Exam #2 (larger topics) Flashcards
The major attributes of liberal democracy (review the class outline on Bridges)
- free, fair, open, and competitive elections
- some checks and balances
- rule of law
- social welfare rights
- robust political parties
Basic functions served by political parties in the U.S.
Capsule history of political parties in the U.S.
Reasons why there are only two major political parties in the U.S. (the most important factor centers
on the single-member district, plurality/first-past-the-post electoral system)
Important third/independent parties (just a few) in U.S. history and functions they’ve served
Reasons parties are weak in the U.S.- but now act as if they were strong (in Congress,members of both parties act with cohesion and discipline, as in strong party systems) due to polarization/tribalism
Reasons for deep polarization between Democrats and Republicans in today’s world
The traditional electoral dynamic that pusheing candidates toward the center in general election
the ongoing change in that dynamic, which fuels hyper-partisanship
The ongoing change in that dynamic: with ever greater numbers of congressional districts
and states that are reliably red or blue, the critical contestation now takes place in the
primaries, in which turn-out is low and the impact of the base is substantial, which
fuels hyper-partisanship, unconstrained by fears of being too extreme and losing in the general
election
electoral advantages of incumbents (congressional)
key points about proportional representation electoral systems
+ and - of SMD/FPTP electoral systems (vs. proportional representation)
ranked-choice voting (aka instant run-off): how it works; reasons for adopting it (or not)
current controversies over state actions that serve to limit voter turn-out in the name of preventing fraud- and the numerous types of restriction (often referred to as “voter supression”)
Role of money and PACs in the electoral process (including for presidential elections): the broad thrust (without details) of campaign finance laws; new role of super-PACs
Importance (collectively) of key agencies in the Executive Office of the President: Nat. Sec. Council,
OMB, Council of Economic Advisors, Domestic Policy Council, Office of U.S. Trade Rep., etc.
formal sources of presidential power
informal (or personal) sources of presidential power/influence
Major steps on the road to the White House (i.e., high points of presidential nomination and election
process)
changes over time in presidential candidate nomination process
function of party conventions
Electoral college system: original rationale behind it; the way it works now; 12 th Amendment change
re: electors’ two votes
Major features of Trump’s handling of Covid
Notable aspects of Trump’s behavior on Jan 6, 2021
Major elements of the Big Lie/ “Stop the Steal” campaign
reasons for Trump’s two impeachments
From the Richardson book: major developments in the evolution of the modern Republican Party; major
developments and controversies during (and immediat4ely after) the first Trump presidency
Major differences between the two chambers of Congress and reasons (4) behind the
differences
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)
Operational differences between the two chambers (H. Rules Comm., riders, filibusters)
Role and importance of congressional committees, especially standing committees
Basic steps by which a bill becomes law
Electoral advantages of incumbents
Basic sources of members’ influence within Congress: leadership positions; expertise;
wheeling and dealing skills; knowledge of rules and procedures; use of networks
The Senate filibuster: how it works and how it’s changed; significance and arguments for and against its
complete elimination (the ‘nuclear option’)
