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Intro To American Politics > INTRO to AP Test 2 SG CH 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 > Flashcards

INTRO to AP Test 2 SG CH 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of an interest group?

A

An organized group with common objectives who actively attempts to influence policy

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2
Q

What is the difference between an interest group and a “special” interest group?

A

Nothing they are the same (but not all interest groups are lobbyists)

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3
Q

How are political rights won in America?

A

With political organization

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4
Q

What are the different types of interest groups?

A
  1. Economic (corporation industry trade (labor unions))
  2. Social groups (age, race, gender religion)
  3. Single-issue groups (abortion, environment, guns)
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5
Q

How can interest groups INDIRECTLY affect public policy?

A

Recruiting members, collective action (grassroots) campaigns, and use of mass media

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6
Q

How can interest groups DIRECTLY affect public policy?

A

Lobbying, private meetings, testimony, education and advice, campaign, and election involvement

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7
Q

What exactly is “lobbying?”

A

Interaction with government officials to achieve benefits (selling a corporation)

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8
Q

How are political campaigns financed in America?

A

A contribution is anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a federal election

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9
Q

What was the FECA?

A

The government attempts that regulate interest group influence, they created limits and regulations in federal campaigns (they also created the FEC) (Buckley v. Valeo: Allowed restrictions on donations but not on personal or independent expenditures (1976))

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10
Q

What is the FEC?

A

Independent regulatory commission established to enforce FECA. Keeps track of how money is spent in interest groups/campaigns

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11
Q

What is a PAC?

A

The political action committee, the campaign arms of interest groups closely monitored and limited by the FEC limited and what they can contribute

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12
Q

What is public financing of elections?

A

Big donors and special interests have come to dominate the financing of American elections

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13
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages to a public financing system?

A

Advantages: organize policy, agendas, except responsibility, organize oppositions/alternatives
Disadvantages: polarization=gridlock presidential system, separation of powers

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14
Q

What are the functions of political parties?

A
  1. Recruiting and nominating candidates
  2. Educating the electorate about campaign issues
  3. Helping candidates win elections
  4. Monitoring actions of officeholders
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15
Q

What is divided government?

A

When different branches of the federal government are controlled by different political parties (One party controls the president and one party controls the Congress)

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16
Q

What is Gridlock?

A

Is a situation when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people

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17
Q

When were the Democrats organized?

A

1820s; Andrew Jackson

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18
Q

What ideological stand do Democrats most closely reflect?

A

More central control of economy, civil liberties, civil rights, environmental protection free speech, defense, and trade

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19
Q

When did the Republicans organize?

A

1850s; Abraham Lincoln

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20
Q

What ideological stand do Republicans most closely reflect?

A

Less central control of economy, reduce economy, regulations/taxes, more social/moral guidance, control, free speech, defense, and trade

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21
Q

What is the GOP?

A

The “good old party”

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22
Q

What are the three reasons why the U.S. is dominated by just TWO political parties?

A
  1. It’s tradition: socialized at an early age
  2. They are illegal hurdles: they favor the two parties in control
  3. It’s how we run elections: plurality winner v. majority winner, no proportional representation
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23
Q

What is the difference between a plurality and a majority?

A

Plurality: candidates receive less than 50% of the majority vote, who receives the most votes would have the plurality
Majority: a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote

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24
Q

What role do third parties (minor parties) play?

A

They tend to exist to promote a specific issue or personality (Libertarian, Green, Constitution)

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25
Q

What is the difference between a primary election and a general election?

A

Primary election: an election where voters choose each party’s nominee for the general election (spr/sum)
General election: voters choose among party nominees winner takes office (nov)

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26
Q

What is a caucus?

A

Meetings where “party loyalists” choose a party nominee (gathering of chief?)

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27
Q

What are open and closed primaries?

A

Open primaries: voters choose party ballot no official record
Closed primaries: voters register to vote as a partisan or an “independent”

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28
Q

What happens at national party conventions?

A

State delegates from the primaries and caucuses selected to represent the people will now “endorse” their favorite candidates, which will be announced at the end of the convention

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29
Q

How are conventions today different from conventions in the past?

A

There used to be more caucuses (only four states still do it)

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30
Q

What variables are associated with voting?

A

More votes=more delegates to convention

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31
Q

What is the presidential primaries?

A

Elections were voters choose a party nominee

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32
Q

When are voters most likely to vote?

A

We are more likely to vote when national elections are being held

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33
Q

How is this phenomenon ironic?

A

If we vote in national elections, it has less of an affect than voting for local elections

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34
Q

What is a “turnout rate?” How does the U.S. compare to other democracies?

A

The percentage of voters that have actually taken part in an election (the US is low by western standards)

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35
Q

What is the electoral college?

A

The states elect the President and Vice President (equal to the number of people that represent that state in Congress)

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36
Q

How does electoral college work?

