Midterm Review Flashcards
Politics
Conflict and struggles over the leadership, structure, and policies of government
Political Science
A study of that competition; a focus on power; theories are constructed based on validity of data
Power
Influence over a government’s leadership, organization, or policies
Government
Institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled
Democracy
A political system that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process
Limited Government
A government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution
Popular Sovereignty
Political authority rests in the hands of the people
Political Efficacy
Ability to influence government and policy
Citizenship
Informed and active membership in a political community
Articles of Confederation
First constitution; it allowed new states to be formed, make treaties and alliances, the coining of money, maintained armed forces, etc.
Shay’s Rebellion
This was a protest against MA; objective was to prevent foreclosures on the land of farmers; Congress was ineffective in its response
Virginia Plan
Representation of states based on population
New Jersey Plan
Wanted equal representation for all states
Connecticut Compromise
Created bicameral legislature (i.e. House and Senate)
Three-Fifths Compromise
Five slaves count as thee free persons for House apportionment
Constitution
A framework establishing the skeleton of a political system, the manner in which it is constructed, and the means by which it will operate
Branches of Government
- Legislative - Congress
- Executive - President
- Judicial - Supreme Court
Separation of Powers
The division of government power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making
Checks and Balances
Mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the others
Representative Democracy (Republic)
A system of government in which the populace selects representatives, who play a role in governmental decision making
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided between the central government and regional government
Amendment
A change added to a bill, law, or constitution
Habeas Corpus
A court order demanding that an individual in custody be brought into court and shown the cause of detention
Who serves as the President of the Senate?
Vice President
What percentage of the Senate is elected every two years?
1/3
Which body has the sole power to try all impeachments?
Senate
Which branch has the authority to make laws which shall be necessary and proper for all powers vested by the Constitution?
Legislative
what should not be suspended, except when cases of Rebellion or Invasion may require it?
Habeas Corpus
Can states enter into treaties, alliances, or confederation?
No
How many years is the term for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years
Do you have to be a natural born citizen to serve in Congress?
No
What is the residency requirement for the President?
14 years - might not be consecutive
In the Oath of Affirmation, what does the President swear to preserve, protect, and defend?
Constitution
Minimum requirement for US Representative
25 years old; citizen for 7 years; inhabitancy at the time of election
Minimum requirement for US Senate
30 years old; citizen for 9 years; inhabitancy at the time of election
Minimum requirement for US President
35 years old; natural born citizen; resident for 14 years
Who has the authority to pardon offenses?
President of US
What is the Senate requirement necessary for treaty approval?
2/3
According to the Constitution, who is the president addressing during the State of the Union?
Congress
What is it called when someone is removed from office for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors?
Impeachment
The Supreme Court is the head of which branch?
Judicial
State of the Union
A constitutional provision which requires the president to provide Congress with information about the country and annual agenda
Treaty
An agreement that is made by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate
In cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and those in which a State shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have what?
Original jurisdiction
The trial of crimes by jury shall be held where?
The state in which the crime was committed
Full faith and ______ shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state
Credit
Who has the power to make all needful rules and regulations respecting territory or property belonging to the US
Congress
The US shall guarantee to every State in this Union a ______ form of government
Republican
Original Jurisdiction
The authority to initially consider a case
Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority to hear appeals from a lower court’s decision
Unitary System of Government
One level of government above the local level; sovereignty resides in the national government
Confederal (Confederation) System of Government
Union of sovereign states; coordination between the states take place in certain areas
Federal System of Government
Two levels of government above the local levels’; each level enjoys sovereignty in certain areas
Expressed Powers
Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and the President
Implied Powers
Powers are not specifically listed but are implied through the expansive interpretation of expressed powers
Reserved Powers
Powers assigned to the states
Concurrent Powers
Authority possessed by both state and national governments
Dual Federalism
Powers are shared between the national and state levels
Cooperative Federalism
Grants-in-aid used strategically to encourage states and localities (without commanding them) to pursue nationally defined goals
Regulated Federalism
Major increase in national government involvement; Congress imposes regulations on states, resulting in more uniform policies
New Federalism
Return power back to the states through block grants given by national government; states determine policy and administer programs
Unfunded Mandates
Conditions for receiving grants the impose costs on state and local governments
Unfunded Mandates
Conditions for receiving grants the impose costs on state and local governments
Block Grants
Federal grants that allow states considerable discretion in how the funds are spent
General Revenue Sharing
One unit of government yields a portion of its income to another
Social Contract
An agreement binding people into a community that exists for mutual preservation; establishment of civil society
Civil Liberties
Protections of citizens from improper government action
Civil Rights
Protections of citizens’ equality provided by the government
Amendment 13
Slavery is abolished
Amendment 14
Equal protection of the laws
Amendment 15
Right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of race
Amendment 19
Right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of sex
Amendment 24
Outlawed the poll tax
Voting Rights Act
Banned literacy tests and other discriminatory practices
Fair Housing Amendment Act
Enforcement procedures for legal action against housing discrimination
Americans with Disabilities Act
Ensures access and prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare
Equal Pay Act
Pay discrimination is illegal
Plessy v. Ferguson
“Separate but equal” established
Brown v. BOE
Eliminated state’s ability to use race as a criterion of discrimination; national government can intervene
Loving v. Virginia
Ends prohibition on interracial marriages
Lau v. Nichols
School districts must provide education for students with limited English
Franklin v. Gwinnett Co. Public Schools
Sexual harassment protections; equal treatment in athletics (i.e. Title Nine)
Public Opinion
Attitudes citizens have about political issues, leaders, institutions, and events
Values (Beliefs)
Basic principles that shape a person’s opinions about political issues and events
Attitudes (Opinions)
A specific preference on a particular issue
Political Ideology
Set of underlying orientations, ideas, and beliefs through which we come to understand and interpret politics
Modern Liberalism (Democratic)
Political and social reform; expansion of social services; economic intervention by the government
Modern Conservatism (Republican)
Preservation of institutions and traditions; reduction of government activity and regulations
Political Knowledge
Possessing correct information about political issues, actors, and institutions
Digital Citizenship
Ability to participate in society and politics online (7/10 people)
Advantage of New Media
- Convenience
- Currency
- Depth
- Diversity
- Interconnectedness
Concerns of New Media
- Loss of investigative powers
- Quality
- Subjective Interpretation conveyed as fact
- Hacking and information leaks
- Being alone together
Types of Media
- Broadcast
- Internet
