Things Need to Know Flashcards
What is the Declaration of Independence?
A statement adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress, declaring the 13 American colonies independent from Britain. It was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson and outlines natural rights and grievances against King George III.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The first constitution of the U.S., ratified in 1781 but replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789 due to its weaknesses, such as no power to tax and no executive branch. It established a weak central government with most power residing in the states.
What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
A situation in game theory where two individuals, acting in their own self-interest, fail to produce the optimal outcome.
Example: Two suspects are interrogated separately—if they both remain silent, they get light sentences, but if one betrays the other, the betrayer goes free while the other gets a harsh sentence.
What is Collective Action?
The effort of a group to achieve a common goal, often challenged by free-rider problems where individuals benefit without contributing.
Example: Voting, protesting, or union organizing.
What does Article I of the Constitution cover?
The Legislative branch (Congress).
What does Article II of the Constitution cover?
The Executive branch (President).
What does Article III of the Constitution cover?
The Judicial branch (Supreme Court).
What does Article IV of the Constitution cover?
States’ powers and relationships.
What does Article V of the Constitution cover?
The Amendment process.
What does Article VI of the Constitution cover?
Federal power (Supremacy Clause).
What does Article VII of the Constitution cover?
Ratification.
What are Checks and Balances?
Each branch of government limits the others:
- Legislative checks Executive: Can override vetoes, impeach the President.
- Executive checks Legislative: Can veto bills.
- Judicial checks both: Can declare laws or actions unconstitutional.
How does a Bill Become a Law?
Introduced in either House or Senate, sent to a committee for review, debated and voted on in each chamber, conference committee resolves differences, sent to the President (who can sign, veto, or ignore), Congress can override a veto with a ⅔ majority.
What is the threshold for Filibusters?
60 votes in the Senate are required to invoke cloture and end a filibuster.
What is the ABC Model for Attitude?
Affective (emotions/feelings), Behavioral (actions taken), Cognitive (thoughts/beliefs).
What is Public Opinion?
The collective attitudes or beliefs of the public about issues, candidates, or policies, often measured through polling.
What is Pluralist Theory?
Argues that political power is distributed among many competing interest groups rather than concentrated in the hands of the elite.
What is Disturbance Theory?
Suggests that interest groups form in response to significant changes or disturbances in the political or social environment.
What is Cognitive Dissonance?
Psychological discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, leading individuals to change their attitudes or rationalize behaviors.
Example: A smoker knowing smoking is harmful but continuing to smoke.
What is Ideology?
A set of political beliefs or values that shape a person’s views on government and society.
Examples: Liberalism, conservatism, socialism.
What is the function of the Agriculture Committee?
Oversees agricultural policy, farming subsidies, and food programs (e.g., SNAP, Farm Bill).
What is the function of the Appropriations Committee?
Controls government spending and allocation of federal funds.
What is the function of the Budget Committee?
Drafts the budget resolution, setting spending limits for the government.
What is the function of the Education and Workforce Committee?
Deals with federal education policies and labor issues.
