Exam #1 (larger topics) Flashcards
the major attributes of liberal democracy (review the class discussion outline on Bridges)
significant elements of Declaration of Independence
elements of American political culture and some basic differences with other countries
key points in the Wehner and Nichols articles (assigned readings for 9/9)
main provisions of the Articles of Confederation; perceived deficiencies of Articles
enumerated powers of Congress (Art. I, Sec. 8) Get the thrust of the enumerated powers; no need to memorize the particulars (but do know the significance of Commerce and Elastic Clauses)
Presidential powers under Article II of the Constitution
commander in chief, grant pardons, make treaties, appoint officials, ensure laws are executed
the basics about the electoral college system
main provisions in re the Federal judiciary in Article III of the Constitution
Constitutional requirements for super majorities, and rationale behind them
the two procedures for amending the Constitution (Article V)
Constitutional provisos and compromises (3) over slavery (pre-amendments)
Core arguments of Federalist #10 and #51
Capsule history of federalism in the U.S. - with emphasis on absolute and relative growth of Federal power during 20th century, and main reasons for that growth
typical responsibilities of state govt
typical responsibilities of municipal govt (i.e. cities and towns)
principal sources of revenue for national, state, and local (municipal) govt (in general terms not looking for %)
differences between traditional “layer cake” federalism (also called dual federalism) and present “marble cake” (aka cooperative federalism) arrangement
advantages and disadvantages of federalism in comparison to unitary systems
the darker side of federalism’s “laboratories of democracy”
differences between the two chambers of congress and reasons behind the differences
basic functions served by political parties
capsule history of political parties in the US
reasons why there are only 2 major political parties in teh US (most important factor centers on the single member district, plurality/first-past-the-post electoral system)
important 3rd/independent parties (just a few) in US history and the functions they’ve served
reasons parties are weak in the US- but now act as if they were strong (in Congress, members of both parties act with cohesion and discipline, as in strong party system) due to polarization/tribalism
reasons for the deep polarization between Democrats and Republicans in today’s world
the traditional electoral dynamic that pushes candidates toward the center in general election
the ongoing change in that dynamic, which fuels hyper-partisanship