American Politics Midterm

Question 1

Direct democracy vs democratic republic/representative democracy

Answer 1

DD govt whereby political decisions are made by e people directly rather than by their elected reps.
DR republic in wh representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies.

Question 2

The federalist papers

Answer 2

Written under the pseudonym Publius, a collection of papers geared toward the ratification of the constitution. Authors: Hamilton,Madison,John Jay(Publius)

Question 3

Interest groups

Answer 3

Organized group of individuals sharing common objectives who actively attempt to influence policy makers.

Question 4

Devolution

Answer 4

Transfer of powers from a national or central govt to a state or local govt

Question 5

Lobbying and the activities of a lobbyist

Answer 5

Lobbyists are people or groups who try to affect legislation and govt administrative decisions, influence the passage, defeat, or content of legislation and the goats administrative decisions.

Question 6

Pluralist theory

Answer 6

A theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise.

Question 7

Elite theory

Answer 7

The argument that society is ruled by a small number of people (wealthy) who exercise power to further their self interests.

Question 8

Majoritarianism

Answer 8

A political theory holding that in a democracy the govt ought to do what the majority of the people want.

Question 9

Reserved powers

Answer 9

The tenth amendment states that the powers not delegated to the US by states, are RESERVED to the states, or to the people, the natl govt cannot deny to the states. These powers are not expressly listed, sometimes question arises as to whether the power belongs to the nation or to the state. States can have a state militia, police power, regulate commerce, taxes, govern marriage, contracts, education, etc.

Question 10

The supremacy clause

Answer 10

The constitutional provision that makes the constitution and federal laws superior to all conflicting state and local laws.

Question 11

Necessary and proper clause (elastic clause)

Answer 11

Article 1, section 8, that grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers.

Question 12

The reasons the American two party system has dominated in America

Answer 12

In existence since 1800s, perpetuated partly because children are raised with two party culture, party platforms establish issues, easy to identify candidates for office and represent differences between the candidates.

Question 13

Dual federalism

Answer 13

A model of federalism that looks on natl and state govts as co-equal sovereign powers. Neither the state govt nor the natl govt should interfere in solving problems.

Question 14

Cooperative federalism

Answer 14

A model of federalism in which the states and the natl govt cooperate in solving problems

Question 15

Initiative, referendum, and recall

Answer 15

Initiative-procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment.
Referendum -an electoral device whereby legislative or constitutional measures are referred by the legislature to the voters for approval or disapproval.
Recall-procedure allowing voters to dismiss an elected official from office before his or her term has expired.

Question 16

Characteristics of the delegates at the constitutional convention (6)

Answer 16

1787
relationship between state and natl govt
Alexander Hamilton
George Washington
James Madison
Ben Franklin
BICAMERAL - 2 chambers of legislature.
Supremacy doctrine-national law supersedes state law.
The great compromise-3/5 compromise means counting slaves as 3/5 of whites.
Connecticut compromise-each state has equal representation in the Senate.
Madisonian model- separation of powers, checks and balances.
Electoral college adopted.

Question 17

Totalitarianism

Answer 17

A form of govt that controls all aspects of political, social, and economic life of a nation.

Question 18

Free rider

Answer 18

When non members can gain benefits from interest groups without having to join

Question 19

Block grants vs. categorical grants

Answer 19

A block grant is a federal grant that provides funds to state or local govt for a general function , I.e.: criminal justice or mental health programs.
A categorical grant is a federal grant to a state or local govt for a specific program or project.

Question 20

Realignment

Answer 20

A large scale, lasting change in the types of voters who support each of the major political parties

Question 21

Divided govt

Answer 21

A situation in which one major political party controls the presidency and the other controls converse or in which one party controls a state governorship and the other controls the state legislature.

Question 22

Winner take all system

Answer 22

The winner of a race wins even if by slight amount and minorities are not necessarily represented

Question 23

electoral college

Answer 23

Electors are put in place state by state and are either allegiant to the state or to the party to put them in. This group officially elect the president and the vice president of the United States.

Question 24

What are the reasons the American two-party system has dominated in America?

Answer 24

The two-party system has been in existence since since the mid-1800s and the party platform establishes issues and makes it easy to identify candidates for office and represents differences among people. The youth are raised in this two-party culture.

Question 25

Why does Madison prefer an extended republic over a small Republic (the multiplicity of interests argument) (Federalist number 10)

Answer 25

Madison prefers an extended republic so that more factions can be represented and more factions equals more competition equals more compromise. Less likelihood that one faction can dominate all the others. In a smaller government, fewer factions may not represent all the people.

Question 26

According to Horace Mann, what qualities of mind should citizens of a democratic republic have and why is an education in a democratic republic so important?

