood, perception, or behavior. Addictive drugs: Drugs that can lead to compulsive use. Stimulants: Drugs that increase nervous system activity. Depressants: Drugs that slow nervous system activity. Narcotics: Drugs, especially opioids, that relieve pain. Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception and sensory experiences. 18. Alcohol is safer than other drugs. False 19. Drug dependence is best explained by personality and willpower. False 20. Psychedelic drugs. Chapter 6 – Learning 1. Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior brought about by experience. 2. Two types of conditioning: Classical conditioning — Ivan Pavlov: Learning by associating two stimuli. Operant conditioning — B. F. Skinner: Learning through consequences. 3. Matching: D — A once-neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned stimulus. B — Naturally brings about a response. A — A stimulus that initially does not bring about the response. E — A response that follows a previously neutral stimulus after conditioning. C — A reflexive response that needs no training. 4. Conditioned = learned Unconditioned = unlearned or natural 5. Previously neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus. 6. Pavlov’s experiment: Pavlov rang a bell before giving dogs food. After repeated pairings, the dogs salivated at the sound of the bell alone. 7. Variables: Before conditioning Neutral stimulus: Bell → Neutral response: No salivation Unconditioned stimulus: Food → Unconditioned response: Salivation During conditioning - Neutral stimulus: Bell + Unconditioned stimulus: Food → Unconditioned response: Salivation After conditioning - Conditioned stimulus: Bell → Conditioned response: Salivation 8. Extinction 9. Spontaneous recovery 10. Generalization vs. discrimination: Generalization: Responding similarly to similar stimuli; example: salivating to similar tones. Discrimination: Responding differently to distinct stimuli; example: salivating only to the specific tone associated with food. 11. Dopamine 12. Classical or operant: Voluntary behaviors: Operant Involuntary behaviors: Classical Ivan Pavlov: Classical B. F. Skinner: Operant Dogs salivating at a bell: Classical Rats pressing a lever for food: Operant 13. In operant conditioning, learning happens when a voluntary response is reinforced or punished by its consequences. 14. An organism’s behavior and its environment. 15. True or False: True — Responses leading to satisfying consequences are more likely to be repeated. False — Environment has little influence on behavior. False — Conditioning cannot be applied to humans. False — Positive and negative mean good and bad. 16. Thorndike’s law of effect. 17. Matching: Positive: Addition of a stimulus Negative: Removal of a stimulus Reinforcement: Leads to an increase in behavior Punishment: Leads to a decrease in behavior 18. Definitions and examples: Positive reinforcement: Adding something desirable to increase behavior; getting paid for working. Negative reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior; buckling a seat belt to stop a warning beep. Positive punishment: Adding something unpleasant to decrease behavior; receiving extra chores for breaking a rule. Negative punishment: Removing something desirable to decrease behavior; losing video game privileges. 19. Reinforcement schedules: D — Reinforcer delivered every 5 minutes. B — Reinforcer after every 5 responses. E — Reinforcer after an unknown or changing amount of time. C — Reinforcer after an unknown or changing number of responses. A — Reinforcer every time the behavior occurs. 20. Ratio schedules depend on: Number of responses 21. Interval schedules depend on: Amount of time 22. Fixed vs. variable: Fixed schedules are predictable; variable schedules change. 23. Shaping Example: Teaching a dog to roll over by rewarding each step toward the behavior. 24. Cognitive learning theory. 25. Latent learning; a new behavior is not demonstrated until there is a reason or motivation to use what was learned. 26. Cognitive map 27. A mental map of my school, home, and familiar roads. 28. Observing; observational learning; Bobo doll experiment. 29. Mirror neurons Chapter 7 – Memory 1. Memory is the process by which we encode, store, and retrieve information. 2. Three basic memory processes: Encoding: Taking in information. Storage: Keeping information over time. Retrieval: Accessing stored information. 3. Sensory memory → Short-term memory → Long-term memory. 4. Matching: C — Holds information while actively manipulating or rehearsing it. A — Briefly holds incoming sensory information. B — Holds information for around 15–25 seconds. D — Stores information relatively permanently. 5. Rehearsal keeps information active and helps it enter long-term memory. Elaborative rehearsal connects information to meaning and prior knowledge, while simple rehearsal repeats it. 6. Types of long-term memory: Lafayette is in Louisiana: Semantic First week of college: Episodic Riding a bicycle: Procedural 7. Explicit (declarative) memory. 8. Retrieval failure 9. Recall vs. recognition: Recall: Remembering an answer without choices, such as a fill-in-the-blank question. Recognition: Identifying an answer among choices, such as a multiple-choice question. Chapter 8 – Cognition and Language 1. Cognition 2. Concepts; a prototype is the most typical example of a concept. 3. Category: Furniture. Prototype: Chair Less typical member: Beanbag chair 4. Deductive reasoning moves from general principles to specific conclusions. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to general conclusions. Examples: Deductive: All humans need sleep. I am human, so I need sleep. Inductive: Several students who study regularly earn good grades, so studying may help students earn good grades. 