Unit III - The Exec Branch and Political Parties Flashcards
How does the system of checks and balances limit and shape the President’s ability to implement their agenda?
The system of checks and balances ensures that the President’s power is limited by the legislative and judicial branches, requiring cooperation and negotiation to implement their agenda.
This system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and encourages a collaborative approach to governance.
What tools does the Executive Branch have to overcome limitations imposed by checks and balances?
Tools include executive orders, veto power, and the ability to engage in unilateral action in certain areas.
These tools allow the President to take decisive action despite potential opposition from Congress or the judiciary.
To what extent has the role of the modern presidency evolved beyond the Constitution’s original design?
The role has evolved significantly to include broader executive powers, a more active role in foreign affairs, and increased public engagement.
Factors driving this evolution include technological advancements, global challenges, and public expectations.
What factors have driven the evolution of the modern presidency?
Factors include technological advancements, shifts in global dynamics, and changes in public expectations of leadership.
These factors have led to a more involved and responsive executive branch.
How have the Democratic and Republican parties’ core ideologies changed over time?
Core ideologies have shifted due to changing social values, economic conditions, and demographic trends.
Historical events, such as civil rights movements and economic crises, have also influenced these changes.
What factors drive shifts in the core constituencies of the Democratic and Republican parties?
Factors include demographic changes, social movements, and economic shifts.
These factors influence voter alignment and party platforms.
In what ways do political parties shape electoral outcomes in American government?
Political parties influence candidate selection, voter mobilization, and campaign strategies.
Their organizational structures and resources play a critical role in determining election results.
How do political parties shape policy decisions in American government?
They shape policy through legislative agendas, party platforms, and coalition building.
The influence of parties can lead to partisan gridlock or unified action, affecting policy outcomes.
Is the influence of political parties on policy decisions beneficial or detrimental to democracy?
It can be both; it fosters representation and accountability but may also lead to polarization and partisanship.
The impact varies based on the political context and the specific issues at stake.
How do different agents of political socialization shape an individual’s political beliefs?
Agents include family, media, education, and peers, each influencing beliefs through different mechanisms.
Family often has the strongest influence, particularly in early development.
Which factors tend to have the strongest influence on political beliefs and behaviors?
Family and education are often the strongest, followed by media and peer influences.
These factors can reinforce or challenge existing beliefs, shaping an individual’s political identity.
Why do Americans often disagree on the proper role and size of government?
Disagreements stem from fundamental differences in political ideology, values, and beliefs about individualism versus collectivism.
These ideological divides manifest in debates over policy issues like taxation, healthcare, and regulation.
How do fundamental differences in political ideology manifest in current policy debates?
They manifest through differing views on government intervention, social justice, and economic policy.
These differences can lead to polarized political discourse and legislative conflict.
How does the Electoral College transform popular votes into presidential election outcomes?
The Electoral College allocates votes based on each state’s representation in Congress, which may not reflect the national popular vote.
This system can lead to scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the popular vote.
What are the implications of the Electoral College system for American democracy?
It can lead to unequal representation and discourage voter turnout in non-competitive states.
Critics argue it undermines the principle of one person, one vote.
Define the term ‘Treaty’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Treaty’ is a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states.
Example: The Paris Treaty was signed to signify the end of the war.
Define the term ‘Veto’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Veto’ is the power of a president or governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature.
Example: The president used his veto to block the proposed legislation.
Define the term ‘Executive Privilege’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Executive Privilege’ is the right of the president to keep certain information confidential.
Example: The president claimed executive privilege to withhold documents from Congress.
Define the term ‘Chief Diplomat’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Chief Diplomat’ is the role of the president in overseeing foreign policy and representing the nation in international affairs.
Example: As Chief Diplomat, the president negotiated a peace agreement with foreign leaders.
Define the term ‘Chief of State’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Chief of State’ refers to the president’s role as the ceremonial leader of the country.
Example: The Chief of State attended the national holiday celebrations.
Define the term ‘Commander in Chief’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Commander in Chief’ is the president’s role as the head of the armed forces.
Example: The Commander in Chief authorized military action in response to the threat.
Define the term ‘Executive Order’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Executive Order’ is a directive issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.
Example: The president signed an executive order to implement new environmental regulations.
Define the term ‘Chief Executive’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Chief Executive’ is the role of the president in enforcing laws and administering the government.
Example: As Chief Executive, the president appointed new members to the cabinet.
Define the term ‘Chief Citizen’ and give an example of the term in a sentence.
‘Chief Citizen’ refers to the president’s role as a representative of the people and their concerns.
Example: The Chief Citizen addressed the nation to discuss important social issues.
Define term: Executive Agreement
An agreement between the president and a foreign government that does not require Senate approval
For example, a trade agreement made by the president with another country.
Define term: Liberal
A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, social equality, and government intervention in the economy
Liberals often support policies like healthcare reform and environmental regulations.
Define term: Conservative
A political ideology that prioritizes tradition, limited government, and free markets
Conservatives typically advocate for lower taxes and less regulation on businesses.
Define term: Moderate
A political ideology that represents a middle ground between liberal and conservative views
Moderates may support a blend of policies from both sides, often advocating for compromise.