Answer 26

Qualities of good character-honesty, wisdom, not hasty, good judgment and ability to discern what is in the best interest of the people, not usually flattered. And education is important because it should teach one to learn both sides of every argument, teaching methods whereby people search at truths not be ignorant nor led by inflammatory remarks.

Question 27

How does Tocqueville distinguish between great parties and small or minor parties?

Answer 27

Great parties focus on the greater good not particularly on issues the greater good being the form of government being good for all. Smaller parties “agitate society and convulse it”, smaller parties arise when peace is established and interests are self-centered.

Question 28

How do most persons, according to Martin Luther King, misunderstand the purpose of an education?

Answer 28

He believes that most people miss conceive of an education as being a means to be more well-equipped then the common man asked to be able to exploit others. Also that the education be a sign of elitist mentality.

Question 29

What is the true purpose of an education according to Martin Luther King?

Answer 29

Two purposes: critical thinking skills, intensive thinking and discernment. Result: achieving intelligence with character, with morality.

Question 30

According to Horace Mann, how will we be able to determine whether or not citizens of the US have received a liberal education?

Answer 30

Citizens must be able to “ Sift and away” evidence, discern truth from false. Not that citizens are ignorant, but intelligent and unable to be biased.

Question 31

In the Federalist number 10, what reason does Madison give for preferring a republic over a democracy (the filtration argument)?

Answer 31

In a Republic, elected officials are practiced in running government and public affairs representatives will refine and enlarge the views of the people. And a democratic government anyone can be elected and they may not possess the qualities to get the job done they may not have the insights and goals necessary.

Question 32

According to the declaration of independence, at what point are citizens justified in rebilling against their current government?

Answer 32

Jefferson says it is when government is not protecting people’s inalienable rights. Cannot be overthrown for transient reasons.

Question 33

According to the declaration of independence, what form of government should be established in America?

Answer 33

No form of government is named in the declaration, but it says the government must be established with the consent of the people no matter what kind of government.

Question 34

What is the purpose of government according to the declaration of independence, and by who was this document written?

Answer 34

Thomas Jefferson is the writer. The purpose is to protect inalienable rights and for liberty protection and security and order.

Question 35

What preserves a republic, according to Thomas Jefferson?

Answer 35

“it is the manner and spirit of the people that preserves” …… Honest, good character, trustworthy, and farmers that are self reliant.

Question 36

Identify and explain the three series of who rules in America.

Answer 36

Elite theory-small group of wealthy educated.
Pluralism theory-a number of groups compete for power with many interests and there is some give and take.
Majoritarianism-the American ideal, people directed.

Question 37

How, in the Federalist papers, does Madison response to the anti-Federalist claim that the proposed Constitution violates the doctrine of separation of powers?

Answer 37

If the branches of government were completely separate it would cause difficulty in passing legislation. Having some overlaps allows for branches to check up on each other.

Question 38

What are the six types of regime according to Aristotle? What distinguishes a good regime from a bad regimefor Aristotle?

Answer 38

Good-Kingship-ruled by one for the common good
Good-Aristocracy-rule by a few for the common good.
Good-Polity-rule by the many for the common good.
Defective-Tyranny-World for the good of the tyrant.
Defective-Oligarchy-rule by the wealthy for the wealthy.
Defective-Democracy-roll by the way many poor, for the good of the many poor.

Question 39

What does Taco Bell mean when he says that Puritanism is almost as much a political theory as it is a religious doctrine?

Answer 39

The Puritans were most interested in freedom from government interference so they could practice their religion.

Question 40

Why is the Senate such an important institution according to Publius in Federalist 63? Publius states at least three reasons why a representative government like the Senate is necessary in a republic. Identify each of them.

Answer 40

Originally the senate was appointed not elected, they have a longer-term and can add consistency as one chamber of the legislature they were higher status and more education/knowledge of public affairs.

Question 41

In Federalist 57, how does Publius defend the Constitution against the charge of the House of Representatives will deteriorate into an oligarchy?

Answer 41

The representatives are given a short term in office and will be inclined to focus on the issues so that they may be reelected. Representatives do not need qualifications to be elected and do not have to be property owners.

Question 42

Taco Bell thinks that universal suffrage is problematic because most persons in a democracy or not well informed: how does the US Senate help to temper the danger of universal suffrage? What differences between the senate and the house does Tocqueville note upon entering the halls of Congress? Answer both questions

Answer 42

The Senate is supposed to be more refined than the common man, more well-educated, more familiar with public affairs and be able to refine what the people are asking for and their terms are longer which will allow for consistency. The Senate appears more educated and wealthy and House of Representatives appear to be commoners.

Question 43

Togo

Answer 43

Gig