Exam 2 Flashcards
What are civil liberties?
Basic freedoms and liberties
Civil liberties are protections against government actions that infringe on individual rights.
What are the two dimensions of civil liberties?
- Substantive: limits on what government can or cannot do
- Procedural: rules regarding how the government must act
What does the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment state?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion
This clause prohibits the government from favoring one religion over another.
What is the Free Exercise Clause?
Prohibits the government from interfering with the practice of religion
It also protects the right to be a nonbeliever.
What is the Lemon Test?
A test to determine if government involvement with religion is constitutional, requiring:
* A secular purpose
* Neither advancing nor inhibiting religion
* No excessive entanglement
True or False: The government can show favoritism towards a particular religion.
False
The government must remain neutral and cannot endorse any specific religion.
What is the significance of the Sherbert v. Verner (1963) case?
Overturned state decision to deny unemployment benefits for refusing to work on Saturdays
Established the need for a compelling state interest in limiting religious practices.
What does the term ‘accommodationist’ refer to in the context of religious freedom?
A perspective that allows for more government support and involvement with religious institutions.
Fill in the blank: The _________ Amendment protects the freedom of religion.
First
What does the term ‘substantive’ refer to in civil liberties?
Limits on what government can or cannot do.
What is meant by procedural aspects of civil liberties?
Rules regarding how the government must act.
What does the term ‘separationist’ refer to in the context of religious freedom?
A perspective that advocates for a strict separation between government and religion.
What is American Exceptionalism?
The idea that the United States is inherently different from other nations, particularly in terms of values and institutions.
What is the significance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision?
Protected the right to abortion until it was reversed by the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision.
What does the term ‘individualism’ imply in American values?
The belief in self-reliance and personal independence.
What is federalism?
Sharing of power across at least two levels of government, such as state and national.
What are the two types of legislative systems?
- Unicameral: one chamber
- Bicameral: two chambers
What is the difference between a presidential system and a parliamentary system?
- Presidential: separation of powers, head of state elected separately
- Parliamentary: fusion of powers, head of state is part of the legislature
Fill in the blank: Religion in the US has always been _________ and never unified behind political causes.
decentralized
What does ‘psychological explanation’ suggest about American religiosity?
Less economic security leads people to seek assistance from a divine being.
What is the meaning of ‘compelling interest’ in the context of the Free Exercise Clause?
The government must demonstrate a significant reason to restrict religious practices.
What does the term ‘supermajority’ mean?
A requirement for more than a simple majority, often 60% or higher, to pass legislation.
What is the role of political socialization?
The process through which individuals form their political beliefs and values.
What are some agents of political socialization?
- Families
- Schools
- Peer groups
- Civic and religious institutions
- Mass media
