Structure and functions and Human Systems Flashcards
Progressivism
the political ideology that supports the advocating of social change through government action, took root in the late 19th and early 20th Century and is best reflected in the administration of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Four key new deal policies and who did the new deal? When was it?
Franklin D. Roosevelt 1933-1936
regulating how much a farmer could produce
allowing companies to collaborate with price fixing
the elimination of the gold standard
the creation of the welfare society through unemployment benefits and Social Security
Civil Rights Act of 1964 did what?
This desegregated schools, ended the double standard of voting registration between whites and blacks, and furthered women’s rights.
War Powers Act in 1973
to restrain the ability of presidents to commit military troops without congressional approval.
While initially designed as a check on the power of the Executive, the evolution of how the act has been interpreted has actually allowed many presidents to conduct military actions, largely without the scrutiny or accountability of the other branches as long as war is not officially declared.
Interstate Commerce,
commerce between the states or between any state and a foreign government.
Necessary and Proper Clause
This clause gives Congress the power to make any laws necessary and proper to carry out its other powers. What is necessary and proper is not clearly defined by the Constitution,
Marbury v. Madison enacted what?
“Judicial Review” - the idea that the Supreme Court has the ability to declare laws passed by Congress to be in violation of the Constitution and to overturn unconstitutional legislation.
filibuster
a process by which debate can continue indefinitely on an issue and prevent a vote unless the debate is closed by 60 members of the Senate.
This has inadvertently led to the filibuster being used to kill controversial legislation rather than as a means to exhaustively cover a topic.
How are state governments set up?
State governments are set up similarly to the federal government with its own constitution and an executive, legislative, and judicial branch:
The executive is headed by a governor. The power of the governor varies from state to state.
The legislature passes laws.
The judicial branch manages statewide and county-wide courts.
United Nations (The U.N.).
The United Nations was founded to promote human rights and to address issues of poverty and violence on a global scale
Security Council
When the Allies formed the UN at the end of World War II, they created an executive branch separate from the General Assembly. This branch was tasked with maintaining international peace and security, accepting new members to the United Nations, and approving any changes to the charter.
Bicameral
The split of the legislative branch into two houses, each with a different set-up and focus
Veto
Ability of the president to reject laws passed by Congress. Congress can overturn a veto with a 2/3 vote.
Executive Privilege
the power of the President to resist certain legal subpoenas and investigations by the legislative and judicial branches
Marbury v. Madison
1803: Established Judicial Review, which allows the Supreme Court to rule a law unconstitutional and void the law
Pork Barrel Spending
The act of increasing spending for a member’s district as a means of gaining local support
A U.S. Representative adds an amendment on a transportation bill to rebuild an old bridge in his district.
Constitution: Article 3
The Powers, Eligibility Requirements and Limitations of the Judicial Branch
Commerce Clause
A key clause of the Constitution. Regulates interstate commerce. This power has been used to justify the expansion of the legislature over nationwide issues, since they could impact interstate commerce.
Great Compromise / Connecticut Compromise
An agreement between all states to use two different forms of representation for the two houses of Congress
Texas has the same amount of senators as New Hampshire.
United Nations
A global organization established in 1945 following World War II. Dedicated to international peace and stability.
Constitution: Article 1
The Powers, Eligibility Requirements and Limitations of the Legislative Branch
Proportional Representation
a model in which parties gain seats based on the proportion of the vote received
Constitution: Article 6
Maintenance of Previous Debts, Supremacy of the Constitution, and Oaths of Office
Congressional Conference Committee
A group of both House and Senate members who work together to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill and produce a unified version that can be passed by both chambers and sent to the President for approval.
President Pro Tempore
The most senior member of the majority party who leads the Senate when the Vice President is absent
Governor
The head of the executive branch in each state.
The governor of Texas.
War Powers Act
restrains the ability of presidents to commit military troops without congressional approval
Constitution: Article 5
The Amendment Process