Define term: Pocket Veto
A special type of veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days while Congress is adjourned
This effectively kills the bill without a formal veto.
Define term: Public Opinion
The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues or topics
Public opinion can significantly influence political decisions and policies.
Define term: Political Socialization
The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values
Factors include family, education, media, and religious institutions.
Define term: Political Party
An organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and work together to influence government policy
Examples include the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.
Define term: Political Ideology
A set of beliefs about the role of government and the nature of society
Common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
Define term: Commutation
The act of reducing a person’s sentence, typically in a legal context
It does not remove the conviction but lessens the punishment.
Define term: Bureaucracy
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives
Bureaucracies are often criticized for being inefficient and overly complex.
Define term: Pardon
A government decision to allow a person to be relieved of the legal consequences of a crime
This can restore rights and erase the criminal record.
Define term: Reprieve
A temporary delay in the punishment of a convicted criminal
Reprieves can be granted for various reasons, including the need for further investigation.
Define term: Plurality
The condition of having more votes than any other candidate but not a majority
In some elections, a candidate can win with a plurality of votes.
Define term: Republican
A member or supporter of the Republican Party, which typically advocates for conservative policies
The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
Define term: Democrat
A member or supporter of the Democratic Party, which typically advocates for liberal policies
The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
What does the 11th Amendment address?
The 11th Amendment addresses the judicial power of the United States and limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court.
Ratified in 1795, it was a response to the Supreme Court case Chisholm v. Georgia.
What is the significance of the 12th Amendment?
The 12th Amendment modifies the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, establishing separate ballots for each office.
Ratified in 1804, it was created to prevent the election of a president and vice president from opposing parties.
What tax does the 16th Amendment authorize?
The 16th Amendment authorizes Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census.
Ratified in 1913, this amendment fundamentally changed federal taxation.
What does the 22nd Amendment establish regarding presidential terms?
The 22nd Amendment establishes a two-term limit for the President of the United States.
Ratified in 1951, it was a response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office.
What is the purpose of the 25th Amendment?
The 25th Amendment outlines the procedures for presidential succession and the filling of a vice presidential vacancy, as well as the process for determining presidential incapacity.
Ratified in 1967, it provides clarity on the succession process.
What was the primary issue in New York Times v United States, 1971?
The primary issue was whether the government could prevent the publication of classified information in the interest of national security.
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York Times v United States, 1971?
The Supreme Court ruled that the government could not impose prior restraint on the press.
What was the significance of the ruling in New York Times v United States, 1971?
It reinforced the First Amendment rights of freedom of the press.
What were the Pentagon Papers?
The Pentagon Papers were a classified Department of Defense study regarding the United States’ political and military involvement in Vietnam.
What was the primary issue in United States v Nixon, 1974?
The primary issue was whether President Nixon could claim executive privilege to withhold information from a subpoena.
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v Nixon, 1974?
The Supreme Court ruled that no person, not even the President, is above the law.
What did the ruling in United States v Nixon, 1974, lead to?
The ruling led to the release of the tapes related to the Watergate scandal.
Fill in the blank: The ruling in United States v Nixon reinforced the principle that _______ is not above the law.
the President
True or False: The Supreme Court’s decision in New York Times v United States supported the idea of prior restraint.
False
List two key outcomes of the New York Times v United States, 1971 case.
- Protection of press freedom
- Limitation on government censorship
List two key outcomes of the United States v Nixon, 1974 case.
- Affirmation of judicial power over the executive
- Establishment of limits on executive privilege
What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College?
To elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
True or False: The Electoral College directly elects the President.
False
How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win.
Fill in the blank: Each state has a number of electoral votes equal to its number of _______ and _______.
Senators; Representatives
What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?
The election is decided by the House of Representatives.
Which amendment established the current process of the Electoral College?
The 12th Amendment.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a proposed alternative to the Electoral College? A) National Popular Vote, B) Congressional District Method, C) Direct Election, D) State Legislature Selection
D) State Legislature Selection
Why was the Electoral College established by the Founding Fathers?
To balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones and to prevent direct democracy.
True or False: All states use a winner-takes-all system for assigning electoral votes.
False
What is one major criticism of the Electoral College?
It can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.
What is the primary political ideology associated with the Democratic Party?
Liberalism or progressivism
What is the primary political ideology associated with the Republican Party?
Conservatism
True or False: Democrats generally support higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs.
True
Fill in the blank: The Democratic Party traditionally advocates for _______ rights and social justice.
civil
Which party is more likely to advocate for limited government intervention in the economy?
Republican Party
Multiple Choice: Which of the following issues do Democrats prioritize more than Republicans? A) Gun rights B) Climate change C) Tax cuts
B) Climate change
What major social program is often associated with Democratic policies?
Medicare or Social Security
True or False: Republicans typically advocate for stricter immigration controls.
True
Fill in the blank: The Republican Party is often associated with _______ values.
traditional
What is the term for the political system where two major parties dominate the political landscape in the United States?
Two-party system
What are the 5 roles of a political party?
The 5 roles of a political party are:
* Recruiting candidates
* Organizing elections
* Educating voters
* Facilitating governance
* Acting as a linkage institution
Political parties play a critical role in the political process by connecting the government to the public.