5. Matching: A — A strategy that guarantees a solution. B — A mental shortcut that can lead to errors. C — Judging likelihood by how easily examples come to mind. D — Preferring an option because it is familiar. E — Giving more weight to outcomes closer to the present. 6. Confirmation bias 7. Problem-solving steps: Identify and define the problem. Develop and evaluate possible solutions. Implement a solution and evaluate the results. 8. Well-defined vs. ill-defined: Well-defined: Clear goal and rules; example: solving a math equation. Ill-defined: Unclear goal or multiple solutions; example: choosing a career. 9. Subgoaling 10. Functional fixedness 11. Convergent thinking narrows ideas to one correct answer. Divergent thinking generates many possible ideas. 12. Example of insight: Realizing you can stand on a chair to reach a high shelf. It depends on reorganizing your understanding of a problem. 13. Language is communication through symbols arranged according to systematic rules. 14. Nativist approach; language acquisition device (LAD). 15. Interactionist approach; biological predispositions and environmental circumstances. Final reflection These last answers are personal, so change them if they don't describe you. How prepared do you feel? 3 Three concepts most confident in: Classical conditioning Types of memory Reinforcement and punishment Three concepts least confident in: Stages of sleep Reinforcement schedules Reasoning and problem solving How will you strengthen your understanding? I plan to review my study guide, practice questions, and spend more time on the concepts I don't understand.
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AP U.S. Government Midterm Study Guide UNIT 1: FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY Topic 1.1: Ideals of Democracy Required Foundational Document: Declaration of Independence 1. Enlightenment Philosophical Foundations John Locke (Second Treatise of Civil Government): Natural law dictates that all individuals are born free and equal with natural rights (life, liberty, property). Government authority derives solely from the consent of the governed. If a government breaks the social contract or violates natural rights, citizens are obligated to alter or abolish it. Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan): Believed human nature in a state of nature is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," resulting in anarchy. People surrender freedoms in a social contract to an absolute sovereign (Leviathan) in exchange for peace and social order. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract): Envisioned popular sovereignty—the people as the ultimate ruling authority—where free individuals abandon certain natural freedoms to form a body politic committed to the general good. Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws): Championed a republican government with defined, limited powers and advocated for the separation of powers into executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny. 2. Core Democratic Ideals & Foundational Documents Key Ideals: Natural rights, popular sovereignty, social contract, republicanism (electing representatives for a limited term to make laws in the public interest), and limited government (government restricted by law, checks, and balances). Declaration of Independence (1776): Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson. Drafted by a committee of five (Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, Livingston). Provided a moral and legal justification for rebellion against King George III by arguing that abusive taxation and British tyranny violated natural rights and the social contract. U.S. Constitution (1787): Codified ideals of self-government, checks and balances, separation of powers, and majority rule balanced with minority rights into a functional blueprint for a representative republic. Topic 1.2: Types of Democracy Model of Democracy Core Definition & Characteristics Historical & Contemporary Examples Participatory Democracy Emphasizes broad, direct participation of citizens in politics and civil society. Citizens vote directly on laws rather than relying exclusively on elected representatives. Town hall meetings, state/local ballot initiatives (citizens place measures on ballot), referendums (citizens vote to approve/defeat legislative acts). Pluralist Democracy Non-governmental interest groups activate to compete for political influence in a "marketplace of ideas." Policymaking is a result of bargaining, negotiation, and compromise among diverse interest groups. Interest groups testifying at congressional hearings, filing lawsuits, lobbying (e.g., NRA, NAACP, NOW, AFL-CIO, environmental groups). Elite Democracy Elected representatives act as trustees for voters; power is concentrated among educated, wealthy, or well-resourced individuals who possess the expertise to govern wisely. The Electoral College choosing the President, lifetime appointments of federal judges, original election of U.S. Senators by state legislatures. Topic 1.3: Government Power and Individual Rights Required Foundational Documents: Federalist No. 10, Brutus No. 1 1. Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay): Supported ratifying the 1787 Constitution. Favored a strong central national government to maintain order, national security, and economic stability. Argued that a large, extended republic would protect individual rights by taming factions. Anti-Federalists (Patrick Henry, George Mason, Robert Yates): Opposed the new Constitution. Feared a strong national executive would replicate a British monarch and warned that the "Necessary and Proper" and "Supremacy" clauses gave the national government unchecked power, threatening state sovereignty and individual rights. Demanded a Bill of Rights. 