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OU Fall Classes 24' Decks > POLS 1010 Week 1 > Flashcards

POLS 1010 Week 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Why do governments form?

A

To ensure order in society

To establish justice and equality of law

To provide for general human welfare

To promote common good and defense

OJWD

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2
Q

Introduction

What is the introductory statement that explains the Constitution’s purpose and intent?

A

The Preamble

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3
Q

Which part of the Constitution outlines its purpose to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for common defense, and promote general welfare?

A

The Preamble

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4
Q

An agreement between society and government, rules of conduct by a just society, and established legal equality is implied by the concept of the __________ ___________.

A

Social Contract

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5
Q

Government by the people or popular sovereignty; form of government; way of life.

A

Democracy

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6
Q

A government where those with gov. authority acquire or retain it directly or indirectly by winning elections.

A

Republic

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7
Q

Government where authority of those who govern is limited to ensure people’s voice is heard through free and fair elections.

A

Constitutional Democracy

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8
Q

Education, economic development, social, and ideological conditions are all part of the requirements for building a __________ __________.

A

Constitutional Democracy

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9
Q

Interacting values

Government by the people

A

Popular consent

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10
Q

Interacting values

A term that means we all have certain worth.

A

Individualism

Found in Declaration of Independence

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11
Q

Interacting values

The idea that all people should have an equal chance to access resources and opportunities, without discrimination based on factors like race, religion, gender, or age

A

Equality of Opportunity

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12
Q

Interacting values

What fundamental aspect of a democratic society describes the freedom of an individual to make choices and decisions about their own life, without interference from others or the government.

A

Personal Liberty

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13
Q

Interacting values

Legal requirement that the government must respect a person’s legal rights before taking away their life, liberty, or property

A

Due Process

5th and 14th Amendments

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14
Q

System of interrelated processes

The group with the most members has the most power in a country. The Constitution keeps this in check by also upholding minority rights. The rule that states 51% of a vote must be achieved to win a decision. What am I?

Elections, laws, policies, etc.

A

Majority Rule

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15
Q

System of interrelated processes

Assured protected rights of a group not part of the majority.

A

Minority rights

These rights are key to maintaining democracy.

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16
Q

System of interrelated processes

The right to share ideas and opinions without interference, retaliation, or punishment from the government.

A

Freedom of expression

Freedom of speech

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16
Q

System of interrelated processes

What is a civil right that allows people to gather and express their ideas?

Protests, sit-ins, rallies, strikes, etc.

A

The right to assemble and protest.

1st Amendment

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17
Q

Interdependent political structures

A system of government that divides power between a central government and regional governments

A

Federalism

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18
Q

Interdependent political structures

A constitutional law doctrine that divides the government into three branches, each with specific duties and responsibilities, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

A

Separation of powers

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19
Q

Interdependent political structures

A set of rules and procedures that allow each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches.

A

Checks and balances

20
Q

Interdependent political structures

The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution, which defines the rights of individuals in relation to the government

A

Bill of Rights

21
Q

Having to do with processes and procedures of our democracy.

A

Procedural Democracy

22
Q

Having to do with a commitment to the ideals of democracy (ie. more concerned with groups).

A

Substantive Democracy

23
Q

Which paper, written by James Madison proposed the concept of checks and balances for our system of government?

A

The Federalist #51

24
Q

Series of 85 essays on federalism written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison that were aimed at facilitating the ratification of the US Constitution.

A

The Federalist

25
Q

The branch of government that passes laws:

A

Legislative Branch - Congress

26
Q

The branch of government that interprets laws:

A

Judical Branch - Supreme Court

27
Q

The branch of government that enforces laws:

A

Executive branch - Presidency

28
Q

The Unites States was what type of government before becoming a federalist government?

A

Confedrate / Confederation

29
Q

What was the first constitution of the newly independent colonies / states?

A

The Articles of Confederation

States were dominant governing force.

30
Q

A constitutional law doctrine that protects citizens from state laws that infringe on their rights. It’s a process that applies certain rights from the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

A

Selective incorporation

Not all rights from the Bill of Rights are applied to the states

31
Q

Constitutionalism

Do we have a living constitution? Why?

A

Yes. It is being interpreted, amended, enforced, and it has evolved over time.

32
Q

Constitutionalism

A set of arrangements which places limits on the powers of those who govern.

A

Constitutionalism

33
Q

Name four examples of constitutionalism.

A

Federalism
Separation of Powers
Due Process
Bill of Rights

34
Q

Constitutionalism

_____ ___ __ divides powers.
_______ ___ ____ grants powers to ensure no branch dominates.

A

Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances

Dispersion, and restriction of power.

35
Q

President appoints justices; Senate confirms appointments. Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress and the president unconstitutional. Congress enacts laws, president can veto them. All are examples of what?

A

Checks and Balances

36
Q

Congress can override presidential vetoes by a ____ vote in both houses.

A

2/3

37
Q

Checks and Balances

The House and Senate have absolute veto power over each other. Why?

A

Because bills must pass each house.

38
Q

Ratification

How many colonies were required for ratificationof the US Constitution?

A

9

39
Q

Government numbers

How many members of congress are there?

Senate = 100, House = 435

A

535

40
Q

Electoral College

How many electoral votes are required to elect a president?

A

270 / More than half of all electors.

41
Q

Electoral College

How many senators are in each state?

A

2

42
Q

Electoral College

How many representatives are in each state?

A

As many as there are districts.

43
Q

Electoral College

How is the number of representatives determined by each state?

A

The number is based on populaton.

44
Q

Checks and Balances

What are some factors that have or will contribute to the modification of checks and balances?

A
  • Emergence of National Political Parties.
  • Expansion of the Electorate
  • Establishment of Independent regulatory agencies like the FCC, EPA, etc.
  • Changes in technology
  • Expansion of Presidential power.

Right to restrict personnel / resources that contradict the constitution

45
Q

Judicial Review

Power of the court to strike down a law or regulation that conflicts with the Constitution.

A

Judicial Review

Courts are the guardians of the Constitution

46
Q

Judicial Review

Marbury v. Madison established what principle?

A

Judicial Review

First time a law was declared unconstitutional.

47
Q

An order from one court to a lower court, corporation, or person to do something.

A

Writ of Mandamus

48
Q

Is judicial review democratic or anti-democratic?

A

It can be democratic in that it can help to secure democracy through an objective interpretaion of the law, but it is undemocratic in that interpretation is inherently subjective, and the branch that interprets laws in made up of appointed - not elected - officials. In short, an unelected official’s interpretation doesn’t always align with popular consent.

OU Fall Classes 24' Decks (15 decks)

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