Civics Flashcards
Political Science
Study of:
Different governments, their structures and functions
Political theory and ways theory is put into action
How nations interact with each other
Political cultures and values (freedom power, justice, equality, etc.)
Also encompasses elements of other disciplines - history, sociology, anthropology, and economics
4 Major Purposes of Government
Ensure national security, Provide public services, Ensure social order, Make decisions about the economy
4 Theories of the Origins of the State
Evolutionary, Force, Divine Right, Social Contract
Evolutionary (state formation)
The structures of the state evolved from the family, with the head of state taking the role of matriarch or patriarch of the family
Force (state formation)
One person or group brings everyone in an area under their control
Divine Right (state formation)
Certain people are chosen by the accepted deity to be the rulers of a nation. The nation itself is also considered to be created by the deity.
Social Contract (state formation)
People allow themselves to be governed in order to maintain the social order, while in turn the state promises to protect the people it governs. If the government does not serve its people, they have the right to institute a new government.
Aristotle and Plato
Believed political science can create a scientifically organized order in politics, resulting in stable, just societies
Thomas Aquinas
Adapted the ideas of Aristotle to a Christian perspective. He said that individuals have both rights and duties, and these should determine the extent of government rule. Laws should limit the role of government. Laid the groundwork for what would become modern constitutionalism.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Wrote The Prince - theorized a form of politics based solely on power
Thomas Hobbes
Wrote Leviathan (1651), believed that individuals are focused on self - interest and acquiring power, and government must control this urge. Felt that people are unable to live harmoniously together without government intervention.
John Locke
Two Treatises of Civil Government (1690). Argued against Thomas Hobbes. Tabula Rasa - the idea that a person’s mind is a blank slate at birth, and experience molds minds. Believed all men are essentially good, independent, and equal. Many of his ideas, are in the US Constitution.
Montesquie and Rousseau
Heavily influenced the French Revolution (1789 - 1815). They believed government policies should change to help alleviate problems - “liberalism.”
Other important ideas:
- individual freedom and community welfare are both important
-man’s innate goodness leads to harmony in society
- reason develops with the rise of civilized society
- citizens have obligations to their government
Rousseau’s Writings
The Social Contract (1762), Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789), and The Citizen (1789). These writings directly influenced the French Revolution.
Hume and Bentham
Believed the main goal of politics should be to maintain “the greatest happiness of the greatest number.” Hume also believed in empiricism - that ideas must be observed and proven true, and skepticism - that individuals should seek the truth themselves, rather than believing what they are told.
John Stuart Mill
British philosopher and economist. Believed in women’s suffrage, emancipation, labor organizations and farming cooperatives.
Fichter and Hegel
18th Century German philosophers. Supported a form of liberalism ground in socialism and nationalism.
4 Main Political Orientations
Liberal, conservative, moderate, libertarian
Liberal
Believe government should work to increase equality at the expense of some freedoms. Support economic assistance, free education, and other forms of social justice
Conservative
Believes government should be limited in most cases. Puts responsibility on citizens to help one another, rather than creating government enforced solutions. Supports a free - market economic system.
Moderate
Some liberal and some conservative values.
Libertarian
Believe the government’s role is only to protect citizen’s life and liberty. Government should not be involved unless citizens are threatening the rights of others.
Six Principles of Government/the Constitution
Federalism, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, judicial review, checks and balances, limited government
Federalism
Power is divided between federal, state, and local governments
Popular Sovereignty
The government gains its power and authority from the people, people have a voice in government
Separation of Powers
The government is divided into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, each with its own powers
Judicial Review
Courts can declare laws unconstitutional (according to state or federal constitutions)
Checks and Balances
No branch can act without input from another, each branch can “check” the powers of another
Limited Government
Certain rights are inviolable by the government, governmental powers are limited.
Types of Power held by Government
Expressed - directly defined by the Constitution, (collect taxes, declare war, regulate commerce)
Implied - power needed to carry out their expressed powers
Inherent - powers considered inherent to any government, not expressed in the constitution
Positions on Federalism
States Rights (states should take the lead in policy making)
vs. Nationalists (federal government should take the lead).
Debate between the two sides has existed since the writing of the Constitution. The flexibility of the Constitution has allowed power to shift back and forth between the two.
Federalism and Public Policy
Federalism
- determines what level of government policy should come from
- affects how policies are made
- ensures that policy making functions under limitations
Federalism’s Effect on Power
- makes it difficult for one party to gain power
- lets individuals participate in the political system at various levels
- allows individuals more opportunities to impact policies at different levels
Legislative Branch
House of Representatives and Senate. All members are elected.
Law - making. All laws must be approved by Congress.
Regulates money and trade
Approves presidential appointments
Establishes organizations like the postal service and federal courts.
Can propose amendments to the Constitution
Can Impeach or bring charges against a president
Can declare war
Executive Branch
President, VP, presidential advisors, cabinet members. Advisors are appointed by the president and approved by congress.
Carries out laws, treaties, and war declarations enacted by Congress.
Can veto bills.
President is Commander - In - Chief of military
President appoints cabinet members, ambassadors to foreign countries, and federal judges.
