exam 1 Flashcards
1
Q
government
A
term generally is described the formal institutions which a territory and its peoplw are ruled.
2
Q
politics
A
refers to conflicts and struggles over the leadership , structure, and policies of governments
3
Q
government provides
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services called public goods, thats citizens all need but probably cannot provide adequately for themselves
4
Q
who governs , how much control is permitted
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some nations are governed by a single individual -a king or dictator this is an autocracy, landowners military officers or the weallthy is an oligarchy, if citizesn or the general adult population- popular sovereignty- power to rule themselves - that government is a democracy
5
Q
constituitonal governments
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constitutions and other laws limit what governments can do and how they go about it
6
Q
authoritartian
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governments kept in check by other political and social institutions that it cannot control
7
Q
totalitarian
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governments not only lack legal limits but also try to eliminate institutions that might challenge their authority
8
Q
rights
A
no body except wealthy white men had rights for
9
Q
direct democracy
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a system that permits citizens to vote directly on law and policies- concerns that they will the rights of the minority
10
Q
democracy in US based on
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majority rule with minority rights
11
Q
majority rule
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the wishes of the majority determine what government does
12
Q
representative democracy or republic
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citizens have the opportunity to elect top officials . at the national level citizens select government officials but do not vote directly on legislation.- some state do
13
Q
political power
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having a say issues regarding the government or influence
14
Q
individual participation
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donating, voting, petitions, political meetings, commenting online, emailing officials, lobbying legislators, campaigns, protesting
15
Q
pluralism
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the pattern of struggles among interests is called group politics
16
Q
John Locke
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americas founders were influenced by i=english thinker john locke . Locke argued that governments need the consent of the people.
17
Q
citizenship
A
in a democracy citizenship can be defined as membership in a political community that provides legal rights and carries participation responsibilities
18
Q
civil liberties and rights
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freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and trial by jury are identified in the constitution- particularly int he bill of rights
19
Q
citizens obey
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federal, state, and local laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, being informed
20
Q
political knowledge
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key ingredient for political participation
21
Q
disinformation
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false information shared intentionally to reach a political goal
22
Q
political efficacy
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the belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does.
23
Q
immigration act of 1924
A
used a national origins quota system based on the nations population in 1890 before the wave of eastern and southern European immigrants arrived
24
Q
indian citizenship act of 1924
A
native americans weren’t officially recognized as citizens until this was passed
25
people of african descent
were not deemed citizens until 1868 when the fourteenth amendment was ratified
26
naturalization act of 1790
a law stating that only free white people could become naturalized citizens
27
chinese exclusion act of 1882
outlawed the entry of chinese laborers to the US a limit lifted only in 1943
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latinos in the 1930's
census considered mexicans as nonwhite until the mexican government
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latinos in the 1960's
latin people classified as white
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latinos in the 1970's
classified as hispanic and could be of any race
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population
12.4% black, white 61.6%, 1 in 10 as more than one race
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religion population
35% protestant, 22% catholic , 10% christian, 2% jewish, 1% mormon, 6%. other
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age population/ economic
4% over 65 , 22.4% under 18 , minorities have a higher percent population under 18. 80% of people live in urban areas. Middle experiencing a wealth drop
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political culture
liberty, equality, justice- some undemocratic traditions- nativism, racism, and sexism
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liberty
both personal freedom and economic freedom
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limited government
the bill of rights delineate individual personal liberties and rights
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laissez faire capitalism
allowed the national government very little power to regulate commerce or restrict the of private property . Today this is no longer true in order to protect citizens
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equality of opportunity
all people deserve a fair chance to go as far as their talents will allow
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political equality
the right of a communities members to participate in politics on equal terms
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justice
the first of five political objectives highlighted in the constitution - what justice is , is contested closely linked to the principles of fairness
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social justice
to advocate for change and reform
42
government trust
