american national government - midterm exam - grahamling - charleston southern university Flashcards

1
Q

what are the qualifications to run for president?

A
  • must be a natural born citizen
  • at least 35 years old
  • a resident of the united states for at least 14 years
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what are the expressed powers of the commander in chief?

A
  • commander in chief
  • appointment of officials
  • veto power
  • executive privelage
  • pardon power
  • executive agreements
  • diplomatic power
  • executive orders
  • state of the union address
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

with regards to the presidency and bureacracy, what is the difference between expressed and delegated powers?

A

expressed powers are those explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, while delegated powers are authority conferred upon the executive branch by Congress through legislative acts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

what is the president’s role in how a bill becomes law?

A
  • the President’s role in the process of how a bill becomes law is primarily in the final stages, where they have the authority to sign the bill into law, veto it, or let it become law without their signature

Sign the bill: If the President agrees with the bill, they can sign it into law.

  • Veto the bill: If the President opposes the bill, they can veto it, sending it back to Congress with their objections.
  • No action: If the President takes no action on the bill within a certain period (usually 10 days while Congress is in session), it becomes law without their signature. However, if Congress adjourns before the 10 days are up and the President takes no action, it results in a “pocket veto,” effectively killing the bill.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

where do delegated powers come from?

A

Delegated powers come from the Constitution. These are specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to regulate interstate commerce, declare war, and coin money. Delegated powers are spelled out in the Constitution, primarily in Article I, Section 8, and they establish the authority of the federal government over certain matters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

explain Bureaucracy

A

Bureaucracy refers to the system of government agencies and departments that implement and administer laws and policies. These agencies and departments are part of the executive branch of government. Bureaucracies are responsible for carrying out specific tasks assigned to them by Congress or the President. They have their own hierarchies, rules, and procedures for operation. Bureaucrats, or government officials, work within these agencies to enforce regulations, provide services, and manage government programs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

The great compromise

A

The Great Compromise in the U.S. Constitution created a two-part Congress:

House of Representatives: Representation based on population.
Senate: Equal representation for all states, with each state having two senators.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

3/5 compromise

A

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a part of the U.S. Constitution that counted each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person when determining a state’s population for representation and taxation purposes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

impact on congress from the 3/5 compromise

A

The Three-Fifths Compromise increased the political power of Southern states in Congress by inflating their population counts for representation purposes, as enslaved individuals were counted as three-fifths of a person.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

impact on congress from the great compromise

A

The Great Compromise established the structure of Congress with two chambers: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where each state has equal representation with two senators. This ensured a balance between the interests of large and small states in the legislative process

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Qaulifications for congress representatives:

A
  • Must be at least 25 years old.
  • Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years.
  • Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent at the time of election.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Qaulifications for Senate representatives:

A
  • Must be at least 30 years old.
  • Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
  • Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent at the time of election.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

House of Representatives:

A
  • Members are elected based on population, with each state having a different number of representatives.
  • Represents the people directly, with members serving two-year terms.
  • Initiates revenue bills and plays a primary role in impeachment proceedings.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Senate:

A
  • Each state has two senators, regardless of population.
  • Represents the states as political entities, with members serving six-year terms.
  • Provides equal representation for all states and has additional powers such as confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Bicameral system:

A
  • Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • both chambers must pass legislation for it to become law.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

agency representation:

A

Involves elected representatives acting on behalf of constituents’ interests and preferences, regardless of demographic similarities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

sociological representation:

A

Reflects the demographic characteristics of constituents, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

difference between sociological representation and agency representation:

A

Sociological representation: Matches constituents’ demographics like race or income.
Agency representation: Represents constituents’ interests in decisions regardless of demographic similarities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Functions of US congress:

A
  • Makes laws
  • controls federal budget
  • declares war.
    Responsibilities: Oversight of executive branch, representing constituents, confirming appointments.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

responsibilities of US Congress:

A
  • Oversight of executive branch
  • representing constituents
  • confirming appointments
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

what is patronage:

A

Practice of appointing individuals to government positions based on political loyalty rather than merit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

what are the various types of patronage:

A

Spoils System: Rewarding supporters with government jobs.