A

The candidate with the plurality of votes on election day gets the commitment of that states electoral votes

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37
Q

When do these electors officially vote for president?

A

When the candidate with a majority of the nations electoral votes wins (270)!

38
Q

What happens if no one receives a majority of electoral college votes? Who are these “electors?”

A

If no candidate receives majority of electoral votes, congress chooses the president!

39
Q

Which states are more likely to prefer an electoral college system as opposed to a system based upon the popular vote?

A

Smaller populated states (like North Dakota)

40
Q

What are the “causes for concern” with respect to the electoral college?

A
  1. Chosen electors are not necessarily bound to vote for their candidate unfaithful electors
  2. The overall popular vote winner is not always the electoral winner
  3. What about the states where the race is not close? Won’t the candidates ignore them?
  4. It’s based upon mistrust of an average voter
41
Q

What was the “bicameral compromise?” Between which two types of states was it an issue?

A

(Connecticut Compromise) One house had representation proportional to the population, and the other had equal representation for the states also

It was an issue between large and small states

42
Q

What is the difference between the U.S. Congress and the Missouri Congress?

A

The U.S. Congress is composed of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives

The General Assembly is responsible for creating laws for governing the State of Missouri made up of Senate and HoR

43
Q

How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives? How long has it had this number of members? Term in office?

A

They represent the population of each state, 435 members (districts) since 1911, 2 years terms (no term limits)

44
Q

How many U.S. Senators are there? How are they elected?

A

Two members per state regardless of population, not popularly “staggered” terms (1/3 elected every 2 years)

45
Q

What did the 17th Amendment do?

A

US senates are not elected by popularity they are elected by state legs instead

46
Q

How long is a Senator’s term office?

A

Elected 6 year terms (no term limits)

47
Q

How does a bill become a law?

A

To pass legislation, both the House and the Senate must approve the same bill by a majority vote. If the President vetoes the bill, Congress can override the veto by passing the bill again with at least two-thirds majority support in each chamber

48
Q

What is a veto? What is a veto override?

A

Rejection of a proposed law.

Legislative vote to pass despite the veto

49
Q

Besides lawmaking, what are the other functions of Congress?

A

They perform oversight of the executive branch, representing constituents’ interests, approving budgets, and conducting investigations

50
Q

What are the trustee and delegate theories of representation?

A

Reps use their judgment. Delegate theory: reps follow constituents’ preferences

51
Q

What are standing committees? How are committee chairmen selected?

A

A permanent committees in Congress responsible for specific areas like finance or foreign relations

They are selected based on seniority within the majority party, but party leadership can also influence the selection

52
Q

How is the Speaker of the House selected? What does he/she do?

A

They are selected by members of the House of Representatives.

They preside over sessions, lead the majority party, set the legislative agenda, and represent the House

53
Q

What are “whips?”

A

They are lawmakers who maintain party unity and count votes

54
Q

Who is the Presiding Officer of the Senate? What is a conference committee?

A

Vice President.

A joint committee of the United States Congress appointed by the House of Representatives and Senate to resolve disagreements on a particular bill

55
Q

What is the “president pro tempore?”

A

They are a senator chosen to preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President. They are usually the most senior member of the majority party

56
Q

How does Congressional membership differ from the general population?

A

Demographics, wealth, and occupation, often being older, wealthier, and more likely to have professional backgrounds.

57
Q

What is gerrymandering?

A

Drawing district boundaries to give specific groups an advantage in representation

58
Q

What is the filibuster?

A

A tactic used to delay or block a vote on a bill in a legislative body by talking for a long time

59
Q

What is “log-rolling?”

A

When politicians swap support for each other’s ideas or projects

60
Q

What is “pork-barrel politics?”

A

When politicians use government money for projects in their own districts to gain support

61
Q

What was the Presidency like under the Articles of Confederation? What are the Constitutional requirements for President?

A

The presidency was weak under it. The Constitution requires the President to be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a U.S. resident for 14 years

62
Q

How has Presidential power and responsibility evolved? Has it been because of formal changes to Article II?

A

They have evolved due to historical events and societal changes, with some influence from formal changes, informal means like executive actions and shifts in public opinion.

63
Q

What are the President’s many hats?

A

As Chief of State, the President symbolizes the nation. As Chief Executive, they run the government. As Commander-in-Chief, they lead the military. As Chief Diplomat, they handle foreign relations. As Chief Legislator, they shape laws. As Party Leader, they lead their political party. The “Bully Pulpit” is the President’s power to influence public opinion.

64
Q

Why is the President’s power to appoint so important? Who can declare war?

A

It allows them to influence government policy and direction. While the President commands the military, only Congress has the authority to formally declare war

65
Q

What is the War Powers Act? Who can the President pardon? For what?

