EXAM CRAM Flashcards
Participatory democracy
All members of society participate in the government individually.
Example: referendums
John Locke
Enlightenment thinker. Established “natural law”, that humans need to be free and equal, and governments should have the consent of the governed.
Jean-Jacques Rosseau
Envisioned “popular sovereignty”, which was that members of the society influence the actions of their government.
Baron de Montesquieu
MON-TES-QUIEU (3 syllables) Argued for 3 branches of government to avoid corruption. Executive -> president, enforcers Legislative -> congress, creators Judicial -> courts, checkers
Pluralist democracy
A style of government in which individuals are chunked into interest groups that influence public policy.
Elitist democracy
A limited participation in policymaking, power is given to a small group of people.
What was the debate between Federalist 10 and Brutus 1?
Written by James Madison, Fed. 10 stated that factions are bound to exist in a society and that the government needs to pass laws that are the best for the people rather than a singular group. Either take away the causes of factions (strip people of their liberty) or try to mitigate their negative effects.
Brutus 1. argued that a large, centralized government would be too far from the people. Small republics would be best to govern the people.
Shay’s Rebellion
Emphasized the weakness of the Articles of Confederation, since the federal government did not have the power to collect taxes or fund a militia to stop a rebellion.
The Great Compromise/Missouri Compromise
Compromised a bi-cameral Congress that consisted of the senate and the house of representatives. Each state was given two senators, while house members were based on state population.
Virginia Plan
State representatives in Congress would be based on population, bigger states would have more power and representation in the federal government.
New Jersey Plan
Each state should be given equal representation in congress, with one vote per state.
Electoral college compromise
State legislators have the power to decide who is a part of the electoral college that decides the president.
3/5 Compromise
Slave states argued that they should have more representation. This “compromise” stated that slaves have 3/5 of a vote.
Republicanism
Philosophy of a limited government that has representatives elected by the people.
Commerce clause
Established as a power of Congress in Article 1. Allows Congress to regulate commerce among states and other nations.
Necessary and proper clause / elastic clause
The power of congress to pass any law that they deem necessary.
Article I
All about the legislative branch. Establishes the function of congress. There is a list of enumerated powers, including the power to tax, borrow money, raise an army, etc.
Article II
All about the executive branch. Establishes the president as commander-in-chief.
Article III
All about the judiciary branch, establishing the Supreme Court with justices appointed by the president and approved by the senate.
Federalist 51
Establishes the separation of powers to ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful.
Enumerated powers (a.k.a. explicit/expressed/delegated powers)
Powers that are written in the constitution granted to the federal government
Implied powers
Powers that are not officially written but are indicated by the expressed
Reserved powers
Powers not explicitly stated are given to the states, as explained in the 10th amendment.
Concurrent powers
Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.
Federalism
The sharing of power between the states and federal government assures a limited government.
Dual federalism (layer cake)
The national government is supreme in its sphere, separate from state governments.
Cooperative federalism (marble cake)
State and national governments working together and sharing powers. The lines between federal and state powers is not clear and even.
Fiscal federalism
A way the federal has influenced the action of state governments by giving them money, mainly in the form of grants.
New Federalism
A return to more distinct separation of power between states and the federal government, started by Reagan.
Categorical grants
Grants given to the states from the federal government IF they comply with specific federal standards.
Block grants
Money given to the states by the federal government for a broad purpose, and the states can spend that money how they see fit.
Mandate
An act established by the federal government that states MUST follow.
Devolution
More power to the state governments.
No Child Left Behind Act
In order for states to receive federal funding for education, states must comply with new standards set by the federal government.
Sanctions (financial penalties) were threatened for those who did not comply.
Challenged the relationship between federal and state governments, was later abolished and replaced by the ESSA, Every Student Succeeds Act.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Due to the necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause, there are implied powers that are given to the federal government.
Power tips in federal favor.
US v. Lopez
Using the commerce clause to regulate state actions such as guns being outlawed near schools is unconstitutional.
Power tips in favor of states.
Legislative Branch
The lawmakers, consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives (bi-cameral)
The House of Representatives
Consists of 435 members, apportioned by population, members serve two-year terms
The Senate
!00 members, each state gets two, serve six-year terms
Coalitions
The formation of a group to achieve a common goal.
Senate coalitions are more durable due to longer term lengths.
Enumerated powers of Congress
- Power of the Purse
- Power of the Sword
- Foreign policy
- Power to tax
Speaker of the House
Chosen by House membrs, represents the majority party
Majority and Minority House leaders
Have direct debates and guide party members in making policy
Whips
Ensure that their party is moving in the right direction and in align with party goals.