2. Required Document Comparison Feature Federalist No. 10 (James Madison) Brutus No. 1 (Anti-Federalist Pseudonym) Central Argument A large, diverse representative republic is the best mechanism to control the "mischiefs of faction." A large, extended republic will destroy state sovereignty, erode individual liberty, and result in tyranny. View on Factions Factions are inevitable due to human nature. They cannot be eliminated without destroying liberty. Therefore, their effects must be controlled through a large republic where competing interest groups neutralize one another. In a large country, citizens' interests are too diverse ("clashing of opinions"), leading to constant legislative gridlock or government overreach to maintain order. Representation A large pool of voters ensures qualified, virtuous leaders are elected as representatives (trustees), insulating government from rash popular passion. Representatives in a large nation will be distant, unacquainted with local constituent needs, unaccountable, and prone to abuse their elevated power. Topic 1.4: Challenges of the Articles of Confederation Required Foundational Document: Articles of Confederation 1. Structure of Government Under the Articles (1781–1789) Unicameral Confederation Congress; each state possessed exactly one vote regardless of size or population. No executive branch to enforce national laws; no national judicial system to resolve disputes between states. Passing national legislation required approval by 9 of 13 states; amending the Articles required unanimous consent (13 of 13 states). 2. Key Weaknesses & Consequences Provision / Limitation Systemic Weakness & Impact No Direct Power to Tax Congress could only request funds from states. The national government faced immense Revolutionary War debt and could not pay foreign creditors or military veterans. No Power to Raise/Maintain a Standing Army The federal government relied on state militias and could not effectively secure national borders or suppress internal civil unrest. Inability to Regulate Interstate Commerce States imposed tariffs on goods from other states, issued conflicting paper currencies, and engaged in economic trade wars, paralyzing economic growth. Unanimity Amendment Requirement A single state (e.g., Rhode Island) could veto necessary tax reforms or constitutional adjustments, creating legislative paralysis. 3. Catalyst for Change: Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) Impoverished Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays led an armed insurrection of Massachusetts farmers facing mortgage foreclosures and high state taxes. The insurgents forcibly closed debt courts and attacked the Springfield federal arsenal. Because the national government lacked funds and an army, Massachusetts had to rely on a privately funded militia to suppress the rebellion. Significance: Exposed the dangerous weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation, convincing national leaders (such as Washington, Madison, and Hamilton) to convene the Philadelphia Convention in May 1787. Topic 1.5: Ratification of the U.S. Constitution Required Foundational Document: The Constitution of the United States 1. Constitutional Compromises Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan: Virginia Plan (James Madison): Bicameral legislature with representation in both houses based on population; favored large states. New Jersey Plan (William Paterson): Unicameral legislature with equal representation (one state, one vote); preserved state sovereignty for small states. Great (Connecticut) Compromise: Authored by Roger Sherman. Created a bicameral Congress consisting of: House of Representatives: Apportioned by state population (appeased large states); directly elected by voters. Senate: Equal representation (2 senators per state, appeased small states); originally chosen by state legislatures. Three-Fifths Compromise: Agreed that three out of every five enslaved persons would count toward a state's total population for House representation and federal direct tax assessments. Slave Trade Compromise: Prohibited Congress from banning the international slave trade for 20 years after ratification (until 1808) and included a fugitive slave extradition clause. Electoral College Compromise: Reconciled debates over whether Congress or direct popular vote should select the president. Each state chooses electors equal to its total congressional representation (House + Senate) to elect the executive. Commerce Compromise: Allowed Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce and levy tariffs on imports, but prohibited taxing exports. 2. The Constitutional Framework (Articles I–VII) Article I: Legislative Branch (Structure, Enumerated Powers, Necessary & Proper Clause). Article II: Executive Branch (Qualifications, Commander-in-Chief, Executive Duties). Article III: Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and Inferior Federal Courts). Article IV: Relations Among States (Full Faith and Credit, Privileges and Immunities, Extradition). Article V: Amendment Process (Two-stage process requiring 2/3 vote in Congress/Conventions to propose, 3/4 state legislatures/conventions to ratify). Article VI: National Supremacy Clause (Constitution and federal laws are supreme law of the land). Article VII: Ratification procedure (Required approval by 9 of 13 state conventions). 