has declined over time, minorities trust it more than non minorities . older people trust more than younger
43
native americans and colonial life
first successful colony 1607 in jamestown, second 1620 plymouth at the time occupied by the peqot, Narragansett, algonquin
44
settler colonialism
forcibly stole land from natives to grow a colony
45
british taxes and colonial interests
british hardly interacted with the colonies , until 1760 britain needed to pay off debt, the stamp and sugar act harmed the british colonies , the wealthy benefitted from british rule, this led to protests and the taxes were eventually rescinded
46
political strife radicalized the colonists
started with the tea act of 1773 this threatened new england businesses this culminated into the boston tea party
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enslaved africans and colonial economy
the system of holding people for the purpose of forced labor so that slaveowners could extract profit. slavery was critical early on economically - leading to the transatlantic slave trade- slaves were considered property- slavery lead to exports of cash crops - some argued slavery was inhumane
48
declaration of independence
british and militia fought at lexington and concord leading to the american revolution- thomas jefferson drafted a majority of the declaration- later voted on by the continental congress- the declaration lists 27 grievances against king george iii . governments that harm the people should be overthrown, slaves were excluded , natives were badmouthed
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the European enlightenment influenced the founders
jefferson drew heavily from european philosophers - hobbes, locke, and montesquies - these ideas presented an alternate future
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john locke
advanced the principle of republican government by arguing not only that monarchial power was not absolute but such power was dangerous and should be limited
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thomas hobbes
was no advocate for democratic government , necessity of government authority as an antidote to human existence , gov should have limits on power believed citizens give up freedom in exchange for order
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Montesquieu
power must be balanced, separation of governing powers,
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Articles of confederation
first written constitution - ratified by all the states in 1781- removed in 1788, each state retains sovereignty- only congress which held little power- all 13 states must agree to any amendments- congress can declare war and make peace, negotiate peace ,borrow money , regulate trade with natives , state govs carry out laws, congress appoitnts senior officers in the army- but there was no national army, only state militias, congress cannot collect taxes
54
motivated the colonists desire for a stronger central government leading to the declaration of independence
the desire of the colonists to pursue westward expansion against the wishes of the crown and native peoples
55
describes the articles of confederation
the colonists established a weak central government in the articles of confederation , reflecting their fear that a strong government would infringe upon individual liberty
56
How was the debate surrounding the counting of enslave black people for the purposes of representation in the house of representatives
Northerners and southerners eventually agreed to only three-fifths of enslaved people would be counted
57
During the constitutional convention , the delegates disagreed over how representation should be determined, resulting in?
a bicameral legislature in which one chamber would be appointed based on state population and in the other states receive equal representation
58
ARTICLES OF Confederation failure
the country was weak and easily manipulated by european powers as they had no way of defending themselves, new england merchants and southern planters gained control of key states that threatened the livelihood of many economic and social factors in pennsylvania and rhode island- the government was powerless to help
59
the virginia legislature 1786
invited representatives of all the states to a convetion in annapolis maryland. it was established at he annapolis convention that future constituional convention would make a stronger central government
60
shays rebellion
shay led a mob of debt-ridden farmers in a effort to prevent foreclosures on their land. a milita was organized by the state governor and the issue was settled 14 rebels captured- proof the articles didn't work and the consti convention in Philly all states were invited except rhode island
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constitutional convention philly 1787
addresses international embarrassment, nations weakness, and local rebellion on their minds. Fundamental flaws of the articles - system needs to be revised
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the great compromise
also known as the connecticut compromise - under its terms there would bicameral legislature yer in one chamber of congress - the house of representatives- seats would be apportioned according to population, as delegated from the larger states had wished. But in a second chamber- the senate- each state would have equal representation as small states preferred
63
virginia plan
Randolph presented the Virginia Plan, provided for representation in the national legislature to be based on the population of each state of the proportion of each state's revenue contribution to the national government or both. congress would have two chambers and take the form of a bicameral legislature- virginia plan
64
New Jersey Plan
main proponents were delegates of less populous states , delaware, new jersey, connecticut, and New York, who assert that more populous states would dominated government if representation was determined by population . The smaller states argued equality in representation regardless of population. one chamber a unicameral legislature
65
slavery conflict
challenges the ideas of equality, slaves who fought in the american revolution granted freedom- man northern states outlawed slavery after the war- people were embarrassed by slavery so it was omitted from the constitution
66
three fifths compromise
