American Politics and the US Constitution - C963 Flashcards
What did the Great Compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan that was finalized in the Constitution establish?
A two-chamber Congress
What were the results of the three-fifths compromise?
It allowed slave states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for the purpose of representation.
What was a Federalist argument in support of the ratification of the Constitution?
A strong national government is better for national defense and economic growth.
Which concepts were James Madison referencing when he stated, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition” in Federalist, no. 51?
Separation of powers and checks and balances
What is an example of a congressional allocation that would influence the national budget to help a member of congress’s district or state?
Funds for the building of an airport in a congressperson’s district
Why is the House Rules Committee one of the most powerful committees in the U.S. House of Representatives?
It determines the rules for debate and in what order to schedule consideration of bills in the House.
Which constitutional amendment allows states to reserve powers not explicitly granted to the national government?
The Tenth Amendment
What did the Supreme Court’s ruling in Gibbons v. Ogden establish?
A loose constructionist interpretation of the commerce clause
How do most states award votes in the Electoral College?
The candidate who wins the popular vote in the state gets all the electoral votes for the state.
Which amendment provided for the separate election of the president and vice president?
The Twelfth Amendment
What is a characteristic of an open primary system?
Voters registered with any political party are allowed to vote for candidates in any party during the primary.
Who can vote for a United States representative?
Any voter in the representative’s congressional district
What is the definition of inside lobbying?
An attempt to sway government decision-making targeted directly at government officials
What was determined in U.S. v. Windsor and Obergefell v. Hodges?
They declared DOMA unconstitutional and legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
How do Super PACs operate?
They cannot give money directly to individual candidates.
What is one common method of influence used by interest groups?
They target members of congressional committees that have special influence on relevant legislative areas.
In which case did the Supreme Court establish that spending on political campaigns constituted political speech that is protected by the First Amendment?
Buckley v. Valeo
What was the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Plessy v. Ferguson?
It allowed states to use literacy tests to determine eligibility to vote.
Which constitutional amendment guarantees the right of a public trial and representation by an attorney?
Sixth Amendment
What is the focus of multiple amendments in the Bill of Rights?
The rights of criminal defendants
Why was the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brandenburg v. Ohio significant for freedom of speech?
It extended federal protection for abstract discussions of violence and overthrow of the government.
What describes the effect of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores?
Businesses do not have to provide employees access to birth control if it violates the business owner’s religious beliefs.
What describes the Supreme Court’s ruling in Texas v. Johnson?
Flag burning is constitutionally protected political speech.
What was required by states under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act?
It required states to allow citizens to register to vote when they sign up for driver’s licenses.
What does the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Fifth Amendment’s right to due process mean for citizens?
The government must use consistent and fair procedures if it wants to limit a citizen’s rights or seize private property.
What is an appropriate characterization of media agenda setting?
Agenda setting determines which events deserve public attention.
What is closely associated with a citizen being less likely to vote?
Having a lower income job
What is one method used by Southern states to restrict African American voting during the early 1960s?
Literacy tests
How does the 14th Amendment affect the powers of the federal judiciary?
It expanded the judiciary’s power over states that applied laws unfairly.
Which constitutional amendment established term limits for the president?
The Twenty-Second Amendment
What was the purpose of creating the Federal Election Commission in the 1970s?
To ensure transparency in campaign financing
How are individuals nominated to the Supreme Court?
They are chosen by the president of the United States
What describes the importance of the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison?
It established the principle of judicial review.
Which statement best describes “executive privilege”?
Correct: A president may withhold confidential communication from the courts and the legislative branch.
A president may exercise any power because of the checks and balances provision by the other branches of government.
When a president successfully asserts a power without impeachment, that power becomes assigned to the executive branch.
A president may expand power and authority through the use of the cabinet, which is not restricted or limited by the Constitution.