3. Modern Policy Debates Over Central Power Individual Rights vs. National Security: USA PATRIOT Act (2001) expanded executive surveillance authority after 9/11, sparking Fourth Amendment privacy concerns. The USA FREEDOM Act (2015) curtailed bulk phone metadata collection. Education Policy: Federal legislation such as No Child Left Behind (2002) and Every Student Succeeds Act (2015) reflect ongoing tension between federal standard-setting and state control under the 10th Amendment. Topic 1.6: Principles of American Government Required Foundational Document: Federalist No. 51 1. Foundational Theory: Federalist No. 51 (James Madison) "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition": Human nature is prone to self-interest. To prevent tyranny, government authority must be divided among distinct branches, giving each branch the constitutional means and motives to check the others. Division of Legislative Power: Because legislative power naturally predominates in a republic, Madison argued for dividing Congress into two branches (House and Senate) with different election modes and responsibilities. Double Security of Federalism: Power is first divided between two distinct governments (federal and state) and then subdivided among three branches within each, providing multiple layers of protection for individual rights. 2. Practical Checks and Balances System Branch Possessing Power Constitutional Check Over Legislative Constitutional Check Over Executive Constitutional Check Over Judicial Legislative (Congress) Bicameralism (House and Senate check each other). Overriding vetoes (2/3 vote), power of the purse, impeachment (House) and trial/removal (Senate), Senate advice and consent on appointments/treaties. Senate confirmation of judges, impeachment/removal of federal judges, altering court size/jurisdiction, proposing constitutional amendments. Executive (President) Vetoing legislation, calling special sessions, pocket vetoes. Internal administrative oversight. Nominating federal judges, power to grant pardons and reprieves. Judicial (Courts) Declaring laws passed by Congress unconstitutional (Judicial Review). Declaring executive actions or orders unconstitutional (Judicial Review). Chief Justice presides over presidential impeachment trials in the Senate. Topic 1.7: Relationship Between the States and Federal Government 1. Constitutional Allocation of Powers Exclusive (Delegated/Expressed) Powers: Granted solely to the federal government (e.g., declaring war, coining money, regulating interstate commerce, conducting foreign diplomacy, defining naturalization). Reserved Powers (10th Amendment): Powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people (e.g., police powers—regulating health, safety, welfare, morals; operating schools; issuing licenses). Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both national and state governments (e.g., levying taxes, enforcing laws, establishing court systems, borrowing money). 2. Fiscal Federalism & Financial Intergovernmental Relations Categorical Grants: Federal grants given to states for specific, narrowly defined purposes with strict requirements ("strings attached"). Gives the federal government significant leverage over state policy (e.g., National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 tied highway funding to raising drinking age to 21, upheld in South Dakota v. Dole). Block Grants: Federal funds provided to states for broadly defined policy areas (e.g., community development, social services) with minimal federal conditions, granting states significant discretion (advocated during Devolution). Federal Mandates: Directives issued by the federal government requiring states to comply with national standards: Funded Mandates: Accompanied by federal financial aid. Unfunded Mandates: Requirements imposed without federal funding, forcing states to absorb compliance costs (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] of 1990, Clean Air Act Amendments). Devolution: The political movement to transfer power and administration from the federal government back to state and local governments (popularized during the Reagan administration and the 104th Congress, leading to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996). Topic 1.8: Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism Required Supreme Court Cases: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), United States v. Lopez (1995) Required SCOTUS Cases Comparison Case Name McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) United States v. Lopez (1995) Constitutional Issue Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8); Supremacy Clause (Art. VI). Commerce Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8); 10th Amendment Reserved Powers. Essential Facts Congress chartered the Second Bank of the U.S. The state of Maryland levied a tax on the bank to drive it out of state. Cashier James McCulloch refused to pay. Alfonso Lopez carried a concealed firearm into a Texas high school and was charged under the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. Holding / Decision Unanimous (6–0) for McCulloch. Congress has the authority to charter a bank; states cannot tax federal institutions. Majority (5–4) for Lopez. The Gun-Free School Zones Act is unconstitutional because gun possession in a school zone does not substantially affect interstate commerce. Constitutional Impact Established national supremacy and solidified implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause ("The power to tax involves the power to destroy"). Expanded federal authority. Marked a major shift toward Devolution and state rights. Restricted Congress's reliance on the Commerce Clause, re-establishing limits on federal power over local policing/education. Topic 1.9: Federalism in Action 1. Impact on Policymaking Multiple Access Points: Stakeholders, interest groups, and citizens can influence policy across multiple levels (local, state, national) and branches (executive, legislative, judicial). If a group fails at the federal level, it can pursue initiatives at the state level. Laboratories of Democracy: States can experiment with novel social and economic policies without risking the entire nation (e.g., marijuana legalization, environmental regulations, healthcare reform models). 