was an agreement reached in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention that counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation. The compromise gave slave states more representation in the House of Representatives. - the fourteenth amendment repealed it in 1868
67
slave trade extension
continued for 20 more years by the central government was allowed to heavily tax slave import and exports
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Articles of confederation
no executive branch, judiciary: no federal court system. Judiciary exists only at state level, legislature: unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state. Delegates to the congress of the confederation were appointed by the states. economic power: the national gov is dependent upon the states to collect taxes, states coin their own money , sates can sign commercial treaties with foreign governments. Military: the nat gov is dependent of the state militias and cannot form any army during peacetime. Legal supremacy: state constitutions and state laws are supreme. Constitutional amendment: must be agreed upon by all states. Slavery: no mention
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Constitution
executive branch: president of the united states. Judiciary: supreme court . Legislature:bicameral senate and House of reps. each state has 2 senators, house of rep based on population. legislatures choose senators until 1913 where you could vote. six year terms and the house by popular election for 2 year terms. economic powers: congress can levy taxes and coin money, regulate international and interstate commerce, states can't coin money or make treaties with foreign nations. Military: can maintain an army and navy. Legal supremacy: national constitution and national law are supreme. Constitutional amendment: must be agreed upon by 3/4 of the states. Slavery: enslaved people count as 3/5 of a states total enslaved population and trade of slave allowed for 20 years
70
checks and balances
among three branches of government staggered terms in office, and indirect
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expressed powers
the constitution grants only those powers specifically expressed in its text
72
elastic clause
the framers intended to create an active powerful government so they also included the the necessary and proper clause which declares that congress can write laws needed to carry out its expressed powers . expressed powers could be broadly interpreted and were menta to be a source of strength to the national government not limitations on it
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Enumerated powers
he powers granted to the Federal government, and specifically Congress , which are mostly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution .
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presidential powers
grant reprieves and pardons except for impeachment, appoint major departmental heads, convene congress in a special session, veto and pass bills. congress can override vetos by 2/3
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How does the constitution limit the power of the national government
the constitution includes two key principle-federalism and separation of powers.
76
the framers sought to establish a national government strong enough to act yet not so strong that it could pose a threat to individual liberties and freedom .
The constitution creates a president with the authority to negotiate treaties and grant pardons who shares powers with the legislative and judicial branches and is chose through indirect election
77
supreme court
has the power to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws, jurisdiction over controversies between citizens of different states, judges are given lifetime appointments to protect from political or public interference, president appoint judges that senate must approve of. congress can make lower courts , change jurisdiction of federal courts, add or subtract federal judges, remove judges through impeachment, and change the size of the supreme court
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Judicial review
the power of a court to determine whether the actions of the congress or the executive are consistent with law and the constitution- the supreme court assumed the power after marbury v madison
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supremacy clause article VI
provides the national laws and treeateies " shall be the supreme law of the land " this means that laws made under the authority o the united states are superior to those adopted by an state or other subdivision and that the states must respect all treaties made under that authority. also binds all state and local was well as federal officials to take an oath to support the national constitution . therefore they must enforce national law over state law if the two conflict
80
4 ways to amend the constitution
A vote in Congress: Two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate can propose an amendment.
A state convention: Two-thirds of state legislatures can call a constitutional convention to propose an amendment.
Ratification by state legislatures: Three-fourths of state legislatures must ratify an amendment.
Ratification by state conventions: Three-fourths of state conventions must ratify an amendment.
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27 amendments
First Amendment
Guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
Second Amendment
Protects the right to keep and bear arms.
Third Amendment
Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner’s consent.
Fourth Amendment
Protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures and sets requirements for search warrants based on probable cause.
Fifth Amendment
Provides for due process of law, protects against double jeopardy and self-incrimination, and ensures compensation for eminent domain.
Sixth Amendment
Guarantees a fair trial, including the rights to a speedy public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of criminal charges, to confront witnesses, and to have legal counsel.
Seventh Amendment
Provides for the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases and inhibits courts from overturning a jury's findings of fact.
Eighth Amendment
Forbids excessive fines and bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment.
Ninth Amendment
Clarifies that the listing of individual rights in the Constitution does not mean that others do not exist.
Tenth Amendment
States that powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.