Clientelism: Exchanging favors for political support.

Cronyism: Favoring friends or associates in appointments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

what are some examples of patronage:

A
  • Appointing campaign donors to ambassadorships (cronyism).
  • Giving government contracts to supporters (clientelism).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

how does a bill become law?

A

Introduction: Bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate.

Committee Review: Assigned committee reviews, holds hearings, and may amend the bill.

Full Chamber Vote: Entire chamber votes on the bill; if passed, it moves to the other chamber.

Conference Committee (if necessary): If the other chamber amends the bill, a conference committee resolves differences.

Final Approval: Both chambers approve the final version.

Presidential Action: President signs the bill into law, vetoes it (returned to Congress with objections), or takes no action (bill becomes law if Congress is in session).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Explain the different influencing factors for members of congress

A
  • Constituent preferences
  • Party affiliation and leadership
  • Interest groups and lobbyists
  • Personal beliefs and values
  • Campaign donors and fundraising
  • Media coverage and public opinion
  • Congressional rules and procedures
  • Executive branch and bureaucratic influence
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

political apathy

A

lack of interest, concern, or participation in political affairs or processes. It involves a disengagement from political issues, elections, and civic responsibilities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

political efficacy

A

an individual’s belief in their ability to influence political processes and outcomes, as well as their confidence in the effectiveness of the political system as a whole.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

how does political apathy and political efficacy affect one another?

A

Political efficacy, belief in one’s ability to influence politics, encourages engagement, while political apathy, disinterest, discourages it. They form a cycle: low efficacy leads to apathy, reducing participation, while high efficacy fosters engagement, breaking the cycle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

why is both political participation and political knowledge are important for good citizenship?

A

Political participation allows citizens to influence decision-making, while political knowledge ensures informed engagement. Both are vital for effective citizenship.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Autocracy:

A

One person holds all political power.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Oligarchy: A small group holds political power.

A

A small group holds political power.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Constitutional Government:

A

Government powers are limited by a constitution.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Democracy/Direct Democracy:

A

Citizens have direct participation in decision-making.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Authoritarian Government: Power is concentrated in a leader or small group, limiting political freedoms.

A

Power is concentrated in a leader or small group, limiting political freedoms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Totalitarian Government:

A

Government controls all aspects of public and private life.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Representative Democracy/Republic:

A

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

37
Q

Democracy/Direct Democracy:

A

Citizens have direct participation in decision-making.

38
Q

economic liberty

A

freedom to engage in economic activities such as buying, selling, owning property, and pursuing one’s livelihood without excessive government intervention or regulation.

39
Q

personal liberty

A

freedom of individuals to make choices and pursue their interests without undue interference from the government or other individuals.

40
Q

equality of opportunity

A

everyone has the same chances to succeed regardless of background.

41
Q

equality of participation

A

everyone has equal political rights and opportunities for participation.

42
Q

social/economic equality

A

fairness in the distribution of resources and wealth among individuals in society.

43
Q

limited government

A

government whose power and authority are restricted by a constitution or other legal framework. It typically has defined powers and functions, and its actions are subject to checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.

44
Q

majority rule

A

decisions are made by the majority of people.

45
Q

minority rights

A

protect the rights of individuals or groups who are not in the majority.

46
Q

popular sovereignty

A

the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning the people hold ultimate power in the political system.

47
Q

political party

A

organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and objectives, seeking to influence government policies and gain political power through elections.

48
Q

what is the purpose of a political party?

A

organize and represent a specific set of political beliefs, advocate for policies, nominate candidates for elections, and ultimately gain political power to implement their agenda.

49
Q

two-party system

A

Political system dominated by two major parties, often resulting in one of them winning elections.

50
Q

divided government

A

Situation where different parties control different branches of government, leading to potential gridlock.

51
Q

party polarization

A

Increasing ideological distance between political parties, often leading to conflict and less compromise.