2. Federal-State Policy Conflicts Environmental Policy: Federal laws like the Clean Air Act and international agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement) face friction when federal rules conflict with state industrial standards or state-led cap-and-trade initiatives. Marijuana Legalization: While cannabis remains a Schedule I illegal drug under federal law (Controlled Substances Act of 1970, upheld in Gonzales v. Raich), numerous states have legalized medical and recreational marijuana through direct ballot initiatives. Federal enforcement relies heavily on executive department discretion. UNIT 2: INTERACTIONS AMONG BRANCHES (CONGRESSIONAL BRANCH) Topic 2.1: Congress: Senate and House of Representatives Required Foundational Document: U.S. Constitution (Article I) Institutional Differences Between Houses Feature / Institutional Metric House of Representatives U.S. Senate Membership Size 435 members (apportioned by population via Reapportionment Act of 1929). 100 members (2 per state). Term Length & Cycles 2-year terms; entire House up for election every 2 years. 6-year terms; staggered elections (1/3 of Senate up every 2 years; continuous body). Constituency Local single-member congressional districts (~700,000+ constituents). State at-large voters (broad, diverse constituency). Qualifications At least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, resident of state represented. At least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, resident of state represented. Exclusive Powers Originates all revenue/tax bills, initiates impeachment charges, selects President if Electoral College ties. Advice and consent on presidential nominations and foreign treaties (2/3 vote), conducts impeachment trials (2/3 vote to convict/remove). Debate & Debate Structure Highly structured, formal, centralized. Strict time limits on debate controlled by the Rules Committee. Less formal, decentralized. Unlimited debate permitted (filibusters allowed unless stopped by cloture). Constitutional Amendment Impact 14th Amendment protection; original popular election preserved. 17th Amendment (1913): Shifted election of Senators from state legislatures to direct popular vote. Powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) Power of the Purse: Authority to levy taxes, collect revenue, coin money, and pass statutory appropriations funding federal programs. Regulating Commerce: Power to regulate international and interstate trade (Commerce Clause). Foreign & Military Powers: Exclusive power to declare war, raise and fund armies/navies, regulate military draft, and pass the War Powers Act of 1973 (requiring president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and withdraw after 60 days unless authorized). Implied Powers: Authority grounded in the Necessary and Proper Clause to enact laws and execute delegated powers. Topic 2.2: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress 1. Congressional Leadership System Speaker of the House: Only House leadership position mandated by Constitution. Elected by majority party; presides over House, assigns bills to committees, recognizes speakers, and influences legislative agenda. Floor Leaders (Majority/Minority Leaders): Lead debate for their respective parties, guide strategy, and serve as national party spokespersons. Whips (Majority/Minority Whips): Enforce party discipline, tally prospective votes, and persuade members to vote along party lines. President of the Senate: The Vice President of the U.S.; non-voting presiding officer except to break tie votes. President Pro Tempore: Senior member of Senate majority party; presides over Senate in VP's absence. Senate Majority Leader: Most powerful figure in the Senate. Sets legislative calendar, controls floor debate, and determines which bills reach the floor. 2. The Committee System Committee Type Primary Role & Function Standing Committees Permanent panels handling specific policy areas (e.g., House Ways and Means, Senate Judiciary, Armed Services). Conduct hearings, mark up bills, and perform legislative oversight. Select / Special Committees Temporary committees established for a specific, limited investigation or study (e.g., Select Committee on Benghazi, Watergate). Joint Committees Panels containing members from both House and Senate to coordinate routine administrative issues or long-term studies (e.g., Joint Committee on Taxation). Conference Committees Temporary compromise panels formed to reconcile differing versions of House and Senate bills into a single, identical draft before sending to the president. 3. Chamber-Specific Rules & Procedures House Rules Committee: Acts as the "traffic cop" of the House. Determines rules for floor debate (time limits, open vs. closed amendment rules) and schedules bills. Committee of the Whole (House): Procedure designed to relax House rules, speed up debate, and require a reduced quorum of only 100 members. Discharge Petition (House): A petition signed by a simple majority (218 members) that forces a stalled bill out of a reluctant committee onto the House floor for a vote. Filibuster & Cloture (Senate): Tactical delay weapon using unlimited debate to block action on a bill or nomination. Stopped only by a Cloture Motion (Rule 22) requiring a 3/5 supermajority (60 votes). Holds & Unanimous Consent (Senate): Hold: An informal request by a senator to delay or prevent a bill or nomination from reaching the floor. Unanimous Consent Agreement: Set procedure rules to speed up Senate business by bypassing formal rules with unanimous approval. 