President of the Senate
Vice President of the United States, non-voting member unless there is a tie
President Pro Tempore
Most senior member of the majority party, acts as President if Vice President is not present
Senate Majority Leader
Sets the legislatie agenda
Standing committee
Most important committees that tackle never-ending issues
Select/special committee
Temporary and made for a specific purpose
Conference committee
A committee in which the house and the senate must work out their differences before passing a bill
Joint committee
Members from both senators and congress adressing a long-term issue
House Rules Committee
Decides which bills make it to the floor for debate
Filibuster
Used in the senate as a way to deay legislation by talking for a very long time
Cloture rule
a 3/5ths vote which ends a filibuster
Pork barrel
When a representative attempts to gain money for their district under a certain cause
Logrolling
When representatives agree to vote for one’s bill in exchange for support on their bill
Caucuses
A nongovernmental group of like-minded people who set legislative agendas
Closed rule
More strict. A rule in the House that prohibits any bills to be up for vote on the floor.
Open rule
Less strict. Any House member can offer a bill to be amended on the floor.
How a bill becomes a law
- A legislator introduces the bill
- it is sent to a committee (may die in committee, aka pigeonholed)
- full chamber vote
- send to other house
- conference committee (senate and house)
- 10 days for President to sign
Federal spending / budget
Arguably one of the most important jobs of congress. Money collected by federal income tax. Funds are categorized into “mandatory” and “discretionary”.
Mandatory spending
Payments required by law, such as social security.
Discretionary spending
Committess debate how these funds are used, all the funds that are leftover from mandatory spending.
Deficit
The gap between the projected budget and the actual funds available
Political polarization
One of the factors that delays legislation. Republicans are becoming more conservative and democrats are becoming more liberal.
Trustee model
Representatives believe they are entrusted by their constituents to use THEIR best judgement. Predominantly used in the senate.
Ex: Mitt Romney voting for the impeachment of Donald Trump.
Delegate model
Representatives must vote with the will of the people, even if it goes against THEIR judgement. More in the house.
Ex: a democratic representative always voting for democratic ideals.
Politico model
A blend of the trustee and delegate model. How the representative votes depends on the situation.
Redistricting
Determined every 10 years by the US census, state legislatures redraw congressional district maps.
Baker v. Carr
Rural voters had much more power than urban voters. The Supreme Court can render judgement on the constitutionality of the drawing of legislative districts.
“one person, one vote principle”
Shaw v. Reno
A congressional district drawn for the purpose of representing a majority Black population is unconstitutional and violates the 14th’s amendment’s equal protection clause.
Gerrymandering
District drawn a certain way to ensure that a certain party/group always wins.
Partisan gerrymandering and racial gerrymandering
Redlining
Banks refusing to loan to certain residents based on their district
War Powers Act
Designed to limit the president’s ability to initiate foreign military actions.
Veto
The power of the president to not sign a bill; bill either dies or is redrafted by congress.
Formal president powers
- Commander in chief, but the president can not declare war
- Enforcing laws
- Handling foreign policy
- Chief Diplomat, negotiates treaties with senate confirmation
Informal president powers
- Bargaining and persuasion
- Executive orders
Cabinet
The president’s team of advisers who lead each of the executive agencies
Federalist 70
Discusses Article II and the role of an executive power. Argues that one sole individual should be appointed to be the executive leader.
22nd Amendment
Limits the president to 2 four-year terms
State of the Union
An address given to congress which can also establish a policy agenda to the public.
Bully pulpit
The idea that the president can relay information to the public directly
12th Amendment
Electors vote for president (1) and vice president (2).
20th amendment
Inaugauration moved to Jan 20th.
23rd amendment
23, DC. Washington can vote for president.
25th amendment
25 if he stays alive; if the president were to pass, the VP takes over.
US District Courts
(91) Lowest of the courts, have original jurisdiction, have the right to hear a case for the first time
US Circuit Court of Appeals
Middle tier courts. Hear appeals from district courts.
Supreme Court
Has both original and appellate jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction
Hearing a case for the second time after an appeal
Original jurisdiction
Hearing a case for the first time
Judicial review
The right the judicial branch has to declare actions by other branches of government unconstitutional
Federalist No. 78
Establishes the judicial branch, with lifetime appointments and judicial review
Marbury v. Madison
Established judicial review
Precedent / stare decisis
A decision made by a court serves as a template for future decisions. Can be overturned.
Stare decisis means “let the decision stand”.
Judicial activism
When judges strike down laws or reverse public policy
ex: Brown v. Board
Judicial restraint
Judges following the constitution and not making new policy. A law should only be struck down if it goes against the constitution.
Concurring opinion
A judge has the ability to agree with an opinion, but disagree with the reasoning
Dissenting opinion
A judge can disagree with a court decision and explain why
Bureaucracy
Falls under the executive branch, made up of millions of government employees
Cabinet Secretaries
Highest of the bureaucracy; leaders of the 15 executive departments
(ex: Department of Homeland Security)
Agencies
Work together to accomplish the goals of the departments
Commission
Groups that work independently from executive control, created for a specific purpose, but still fall under executive authority
Delegated discretionary authority
The authority given to bureaucrats by congress that allows them to specifically carry out laws
Compliance monitoring
Ensuring that firms and companies subject to industry regulations are abiding by those rules
Iron triangle
The relationship between the bureaucracy, congress, and an interest group, which forms policy.
