Midterm

Question 1

liberal democracy

Answer 1

• Liberal democracy is a government system that blends democracy with individual rights and rule of law, ensuring free elections, protection of civil liberties, and checks on government power.
• “Liberal” means freedom; liberty
• “Democracy” means will of the people

Question 2

Totalitarianism

Answer 2

• Type of authoritarianism but most extreme version
• Government has absolute power
• Example: Joseph Stalin

Question 3

Authoritarianism

Answer 3

• Rule of law is weak
• No respect for the people and their will
• Government has the power to enforce the law
• Does not abide to freedoms of the people
• Government is very powerful
  Is limited

Question 4

the Declaration of Independence

Answer 4

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, signifies the thirteen American colonies’ choice to separate from British rule and form an independent nation. It outlines philosophical principles such as natural rights, lists grievances against King George III, justifies the separation, and formally declares independence. The document symbolizes American ideals of liberty, equality, and self-governance, serving as inspiration for global freedom movements.

Question 5

separation of powers (federal and state; legislative, executive, and judicial)

Answer 5

• Can be used to control an out of control majority faction (factional diversity)
• Legislative Branch: This branch is responsible for making laws. In the United States, this is embodied by Congress at the federal level and by state legislatures at the state level. Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which are responsible for drafting, debating, and passing laws.
• Executive Branch: This branch is responsible for enforcing and administering the laws. At the federal level, it is led by the President, who is the head of state and government. The executive branch also includes various departments and agencies tasked with implementing and enforcing laws.
• Judicial Branch: This branch is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality. In the United States, the judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which has the authority to review laws and governmental actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution. Lower federal courts and state courts also play roles in interpreting and applying laws.

Question 6

Articles I, II, III are part of the separation of powers

Question 7

The Federalist Papers

Answer 7

• The Federalist Papers: A series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, explaining its principles, and emphasizing the need for a strong federal government.
• 1787 Philadelphia Convention: A gathering of delegates from most states to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. It resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, establishing the structure and powers of the federal government.
• 1789 Ratification of the Constitution: The process by which the states approved the U.S. Constitution, marking the transition to a unified federal government.

Question 8

Madison’s concept of human nature

Answer 8

He thought that man was capable of reason and fairness, though also susceptible to illogical conclusions, selfishness, and greed. In other words, humans could be good, but outside forces caused them to be bad.

Question 9

Madison’s concept of faction

Answer 9

faction = special interest group
- Number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the while, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community
- Minority faction: Not the majority of people
- Majority rule counter balances minority factions
- Majority faction:

Question 10

Madison’s concept of separation of powers

Answer 10

Madison’s solution to the problem of faction
- Can be used to control an out of control majority faction (factional diversity)

Question 11

Classical liberalism (classical political liberalism)

Answer 11

Sets the purpose of government as the protection and provision of the rights of individuals

Question 12

Classical economic liberalism (free market economy)

Answer 12

monopolistic behavior; results of a free market are evident in the US aka prices going up and down; businesses becoming large or going under

Question 13

Civil rights

Answer 13

Civil rights refer to the rights that every individual is entitled to by virtue of their humanity, regardless of factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. These rights are typically protected by law and encompass various aspects of human life, including political, social, and economic rights.

Question 14

Civil liberties

Answer 14

Example: Free speech within the laws

Question 15

Rule of law

Answer 15

we have a rule of law government; the constitution is the supreme law; “No one is above the law”

Question 16

Secularism

Answer 16

religiously neutral

Question 17

Representation

Answer 17

Representation and direct democracy

Question 18

Democracy

Answer 18

• Democracy encompasses various forms, including direct democracy, where citizens directly participate in decision-making.
• One method is through initiatives, where citizens propose laws or amendments directly, bypassing the legislature.
• Referendums allow citizens to vote directly on specific laws or issues. These mechanisms empower citizens to shape policy and legislation directly, enhancing democratic participation and accountability.

Question 19

Powers of congress (Article I, section 8)

Answer 19

–commerce
–federal budget (taxation, other revenue and spending)
–military powers

Question 20

The executive

Answer 20

Article 2 is Executive (President)

Question 21

The federal judiciary: political power of the Supreme Court

Answer 21

Article 3 is Judicial (Supreme Court)

Question 22

Populism

Answer 22

A political ideology emphasizing the interests of ordinary people over elites, often characterized by anti-establishment rhetoric and appeals to nationalism or anti-globalization sentiment.

Question 23

Shays’ rebellion – 1786-1787

Answer 23

An armed uprising in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and foreclosures faced by farmers after the American Revolutionary War. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and contributed to calls for a stronger central government.

Question 24

Federalists

Answer 24

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution during the ratification process who advocated for a strong central government and the need for a new framework to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Question 25

Antifederalists

Answer 25

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution during the ratification process who were concerned about the potential concentration of power in the federal government and advocated for a greater emphasis on states’ rights and individual liberties.

Question 26

Articles of Confederation

Answer 26

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which created a weak central government with most power retained by the states. It proved ineffective in governing the new nation, leading to calls for a stronger federal government.

Question 27

Political systems by degree of centralization of power: unitary, federal, confederal

Answer 27

These systems include unitary (central government holds most power), federal (power divided between central and regional governments), and confederal (states or regions retain most power with a weak central authority).

Question 28

The Constitution (written in 1787, ratified in 1789)

Answer 28

The fundamental law of the United States, creating the framework for its government and establishing principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights.

Question 29

Bill of Rights (ratified 1791)

Answer 29

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Question 30

Bicameralism or bicameral system

Answer 30

A legislative system with two separate chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Question 31

Three-fifths compromise

Answer 31

Gave advantage to slave states

Question 32

Great compromise (Connecticut compromise)

Answer 32

• Senate house representatives
• Bicameralism

Question 33

Ratification of the constitution 1789:

Answer 33

Voting citizens elected delegates who supported or opposed the Constitution. The delegates then met and voted in each state. In effect, the Constitution was ratified by referendum.

Question 34

Amendment process:

Answer 34

You only need to know for the exam the most commonly used method: 2/3rds majority at least in both houses of Congress is needed as a first step. Then, 3/4ths of all state legislatures approval is need as a second and final step.

Question 35

The Sedition Act of 1798

Answer 35

A controversial law during John Adams’ presidency that made it illegal to criticize the government, sparking debates over freedom of speech and press.

Question 36

peaceful transfer of power

Answer 36

The orderly and nonviolent transition of authority from one administration to another after elections, crucial for democratic stability and respecting democratic norms.

Question 37

habeas corpus

Answer 37

Gives freedom of movement (implied)

Question 38

Due process

Answer 38

guarantees that the government cannot take a person’s basic rights to “life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.

Question 39

takings clause

Answer 39

Government shall not take private property expect for public use and with just compensation

Question 40

Selective incorporation

Answer 40

• Mid 1930s = increased federal power
• States = most police powers
• the case-by-case approach of deciding which portions of the Bill of Rights apply to states.

Question 41

XIII (1865)

Answer 41

abolishes slavery

Question 42

XIV (1868)

Answer 42

birthright citizenship, due process, equal protection

Question 43

XV (1870) universal male suffrage

Answer 43

universal male suffrage

Question 44

Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896)

Answer 44

“separate but equal”

Question 45

Brown vs Board of Education (1954)

Answer 45

“separate but equal is inherently unequal”

Question 46

Segregation:

Answer 46

de jure and de facto

Question 47

Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965