4. The Federal Budgetary Process Mandatory Spending: Spending required by existing law for entitlement programs (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid). Consumes over 60% of federal budget. Discretionary Spending: Spending that congressional committees debate and alter annually (e.g., defense spending, education, transportation). Deficit & National Debt: A budget deficit occurs when federal expenditures exceed federal tax revenue in a fiscal year. Accumulated annual deficits constitute the overall National Debt. Pork-Barrel Spending & Earmarks: Congressional add-ons to bills that direct federal funding to specific local projects in a member's district. Often attached to broader Omnibus ("Christmas Tree") Bills. Logrolling: The practice of trading votes among members of Congress to secure passage of individual legislative priorities. Topic 2.3: Congressional Behavior Required Supreme Court Cases: Baker v. Carr (1962), Shaw v. Reno (1993) 1. Member Voting Models Delegate Model: Lawmakers vote strictly according to the expressed desires of their constituents. Trustee Model: Lawmakers use their independent judgment, expertise, and moral conscience to make policy decisions, even if it contradicts constituent desires. Politico Model: A hybrid approach where lawmakers vote as delegates on high-profile issues with clear constituent consensus, but act as trustees on complex, low-visibility issues. 2. Gerrymandering & Redistricting Dynamics Reapportionment & Redistricting: Every 10 years following the U.S. Census, seats in the House are reapportioned. State legislatures redraw congressional district boundaries. Partisan Gerrymandering: Drawing district lines to give one political party an unfair advantage, creating a large number of "safe seats" (districts where a party consistently wins by 55%+). This practice leads to increased political polarization, as members fear primary challenges from ideologically extreme opponents ("getting primaried"). 3. Required SCOTUS Redistricting Cases Case Name Baker v. Carr (1962) Shaw v. Reno (1993) Constitutional Issue 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause (Urban vs. Rural Apportionment). 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause (Racial Gerrymandering). Essential Facts Tennessee failed to redraw its state legislative districts for over 60 years. Population growth in urban areas created massive population disparities between rural and urban districts, diluting urban votes. North Carolina created a wildly irregular, 160-mile majority-black district ("I-85 District") to comply with Justice Department demands for additional minority representation. White voters challenged the map. Holding / Decision 6–2 for Baker. Apportionment and redistricting claims are justiciable in federal court (not merely political questions). 5–4 for Shaw. Redistricting plans that cannot be explained on grounds other than race are subject to strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause. Constitutional Impact Established the landmark "One Person, One Vote" principle, requiring legislative districts within a state to contain roughly equal populations. Prohibited race from being the predominant factor in drawing district lines, restricting racial gerrymandering even if intended to benefit minority representation. 4. Divided Government & Institutional Gridlock Divided Government: Occurs when one political party controls the White House and the opposing party controls one or both houses of Congress. Impacts: Causes policy gridlock, increases legislative stalemates, slows down statutory confirmation of presidential appointments, and heightens conflict during Supreme Court judicial nominations (e.g., blocking "lame duck" judicial nominees).
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ALPHA LADS
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ECON 211 Exam 2 UTK Dr. Lea
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01 Lea & Webley (2006)
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Understanding Geography and Its Implications The Nature of Geography Geography transcends mere location; it investigates the reasons behind spatial phenomena and the interplay of social forces that shape places. Maps are not neutral; they embed cultural and ideological biases that influence perceptions of space. For example, the Mercator projection distorts the size of landmasses, affecting our understanding of global geography. Core concepts include human/environment relationships, space, place, region, movement, landscape, and location, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of geography. Space is both a measurable entity (e.g., coordinates) and a cultural construct influenced by language and technology, exemplified by the concept of space-time compression. The Lefebvre triad illustrates the complexity of spatial understanding: spatial practice (how space is used), representations of space (how space is conceptualized), and representational spaces (the lived experiences of space). The concept of scale is crucial; phenomena like global warming manifest differently across various scales, challenging the notion that 'global' is inherently dominant. Globalization and Its Challenges Globalization fosters closer relationships between distant places, but its effects are uneven, contradicting the 'flat world' argument that location is becoming irrelevant. The course critiques the neoliberal perspective that reduces all values to monetary worth, particularly in education, as discussed in Deresiewicz's 'The Neoliberal Arts'. The 'End of Geography' argument posits that technological advancements diminish the importance of location, yet the course emphasizes that geographical context remains significant in understanding social dynamics. Globalization's impact is not uniform; it creates winners and losers, necessitating a critical examination of its implications on local cultures and economies. The interconnectedness of global economies