Department of Homeland Security
Protects the US from terrorism and controls nation’s borders
Department of Transportation
Manages all kinds of transportations
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Ensures welfare of America’s veterans
Department of Education
Oversees states and educational standards
Environmental Protection Agency
Works to protect the environment and human health
Federal Elections Commission
Administers and enforces campaign finance laws
Securities and Exchange Commission
Regulates stock market
Bill of Rights
Used to limit the power of the federal government, the first 10 amendments
Schneck v. United States
Freedom of speech is protected, however, not speech that can be considered a “clear and present danger”.
Tinker v. Des Moines
Students are not stripped of their liberty and first amendment right in schools.
New York Times Co. v. United States
Further established freedoms of the press, the government can not exercise prior restraint
Engel v. Vitale
It is unconstitutional to force students to participate in a school-led prayer
Wisconsin v. Yoder
Requiring Amish students to attend school past the 8th grade violates the establishment clause
McDonald v. Chicago
Further established second amendment rights, the right for arms for self-defense applies to the states
Gideon v. Wainwright
States must provide poor defendants with an attorney and fair trail
Roe v. Wade
Denying a woman an abortion is against her right of privacy
Civil liberties
Rights guaranteed by the constitution that protect citizens against government interference
Establishment clause
Prohibits Congress from establishing a national church
Free exercise clause
Protects the rights of citizens to practice their relation
Civil Rights
Policy that protects people from discrimination
CIVIL RIGHTS -> 14TH AMENDMENT
Libel
WRITTEN defamation in the press
Slander
SPOKEN defamation in the press
Prior restraint
PREVENTION of a publication of a story, deemed unconstitutional if the government were to attempt in New York Times Co. v. US
Selective incorporation
Bill of Rights applied strictly to the federal government until selective incorporation applied them to the states
Individual freedom vs. social order
Courts differentiate opinions and decide rulings based on each. Individual freedoms (Tinker v. Des Moines), social order (Bon Hits 4 Jesus)
14th amendment
Ensured Bill of Rights and amendments applied to the states. Selective incorporation
Due process of law
Comes from the 5th amendment and protects citizen’s rights when they are arrested
5th -> FEDERAL DUE PROCESS
14th -> STATE DUE PROCESS
Exclusionary rule
A part of the 4th amendment which states that any evidence collected illegally can not be used
Miranda Rule / Miranda Rights
Citizens being arrested must be read and aware of their rights
Right to privacy
Implied by due process, tested in Roe v. Wade
Letter from Birmingham Jail
Written by MLK. Stating that the time for action was NOW and that he and others will continue to fight for civil rights.
24th amendment
Outlawed poll taxes
Majority-minority districts
Redrawn districts to ensure that minority groups are majorities
Affirmative action
A policy that favors a group that has been historically discriminated against
Dejure segregation
Racial discrimination by law
Ex: Jim Crow Laws
Defacto segregation
Racial segregation by choice
Ex: white flight out of the cities
Liberal
More government snding, more personal privacy
Conservative
Less government economic involvement, hard criminal punishment
Individualism
Value of the self
Equality of opportunity
Each person has an opportunity to succeed, but equality of the outcome is not guaranteed
Rule of law
No one is above the law
Political socialization
The process through which citizens develop opinions on ideas and politics
Factors of political socialization
- Family
Demographics, age, school, media, social environments, religion
Lifecycle effects
What a person chooses to focus on politically is an effect of their life cycle
Globalization
The process of a global, ever expanding economy and culture
Public opinion polls
Used to gather the beliefs of citizens
Benchmark poll
Used to find where a candidate stands before a campaign
Entrance/exit poll
Conducted on eletion day as people enter/exit
Tracking polls
Ask questions over time to track opinion
Keynesian Economics
The belief that the government should spend money to jumpstart the economy if in a recession. Supported by liberals.
Supply-side economics
Focuses on tax cutting to jump start the economy. Supported by conservatives.
Free-market economics
The belief that the economy will naturally fix itself; the government has no place. Libertarians believe this.
Fiscal policy
Refers to the government’s tax and spending policies, controlled by Congress
Monetary policy
The federal reserve’ controlling of money supply and interest rates
Free enterprise
Government taking a laissez-faire approach to economics.
Rational choice voting
When a person votes based on their individual self-interest
Retrospective voting
Person votes based on track record of the person they are voting for
Prospective voting
The opposite of retrospective voting in which a person votes based on their predictions of a party
Party-line voting
When a person votes for all the members of their party
Structural barriers
A policy that can prevent people from voting or encourage people to vote
Ex: voter ID laws
Political efficacy
A citizen’s elief about whether or not their vote matters
What effects voter turnout?
Voter regulations, demographics, personal beliefs, canidates, voting incentive
Linkage institutions
A societal structure that connects the people to the political process
Examples of linkage institutions
- Political parties
- Media
- Interest groups
- Elections
Primary election
Elections in which party members vote on the candidate they want to represent in the general election
Winner-take-all structure
Limits third parties and independents
Incumbent
A president who is running for a second term
Incumbency advantage
The incumbant is known, funded, and has already won
Congressional elections
Occurs every two years by the popular vote
Lobbying
Citizens grouping and engaging in activities to influence public policy and officials