Judicial Branch
Federal court system, headed by the Supreme Court.
Decides the constitutionality of laws when they are challenged. The Supreme Court can also review the decisions of lower courts.
US Citizenship
Anyone born in the US, born to a parent who is a US citizen, or who has gone through a naturalization process is a US citizen. Citizenship can be lost by committing certain crimes (like treason), or pledging loyalty or serving in the military of a country that is hostile to the US. Citizens can renounce their citizenship. Citizens can hold dual - citizenship.
Rights of Citizenship
Defined in the Bill of Rights - freedom of speech, religion, assembly, etc. The government cannot infringe on these rights.
Duties and Responsibilities of Citizenship
- paying taxes
- loyalty to the government
- obeying laws
- voting in elections
- respecting the rights of others
- staying informed about political issues
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Prevents the government from infringing on certain freedoms or “natural rights.” Many of these rights were formulated in direct response to the ways colonists felt they had been mistreated by the British government. Passed by Congress in 1789, ratified by the states 1791.
First Amendment
Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly
Second Amendment
Right to bear arms
Third Amendment
Congress cannot force citizens to house soldiers
Fourth Amendment
Protection from unreasonable search and seizure
Fifth Amendment
No individual can be forced to testify against themselves, no one can be tried twice in the same court for the same crime (Miranda Rights)
Sixth Amendment
Right to a criminal trial by jury, right to legal counsel
Seventh Amendment
Right to a civil trial by jury
Eighth Amendment
Protection from excessive pail, protection from cruel or unusual punishment
Ninth Amendment
Protection of other rights not expressly mentioned in the Constitution
Tenth Amendment
Any rights not directly delegated to the national government, and not directly prohibited, belong to the state governments or the people
Restrictions on the First Amendment
Freedom of Religion - any religious activity that is otherwise illegal is likely to be restricted (polygamy, drugs, animal sacrifice)
Freedom of Speech - can be restricted if it is believed to endanger other people
Freedom of the Press - laws against publishing falsehoods
Stricter regulations are often placed during wartime in the name of national security
Constitutional Rights of Those Accused of Crime
4th Amendment - no unreasonable search and seizure
5th - no self incrimination or double jeopardy
6th - Trial by jury and right to legal counsel
8th - no cruel or unusual punishment
Major Political Issues Today
- women’s rights, especially equal pay
- affirmative action in hiring and admissions
- LGBTQIA+ rights, esp marriage and military service
- Reparations and other compensation for discrimination
- tension between the public’s right to know and the government’s need to maintain security
- balance between right to privacy and national security
Civil Liberties vs. Civil Rights
Liberties - the role of the state in providing equal rights and opportunities (what the government can and should do)
Rights - the limits of the state, what rights they cannot infringe upon (what the government can’t do)
Suffrage and Franchise
Both terms which refer to the right to vote
15th Amendment
1870 - Officially granted suffrage to African American males
19th Amendment
1920 - Officially granted women the right to vote
26th Amendment
1971 - Gave voting rights to any citizen age 18 and up
Development of Voting Process
First elections held by public ballot, but this made it easy for people to intimidate others’ votes. In response, new practices were added to the vote - including registering before elections took place, and instituting the secret ballot. 1892 introduction of the voting machine, further privatizing the vote. Today, debate continues around the accuracy of different voting methods - high to low tech voting machines.
Party Systems
one party system - all the government’s policy influenced by one party
2 party system - different viewpoints compete for power and influence, checks and balances make it hard for one party to gain complete power over the other (US)
Multi - Party systems - 3 or more parties, often different parties will come to agreements to form a majority
Evolution of Parties in the US
George Washington was against parties, based on the abuses perpetrated by parties in Britain. A two - party system with occasional 3rd party challengers soon developed though. Major parties were Federalists/Democratic - Republicans, Democrats/Whigs Democrats/Republicans.
Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans
Formed late 1700s, Disagreed on the balance of power between national and state governments
Democrats vs Whigs
Developed before the Civil War, disagreed on various issues including slavery
Democrats vs. Republicans
Developed after the Civil War, disagreements centered on treatment of freedmen and the post - war South.
Actions by Political Parties
- recruiting and backing candidates for office
- increasing public awareness and education on different issues
- negotiating compromise on issues
- staffing and administrative support for government offices
4 Processes of Choosing Candidates
Nominating Conventions, Caucuses, Primary Elections, Petitions
Nominating Conventions
An official meeting of party members for the purpose of nominating candidates for elections. DNC and RNC, for example, announce candidates for the presidency
Caucuses
Meeting to elect candidates, usually attended by the party’s leaders. Participants in the caucus can openly show support for the candidate of their choice, and try to sway the opinions of others. Often only open to registered voters of one political party.
Primary
A public election to choose candidates. May be open (to anyone of any party), or closed (to members of one party)
Petitions
Signatures are gathered to place a candidate or legislation on a ballot.