can lead to cultural homogenization, raising concerns about the preservation of local identities and practices. Historical context: The rise of globalization can be traced back to colonialism and the expansion of trade networks, which laid the groundwork for contemporary global interactions. The Neoliberal Arts and Higher Education The Impact of Neoliberalism on Education Neoliberalism has transformed American higher education, prioritizing marketable skills over intellectual growth, as articulated by Deresiewicz. The shift from mission statements focused on learning to vague buzzwords reflects a broader trend of commodifying education, where the value of knowledge is measured by its economic utility. David Brooks identifies three purposes of college: commercial (career preparation), cognitive (learning to think), and moral (developing personal beliefs), with only the commercial purpose being widely recognized today. The decline of the moral purpose in education is evident in the increasing focus on vocational training at the expense of critical thinking and the humanities. Historical rebuttal: The moral purpose of education has deep roots in American history, dating back to land-grant colleges and the G.I. Bill, which aimed to democratize access to education. The concept of 'learned helplessness' illustrates how students internalize market-driven narratives, feeling powerless against economic forces that dictate their career paths. The Role of Buzzwords in Education Buzzwords like leadership, service, and creativity are critiqued for perpetuating neoliberal assumptions and undermining genuine educational values. Leadership is framed as creating a hierarchy, where a select few lead while the majority follow, detracting from the ideal of collective citizenship. Service is often portrayed as a benevolent act by the privileged, reinforcing social hierarchies rather than fostering genuine community engagement. Creativity is redefined within a business context, limiting it to predetermined outcomes rather than encouraging open-ended exploration and innovation. The push for technocratic solutions within a static market framework fails to address pressing issues like climate change and social inequality, which require transformative approaches. Counterbalancing institutions, such as the arts and democracy, are increasingly subsumed by market logic, leading to a homogenization of cultural and educational values. Discussion and Reflection Critical Questions for Consideration Should moral education, as defined by Deresiewicz, be a fundamental purpose of higher education? How do personal experiences reflect the 'retrofitting' of educational values towards neoliberal ideals? In what ways can students and educators advocate for a return to the intellectual and moral purposes of education? What role do counterbalancing institutions play in resisting the commodification of education? How can we redefine success in education beyond marketable skills to include critical thinking and civic engagement? What strategies can be employed to challenge the prevailing narratives of learned helplessness among students? Neoliberalism and Higher Education Conceptual Framework of Neoliberalism Deresiewicz argues that neoliberalism is a choice rather than an inevitable outcome, suggesting that societal structures can be altered through collective action. Neoliberalism emphasizes market-driven solutions, often at the expense of public goods and services, particularly in education. The commodification of higher education leads to a focus on profit rather than the intellectual and moral development of students. Proposed Solutions to Neoliberalism in Education Deresiewicz advocates for treating higher education as a right, promoting high-quality, low- or no-cost public education. He emphasizes the need to restore the intellectual and moral purposes of education, moving away from purely market-driven motives. Collective student action is highlighted as a means to challenge the neoliberal framework and advocate for public solutions. Discussion Questions and Their Implications Should moral education be a fundamental purpose of higher education? This question invites reflection on the role of ethics in academic institutions. The concept of 'retrofitting' suggests adapting existing structures to better serve public interests; students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences with this. Understanding these themes is crucial as they set the stage for discussions on political economy later in the course. Nations and States: Definitions and Dynamics Definitions and Distinctions A nation is defined as an 'imagined community' characterized by shared identity elements such as language, history, and values. A state is a politically organized entity with a defined territory, government, and permanent population, distinct from the concept of a nation. The term 'nation-state' refers to the overlap of these two concepts, though real-world examples often reveal discrepancies. Historical Context and Evolution The Peace of Westphalia (1648) marked a significant shift in the understanding of statehood, establishing the principles of territoriality and sovereignty. Prior to this, populations were defined by territory; post-Westphalia, territory began to define populations, influencing global governance. Colonialism played a crucial role in spreading the nation-state model worldwide, often disregarding existing cultural and ethnic identities. Contemporary Challenges to Nation-States The concept of territoriality is challenged by globalization, migration, and technological advancements, leading to phenomena like deterritorialization. Non-state actors, such as the UN and IMF, play significant roles in global governance, often complicating traditional state authority. The rise