Government exam 1 Flashcards
True/False. In order to abolish the Electoral College and move to a popular vote for President, Congress must pass a bill and the President has to sign it into law before the November election.
False
Do Antifederalists want to keep the Articles of Confederation?
No
The Three-Fifths Compromise
Slaves count as 3/5 (60%) of a person for the purposes of taxes and representation. This is NOT the Great Compromise!
If a state law violates the federal law, that state takes the law off their books immediately because of preemption.
False. The federal government uses states of laboratories of democracy.
_____ grants are better than categorical grants because you can spend the money however you want.
Block
True/False. If the constitution says nothing about an issue the state gets to decide.
True
Who wants to keep the articles of confederation?
No one!
True/False. Congress is bicameral legislature.
True
The house of representatives is based on the ____ of each state
Population
The houses of representatives is an example of fairness or equality?
Fairness
Is the house of representatives a democratic body?
Yes
How many senators does each state get?
Two
The senate is an example of fairness or equality?
Equality
Is the senate a democratic body?
No
The Great Compromise benefits small or large states?
Large. The big states like Virginia and Georgia have plantations and that’s why their populations are large – they have slaves. They want seats in Congress based on the number of free and enslaved people but they don’t want to pay taxes on their land and property. The small states said “screw that”.
Is the electoral college about fairness or equality?
Fairness.
True/False. The removal of the electoral college would require a constitutional amendment.
True
True/False. You directly elect the president.
False
True/False. Members of the house of representatives and congress are voted for directly by the people
True
The electoral college consists of how many electors?
- 100 Senate, 435 House of Reps, 3 from D.C.
How many electoral votes is needed to win a presidential election?
At least 270.
Does the constitution protect citizens or all people in the U.S.?
All people, not just citizens.
Did seperate but equal change the constitution?
No
Is the constitution easy to amend?
No. It’s purposefuly difficult to ensure stability.
What is the necessary and proper clause? (Elastic clause)
Congress shall have power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.
What is the necessary and proper clause in action?
Whatever Congress says it is.
What is the interstate commerce clause?
The federal government has the authority to regulate trade that crosses state lines (plus foreign trade)
What is the purpose of the electoral college?
So that the american voter has an equal shot at electing the president
What is devolution?
turning powers once held by the federal government back over to the states.
What are mandates?
Federal rules that require states to alter their behavior in various areas
What are unfunded mandates?
State is is required to “do something” that will cost money and the state doesn’t have the money to implement the policy.
_____ passes legislation, _______ carries it out.
Congress / Bureaucracy
Can the president change the retirement age of pilots with an executive order?
No, congress must do so because they control interstate commerce (ICC)
Are civil liberites absolute?
No, because laws can be passed that limit your behavior beause we live under a social contract.
How many times has the constitution been amended?
27 times.
What is the proposal process?
A 2/3 vote in each chamber of congress (senate and house of reps), OR 2/3 of state legislatures request a national convention.
What is the ratification process?
3/4 of states have to approve OR specical conventions with a positive vote in 3/4 of state legislatures.
Name 3 different times you would need to amend the constitution.
Vagueness, Social Evolution, Procedural Problems
What are enumerated powers?
National (federal) level powers
What are reserved powers?
State level powers
What are concurrent powers?
Powers shared between the state and national level.
What is federalism at it’s core?
A compromise between Unitary and Confederacy.
If you want to throw a government together, should you use the confederate system?
No
Federalism Advantages
Gov’t closest to the people can act. Federally supported. Multiple political subcultures. States are laboratories of democracy. Multiple cracks at the system (upward complaining)
Federalism Disadvanatages
Not all states have the money to implement federal policies. Different levels of gov’t can pass the buck. Large, well funded states can block policies. A race to the bottom - “government deregulation” - states can decide things like unionization or implementing low wages.
What does article 1 section 8 list?
Things the federal government CAN do
What does article 1 section 9 list?
Things the federal government CANNOT do
What is preemption?
If a state law violates a federal law, it is set aside, not considered valid.