Ways to Participate for the Average Citizen
- voting for elected officials
- participating in local government
- participating in caucuses
- volunteering to help political parties
- running for election
- donate to political causes
- support interest groups and lobbyists for causes they support
Campaign Funding
Money comes from the candidates personal funds, donations by individuals, and donations from special interest groups (this is the most significant source of funding). Special interest groups often do their own advertising for candidates they endorse.
Role of Media in Politics
Media can inform people about the workings of government, as well as drawing attention to issues that impact citizens or transgressions by government officials.
Media can also skew their reporting to benefit a particular candidate or perspective. The rise of the Internet has made news media even more complex, with the rise of many different sources with ranging reliability.
Anarchism
Belief that all government should be eliminated and individuals should rule themselves. Historically, anarchists have used violence and assassination to further their agenda.
Communism
Based on class conflict, inevitable revolution of the working class, and a one - party state. Under communism, a states government controls the production and distribution of goods and services rather than private citizens.
Dictatorship
Rule by a single individual. Dictators tend to rule with violence, using a repressive police force to control the people.
Oligarchy
Rule by a small group.
Fascism
Centers on a single leader, ideologically in opposition to communism. Involves a single party state and centralized control of poet. The power of the leader lies in the “cult of personality” - the leader controls media, legal matters, everyday life, so people internalize the beliefs they want them to have. Often seeks to conquer other nations.
Monarchy
The major form of government for most of Europe’s history. Led by a king or queen, with hereditary transfer of power. In modern times, constitutional monarchies have developed, where the king and queen still exist, but most governmental decisions are made by democratic institutions such as parliament.
Presidential System
Like a parliamentary system, it has a legislature and political parties, but without distinction between head of state and head of government - the elected president takes on both roles. Election of a president may be by direct or indirect election, and a president does not necessarily belong to the largest political party.
Socialism
The state controls the production of goods, but does not necessarily own the means of production. The state provides a variety of social services and plays a strong role in the economy. A democratic form of government often exists in socialist countries.
Totalitarianism
All aspects of life are under control of the government, and all aspects of life are forced to conform to the ideals of the government.
Authoritarianism
Widespread state authority without necessarily dismantling other public institutions - so long as they don’t pose a threat to the government. A totalitarian government is by definition authoritarian, but an authoritarian government is not always totalitarian.
Parliamentary System
Has a legislature and political parties. The head of government is usually a Prime Minister, who heads the dominant political party. A head of state is also elected, or could be held by a monarchy.
Democratic System
The people elect their representatives. 2 forms of democracy - direct and indirect. Democracy can exist in a Parliamentary system or a Presidential system.
Direct Democracy
Each issue or election is decided by a vote where each individual is counted separately
Indirect Democracy
The general public elects a legislature, which votes on issues that affect the people
Theory of Realism
States that nations are aggressive by nature, and will work in their own self - interest. Relations between nations are determined by military and economic strength.
Liberalism
Believes states can cooperate with one another, and that they act based on capabilities rather than power. Term originally coined to describe Woodrow Wilson’s theories of international cooperation.
Institutionalism
Institutions are defined as a set of rules used to make international decisions. Institutionalism believes these institutions provide the structure and incentive necessary for cooperation among nations. They also help distribute power, and determine how nations interact.
Constructivism
Like liberalism, based on international cooperation, but also recognizes that countries’ perceptions of one another can affect their relations.
Foreign Policy
A set of goals, policies, and strategies which determine how a nation will interact with other countries. Can shift, sometimes drastically and quickly, according to changes in other countries. Based on ideals and national needs.
Isolationism vs. internationalism
In the 1800s US leaned towards isolationism. The World Wars led to a period of internationalism and the US joined the UN.
Globalism
Representative of today’s foreign policy, after taking an internationalist approach during the World Wars. US foreign policy now takes into account the global interdependence and widespread effects of issues like economic health.
US Foreign Policy
In the US it is determined by Congress and the president, and influenced by the secretary of state, secretary of the defense, and the national security advisor.
Executive officials carry out the policies made - State Department and DoD.
US Department of State
State Department. Carries out policy, negotiates treaties, maintains diplomatic relations, assists in foreign travel, and informs the president on international issues.
Department of Defense
Largest executive department in the US, supervises the armed forces and aids the president in his role as commander in chief.
Intergovernmental Organizations
Made up of members of various national governments. Treaties among member nations determine the functions and powers of the organization. Example: UN.
2 Types of International Organizations
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
Nongovernmental Organizations
Lies outside of the scope of government, usually supported through private donations. May work with many governments, but they are not formally affiliated with any country or government. Example: Red Cross
Diplomats
Individuals who reside in foreign countries to maintain communications between that country and their home country. Responsibilities - help negotiate trade agreements and environmental policies, and convey information to foreign governments. May help resolve conflicts between countries without making them official. Appointed by the president and approved by Congress in the US.
UN
United Nations. Helps form international policies. Hosts representatives from countries who provide input on policy decisions. Member nations must agree to abide by all final UN resolutions. If they don’t the UN may raise sanctions against the country - often economic such as trade restrictions. UN can also send military forces as “peace keeping” troops brought in from member nations. The Korean War was the first war in which the UN or any international organization played a major role.
