Flashcards 11/4-11/15
Explain “grant-in-aid programs.”
Federal funds provided to states and localities for specific projects or programs.
How did John Locke’s philosophy influence the Declaration of Independence?
Locke’s ideas about natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the social contract influenced the Declaration’s emphasis on unalienable rights and government deriving power from the consent of the governed.
Describe the significance of the USA PATRIOT Act (2001).
It expanded federal law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative powers, raising debates over federal authority and individual rights.
What is “cooperative federalism” often compared to, symbolically?
A marble cake, symbolizing intertwined responsibilities between state and federal governments.
What does “bicameral legislature” mean?
A two-house legislative system, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What are “block grants”?
Federal funds given to state governments for broad purposes, allowing states discretion in how the money is spent.
What is the main argument in James Madison’s Federalist No. 10?
Madison argues that a large republic can better control factions and protect minority rights than smaller governments.
What are “police powers” in the context of state authority?
Powers reserved to the states to regulate the health, safety, and morals of their citizens.
Explain the purpose of a “referendum.”
A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue.
Describe the “commerce clause” impact on federal power.
It has been used to justify a wide range of federal laws affecting economic activity across states.
Define “judicial review.”
The power of the courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.
Explain the term “elite democracy.”
A model where a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy or well-educated, influence political decision-making.
What is “fiscal policy” in government?
Government decisions on taxation and spending to influence the economy.
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual liberties by limiting the powers of the federal government.
What is a “pocket veto”?
A method by which the president can veto a bill by not signing it within ten days when Congress is not in session.
What is the role of “advice and consent” in the Senate?
The Senate’s authority to approve or reject the president’s appointments and treaties.
What is the significance of Brutus No. 1?
An Anti-Federalist essay arguing that a large republic would lead to tyranny and that states should maintain more power.
Why was Shays’ Rebellion significant?
It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger national government.
Define “ratification” in the context of constitutional amendments.
The formal approval process of amendments by the states.
What is an “initiative” in the context of participatory democracy?
A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or state constitutional amendments through petition.
What is “cooperative federalism”?
A concept where federal, state, and local governments interact cooperatively to solve common problems.
What does “fiscal federalism” involve?
The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system.
What is the “commerce clause”?
It grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Native American tribes.
Summarize the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).
The Supreme Court held that Congress had implied powers under the necessary and proper clause, and states could not tax federal institutions, reinforcing federal supremacy.
Summarize the ruling in United States v. Lopez (1995).
The Supreme Court limited Congress’s power under the commerce clause, ruling that carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity affecting interstate commerce.
Explain the concept of “devolution” in federalism.
Shifting power from the federal government back to the states.
Describe the principle of “limited government.”
A limited government has defined restrictions on its powers, often through a constitution, to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny.
Define “strings” in the context of federal grants.
Conditions or requirements attached to federal grants that states must follow to receive funding.
Describe the primary function of the “Legislative Branch.”
To create and pass legislation.
Define “mandates” and give an example.
Requirements imposed by the federal government on state governments; for example, the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What are “exclusive powers”?
Powers that are reserved solely for the federal government or the states.
Define “privileges and immunities clause.”
It prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner.
What is the purpose of the “advice and consent” role of the Senate?
To provide a check on the executive branch by approving treaties and high-level appointments.
What is an “interest group”?
An organization that seeks to influence public policy in favor of its particular interest.
What is the “supremacy clause” and where is it found?
Article VI of the Constitution; it establishes that federal law supersedes state laws when there is conflict.
Explain the “two-thirds override.”
Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.
Define “factions” as discussed in Federalist No. 10.
Groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community.
Describe “devolution.”
The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states.
Explain the significance of the Fourteenth Amendment.
It grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection and due process under the law.
Give an example of a check the legislative branch has over the executive branch.
Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
