Unit 1: Framework

Question 1

Checks and Balances

Answer 1

The principle that each branch of government has the authority to block the other branches, making it more difficult for any one branch or individual to exercise too much power. This system makes passing legislation far more difficult in the United States than in most other democracies

Question 2

Electoral College

Answer 2

The system established by the Constitution to elect the president; each state has a group of electors (equal in size to that of its congressional delegation in the House and the Senate); the public in each state votes for electors who then vote for the president.

Question 3

Institutions

Answer 3

The organizations, norms, and rules that structure government and public action.

Question 4

Military- Industrial Complex

Answer 4

A network of influence and money flowing among defense contractors, military figures in the Pentagon, and defense policy officials in Congress and the White House.

Question 5

Political Machines

Answer 5

Corrupt parties that ran many city and state governments in the nineteenth century

Question 6

Presidential czar

Answer 6

An informal name for an official appointed by the president, usually to lead a special project like the White House’s “war on drugs”

Question 7

Public-Private partnership

Answer 7

A government program or service provided through the joint efforts of private sector actors (usually businesses) and elected officials.

Question 8

Rational-choice theory

Answer 8

An approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them.

Question 9

Republic

Answer 9

A system of government that places ultimate governing power in its people, who may rule directly or via representatives.

Question 10

Tea Party

Answer 10

A national social movement, primarily attracting fiscal and social conservatives, that seeks to limit government spending and cut taxes.

Question 11

American Exceptionalism

Answer 11

The view that the United States is unique, marked by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government.

Question 12

7 key ideas that guide American Politics

Answer 12

Liberty
Self-Rule
Limited Government
Individualism
The American Dream
Equality
Religion

Question 13

Freedom

Answer 13

The ability to pursue ones own desires without interference from others

Question 14

Negative Liberty

Answer 14

Freedom from constraints or the interference of others

Question 15

Positive Liberty

Answer 15

The freedom and ability to pursue ones goals.

Question 16

Libertarians

Answer 16

People who believe in minimal government or negative liberty: public officials only role should be defending borders, prosecuting crime and protecting private property.

Question 17

Democracy

Answer 17

A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves

Question 18

Referendum

Answer 18

An election in which citizens vote directly on an issue

Question 19

Initiative

Answer 19

A process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution

Question 20

Sunshine Laws

Answer 20

Laws that permit the public to watch policy makers in action or to access the records of the proceedings

Question 21

Conservatives

Answer 21

Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values and a strong national defense. Also known as “right-wing”

Question 22

Liberals

Answer 22

Americans who value cultural diversity, government programs for the needy, public intervention in the economy, and individuals right to a lifestyle based in their own social and moral positions. Also known as “left-wing”.