of independence movements (e.g., Catalonia, Scotland) reflects growing discontent with established nation-states and their governance. The Future of Nation-States Independence Movements and Globalization Recent independence movements are fueled by historical grievances and the perceived artificiality of nation-states, often drawn from colonial legacies. The decline of interstate wars has created a more favorable environment for secessionist movements, as seen in Scotland and Catalonia. Globalization has lowered the costs of independence, allowing smaller regions to seek autonomy without the need for large military forces. The Role of Technology and Identity Technology, particularly social media, has facilitated democratic uprisings and the organization of independence movements. However, rather than unifying populations, the internet has often highlighted differences, leading to increased tribalism and identity politics. The concept of nations being 'made' rather than 'given' suggests that identity can be constructed through education, media, and political narratives. The Concept of 'Lands in Limbo' Regions like Nagorno-Karabakh and Abkhazia exemplify the challenges of non-recognition, facing economic isolation and high unemployment rates. The difficulty of gaining international recognition for breakaway states is often tied to the interests of powerful nations, which fear encouraging separatism within their borders. The tension between self-determination and multiculturalism raises questions about the future of nation-states and the inclusivity of national identities. The Role of Technology and Nation-States Technology and Social Dynamics The internet was anticipated to unify people, yet it has led to increased tribalism as individuals focus on differences rather than commonalities. The phenomenon of 'secession from the public good' highlights how individuals withdrawing from public institutions, like schools, undermines national cohesion and identity. The nation-state's survival is attributed to its monopoly on violence and territorial defense, necessitating active democratic engagement at all levels of governance. Global Challenges and Nation-State Dynamics Global issues such as climate change require international cooperation, which becomes increasingly complex with the involvement of multiple nation-states. Alternatives to traditional nation-states include communitarian models, such as the Kurdish region in Syria, and proposals for a stronger United Nations or European Union-style governance. Nation-building is an ongoing process, as seen in Pakistan's struggle to define its identity post-partition, reflecting the complexities of national narratives and the role of religion in politics. Foundations of Political Economy Historical Context of Political Economy The term 'economy' originates from the Greek 'oikonomos', meaning household manager, indicating the historical link between state management and economic relations. The separation of the economy as a distinct sphere emerged around 300 years ago, leading to a perception of economic relations as superior to other social relations. Early political economists viewed the state as a manager of resources, including food, infrastructure, and education, shaping societal relations. Economic Frameworks and Theories Neoclassical economics emphasizes rational, profit-maximizing individuals and the market's inherent logic, favoring private property rights. Marxian economics critiques this view, focusing on class struggles and the ownership of surplus value by capitalists, highlighting the labor-capital contradiction. Both frameworks represent forms of economic determinism, suggesting that market forces or class relations dictate societal outcomes. Globalization and Economic Structures Evolution of Global Economic Systems Globalization is propelled by advancements in communication, transportation, and logistics, yet it remains uneven due to digital divides and political choices. Historical progression from feudalism to post-Fordism illustrates shifts in economic structures, including the transition from industrial to service economies. Commodification in modern economies emphasizes the creation of desire over mere production, leading to cycles of innovation and consumption. Global Economic Hierarchies The classification of countries into core, semi-periphery, and periphery highlights disparities in capital management and resource supply. The Apple example illustrates how core countries benefit from R&D while peripheral countries provide cheap labor for assembly, maximizing profits at the core. The rise of platform capitalism and the gig economy raises questions about job stability and the distribution of economic benefits. Population Dynamics and Theories Malthusian Theory and Critiques Malthus's principle posits that population grows geometrically while food supply increases arithmetically, leading to checks on population growth. Elwell's reinterpretation of Malthus suggests that checks on population are constant and that productivity gains lead to population increases rather than simple overshoot. Robbins critiques the Malthusian narrative, arguing that affluence and technology play a more significant role in resource consumption than sheer population numbers. Historical Population Controls and Transitions The 'Four Horsemen' of pre-industrial society—disease, famine, war, and conquest—historically regulated population growth. The Demographic Transition Model illustrates the decline of death rates followed by birth rates, influenced by urbanization and women's education. Criticisms of the model highlight its Eurocentric bias and the oversimplification of complex societal interactions, particularly regarding colonialism and exploitation.
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