A

It mandates the President to notify Congress of troop deployments and limits military actions without congressional approval. They can pardon individuals for federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment

66
Q

What makes up the President’s “cabinet?”

A

The president’s cabinet consists of advisors chosen by the president to oversee 15 specific government departments (Secretary of State, Treasury, Defense, Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security)

67
Q

What is the Executive Office of the President? (EOP)

A

It helps the President with policy, budget, and national security. It includes offices like the White House Office and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

68
Q

What does the OMB do? What does the NSC do?

A

The Office of Management and Budget handles budget matters for the President, while the National Security Council advises on national security and foreign policy

69
Q

What is the 22nd Amendment?

A

It was ratified in 1951 (limits the President to two terms in office) It was passed in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency, aiming to prevent any individual from holding the presidency for an extended period

70
Q

Who can be impeached? What are impeachable offenses?

A

Certain government officials, like the President, Vice President, and federal judges, can be impeached for offenses like treason, bribery, and high crimes and misdemeanors.

71
Q

What role does each chamber of Congress play in impeachment proceedings?

A

The HoR brings charges (articles of impeachment) against the official, while the Senate holds the trial to determine whether to convict and remove them from office

72
Q

What was the national judiciary like under the Articles of Confederation?

A

There was no strong national judiciary (no central). State courts handled most legal matters

73
Q

What is the responsibility of the judicial branch? What is judicial review?

A

It interprets laws and the Constitution, ensuring they’re followed correctly. It is the power of courts to check if laws and actions are constitutional

74
Q

Why would a criminal case be heard in a Federal Court as opposed to a State court? What is meant by a “Federal Question?”

A

A criminal case goes to federal court if it involves federal laws (robbing bank or mail) or crimes across state lines. A “federal question” involves interpreting federal law or the Constitution

75
Q

What are the three tiers to the Federal judicial system?

A
  1. District Courts
  2. Courts of Appeals (Circuit Courts)
  3. Supreme Court
76
Q

How many Federal district courts are there? How are judges at this level chosen? What are Federal prosecutors called?

A

There are 94. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They are called United States Attorneys

77
Q

How many Federal appellate court districts are there? What are their responsibilities?

A

There are 13 which review decisions from lower courts, ensure legal standards are upheld, and interpret federal laws and the Constitution

78
Q

What is the U.S. Supreme Court? What kind of cases do they hear?

A

It is the highest court, hearing cases on constitutional issues, disputes between states, and appeals involving federal law or the Constitution

79
Q

What are judges on the Supreme Court called? How are they selected? How long do they serve?

A

They are called justices. They are selected by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They serve for life or until they choose to retire.

80
Q

What is monetary policy? What is the role of the Federal Reserve?

A

Controls the supply of money (accomplished by controlling interest rates)

It regulates banks, sets interest rates, maintains financial stability.

81
Q

How much control does the President and Congress have over monetary policy? How is the “flow” of money in the U.S. economy controlled?

A

They have limited control over monetary policy, managed primarily by the Federal Reserve. The Fed controls money through actions like setting interest rates and adjusting the money supply.

82
Q

What is fiscal policy? Who bears more responsibility over the Federal Budget, the President or Congress? Why?

A

It involves government decisions on taxation and spending. Congress has more responsibility over the Federal Budget because it has the power to tax and allocate spending, while the President proposes the budget.

83
Q

Where does Federal revenue come from? What does having a “surplus” mean?

A

It comes mostly from taxes.

and it is when revenue exceeds spending (extra money)

84
Q

Why is it important to look at deficits as a percentage of the GDP? Where do we stand historically?

A

It provides context relative to the economy’s size, helping assess their sustainability.

Our deficit varies historically but is often seen as a measure of fiscal health

85
Q

What are the largest targets of Federal spending? What is meant by the “federal debt?”

A

It includes Security, Medicare, defense, and interest on the national debt.

It is the total amount of money the government owes to creditors

86
Q

Why is it important to look at debt as a percentage of GDP? Where do we stand historically?

A

It helps assess its affordability relative to the economy’s size.

It helps gauge whether the debt burden is increasing or decreasing relative to economic growth

87
Q

To whom do we owe the Federal debt? What parts of the federal government own part of the federal debt?

A

It is owed to various entities, including foreign governments, individuals, businesses, and domestic institutions. The Social Security Trust Fund, also own part of the debt.

88
Q

What does it mean to say that Social Security is a “pay as you go” program? What happens when Social Security runs a surplus?

A

Social Security operates on a “pay as you go” basis, where current taxes fund benefits for retirees. The extra funds are invested in other branches (Treasury securities) (but then they owe them)

89
Q

National Debt

A

Total of all deficits (minus surpluses) across the years….

90
Q

What is meant by the “federal deficit?”

A

Annual difference in $ coming and $ spent

Intro To American Politics (2 decks)

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