Eleventh Amendment
Limits the ability of individuals to bring suit against states in federal court.
Twelfth Amendment
Revises the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, requiring separate electoral votes for each office.
Thirteenth Amendment
Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
Fourteenth Amendment
Defines citizenship, contains the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, and addresses post–Civil War issues.
Fifteenth Amendment
Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Sixteenth Amendment
Grants Congress the power to impose and collect an income tax.
Seventeenth Amendment
Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people rather than appointment by state legislatures.
Eighteenth Amendment
Enacted Prohibition, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages (later repealed).
Nineteenth Amendment
Guarantees women the right to vote.
Twentieth Amendment
Changes the dates of congressional and presidential terms (sometimes called the "Lame Duck Amendment").
Twenty-first Amendment
Repeals the Eighteenth Amendment, ending Prohibition.
Twenty-second Amendment
Limits the President to two terms in office.
Twenty-third Amendment
Grants the District of Columbia electors in the Electoral College as if it were a state.
Twenty-fourth Amendment
Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
Twenty-fifth Amendment
Establishes procedures for presidential succession and addressing presidential disabilities.
Twenty-sixth Amendment
Lowers the voting age in federal elections to 18.
Twenty-seventh Amendment
Delays laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until after the next election of representatives.
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legislative branch
Making laws: The legislative branch, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for creating laws for the country.
Declaring war: Congress has the power to declare war on behalf of the United States.
Regulating commerce: Congress has the power to regulate commerce between states and with other countries.
Controlling spending and taxes: Congress controls the amount of money that can be spent and the taxes that can be collected.
Confirming or rejecting presidential appointments: Congress has the power to confirm or reject presidential nominations for federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and heads of federal agencies.
Investigating: Congress has the power to investigate the misuse of federal funds and abuses of power.
Establishing courts: Congress has the power to establish courts.
Establishing post offices: Congress has the power to establish post offices.
Regulating intellectual property: Congress has the power to regulate intellectual property.
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executive branch
enforcing laws, conducting diplomacy, and appointing federal judges.
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power of the judicial branch
interpret laws, determine their constitutionality, and apply them to individual cases; essentially acting as the final authority on the meaning of the law, including the power to declare laws unconstitutional when necessary.
Key powers of the judicial branch include:
Judicial review:
The ability to review laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the executive branch to determine if they are consistent with the Constitution.
Settling legal disputes:
Hearing and deciding cases brought before them, including civil and criminal matters.
Original jurisdiction:
In certain cases, like disputes between states, the power to hear a case first.
Appellate jurisdiction:
The power to review decisions made by lower courts.
Issuing rulings and opinions:
Formally stating their interpretation of the law in a written decision that can set legal precedent for future cases.
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federalists
strong national government/united, own property, creditors, merchants, believed that elites were more fit to govern, favored strong national government and filtration so that only elites hold power, lead by alexander hamilton, james madison, and george washington
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antifederalists
decentralized federal system/divided, were small farmers , frontiersmen, debtors, shopkeepers, some state government officials, believed gov should be closer to the people feared concentration of power with elites, favored retention of power by state governments and protection of individual rights, lead by patrich henry, george mason, elbridge gerry, george clinton
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federalist papers
85 articles published in new-york city newspapers by alexander hamilton , james madison, and john jay. They defended the principles of the constitution and sought to dispel fears of strong national government- antifederalists said the new constitution was step toward monarchy
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representation
antifederalists sid that that representative should be a true image of the people they said only small republics could achieve this- federalists didn't believe this they thought only the most qualified individuals should represent
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tyranny
unjust rule by the group in power . The two sides, however, had different views of the most likely source of tyranny . anti-fed said aristocracy, Fed said majority conquering minority
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government power
anti-fed preferred limited gov believed its power would swallow all state power separation of power was introduced to quell this fear
91
bill of rights, new congress, constitution
federalists ultimately win
92
how did the perspective of the federalists differ from that of the antifederalists
while federalist supported a stronger national government, the anti-fedralist favored limited government
93
while the federalists ultimately prevailed the antifederalist did have a lasting impact on the constitution by making a persuasive case on the inclusion of
the bill of rights