52
Q

minority party

A

Political party with fewer seats or votes, often serving as opposition to the majority party.

53
Q

majority party

A

Political party with the most seats or votes, usually forming the government.

54
Q

party platforms

A

comprehensive documents outlining a political party’s stance on various issues, policies, and goals.

55
Q

Party planks

A

individual components or specific policy proposals within the platform that address particular topics or concerns.

56
Q

difference between party platforms and planks

A

platform: party’s overall stance on various issues and policies
Plank: individual components or specific policy proposals within the platform that address particular topics or concerns.

57
Q

non-partisan

A

actions or entities that are neutral and not affiliated with any political party.

58
Q

bi-partisan

A

cooperation or agreement between two opposing political parties.

59
Q

partisan

A

strong support for and/or from a specific political party or ideology

60
Q

Separation of powers:

A

Division of government into distinct branches with separate powers to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch.

61
Q

Checks and balances:

A

System where each branch of government has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, ensuring no single branch becomes too powerful.

62
Q

Bill of Rights:

A

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms.

63
Q

Necessary and proper clause (elastic clause):

A

Constitutional provision granting Congress the authority to pass laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

64
Q

Supremacy clause:

A

Constitutional provision declaring that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws when they conflict.

65
Q

Expressed powers:

A

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

66
Q

Implied powers: Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from expressed powers, allowing the federal government to carry out its functions effectively.

A

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from expressed powers, allowing the federal government to carry out its functions effectively.

67
Q

Reserved powers/police power:

A

Powers not delegated to the federal government and therefore reserved for the states or the people, including the authority to regulate health, safety, and morals within state boundaries.

68
Q

Concurrent powers:

A

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments, such as the power to tax, regulate commerce, and establish courts.

69
Q

full faith and credit clause

A

Requires states to honor the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

70
Q

privelages and immunities clause

A

Prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states regarding basic rights and privileges.

71
Q

how the full faith and credit clause as well as the privileges and immunities clause apply to the states?

A

These clauses ensure reciprocity and equal treatment among states, fostering unity and fairness within the federal system. Promote cooperation, consistency, and equality among states within the United States.

72
Q

Federal system:

A

Power is divided between a central government and regional governments, each with its own sphere of authority.

73
Q

Unitary system:

A

Power is concentrated in a central government, with subordinate regional governments that derive authority from the central government.

74
Q

Confederation:

A

Independent states or regions form a loose association, with a weak central authority that holds limited power and relies on the consent of its members.

75
Q

Dual Federalism:

A

Clear division of powers between federal and state governments, with each having its own distinct sphere of authority.

76
Q

Cooperative Federalism:

A

Collaboration between federal and state governments to address complex issues, often involving shared responsibilities and funding.

77
Q

Regulated Federalism:

A

Federal government imposes regulations and requirements on states, often tied to funding or grants.

78
Q

New Federalism:

A

Shift towards devolving power back to the states, with emphasis on state autonomy and local control.

79
Q

Ad Hoc Federalism:

A

Flexible approach where the federal government and states collaborate on an issue-by-issue basis, adapting as needed without strict adherence to a single framework.

80
Q

Article 1:

A

Establishes the legislative branch, outlining the powers and structure of Congress.

81
Q

Article 2:

A

Establishes the executive branch, defining the powers and responsibilities of the President.

82
Q

Article 3:

A

Establishes the judicial branch, outlining the powers and jurisdiction of the federal courts.

83
Q

Article 4:

A

Addresses the relationship between states and the federal government, including the Full Faith and Credit Clause and Privileges and Immunities Clause.

84
Q

Article 5:

A

Describes the process for amending the Constitution.

85
Q

Article 6:

A

Establishes the supremacy of the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties over state laws.

86
Q

Article 7:

A

Details the ratification process for the Constitution.

87
Q

federalists

A

supported a strong central government and the Constitution’s ratification

88
Q

anti-federalists

A

opposed the constitution, fearing it would infringe on individual rights and state sovereignty.