Short Answer

Question 1

What factor makes it possible for states to differ from one another?

Answer 1

The constitution gives state Sovereignty over many aspects of their government.

Question 2

What is the popular nickname for the “necessary and proper” clause? Why is it called this?

Answer 2

Elastic Clause, it is called this because Congress is able to stretch the meaning of this clause in order to sanction its actions.

Question 3

Which constitutional amendment guarantees the reserved powers of the state’s and of the people?

Answer 3

10th Amendment

Question 4

How does the “privileges and immunities” clause protect American citizens?

Answer 4

It guarantees a person’s rights cannot be set aside when he visits a different state.

Question 5

What event in America’s history significantly changed American’s perceptions of the federal government?

Answer 5

The Great Depression

Question 6

Explain why multiparty systems aren’t as stable as what we have in the US.

Answer 6

In multi-party systems, many factions divide the electorate making a difficult for one party to win a majority. Coalition between these parties doesn’t always hold together

Question 7

What does Madison say concerning the causes of political division?

Answer 7

“Sown into the nature of man”

Question 8

When did political campaigning begin?

Answer 8

Andrew Jackson’s campaign for president in 1828

Question 9

List three ways third parties have influenced the American political system.

Answer 9

1. ) A third party began the use of national convention to elect a presidential candidate.
2. ) It can play an important role in election results.
3. ) It draws attention to specific issues that major parties ignore or do not strongly support.

Question 10

List three factors contributing to the fragmented nature of political parties.

Answer 10

1. ) Membership Strength
2. ) Federalism
3. ) Nominating Process

Question 11

How does Romans 12:2 apply to the development of one’s opinions?

Answer 11

The “renewing” of the mind will transform a person’s ideas about public policy.

Question 12

Identify the four stages of public policy development.

Answer 12

1. ) Identifying the issue
2. ) Setting the agenda
3. ) Formulating a policy
4. ) Implementation

Question 13

What are the basic modern implications of the words liberal and conservative?

Answer 13

1. ) Liberalism usually implies a belief that more a government action in society is better.
2. ) Conservatism usually implies a reluctance to expand government authority.

Question 14

How are the executive and judicial branches of government involved in public policy?

Answer 14

1. ) The executive branch is involved in public policy through the State of the Union address, executive orders, treaties, and diplomatic agreements.
2. ) The Judicial branch affects public policy through court decisions.

Question 15

Why must politicians be wary of public opinion?

Answer 15

Politicians must be careful because public opinion may change quickly and may also be based on incorrect information.

Question 16

What chamber of Congress is more democratic? Why?

Answer 16

The House; based on population

Question 17

List three of the major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate

Answer 17

(H) - Centralized leadership | (S) - Less centralized leadership
(H) - More efficient procedures | (S) Slow moving legislation
(H) - High turnover | (S) - Moderate Turnover

Question 18

What is the primary function of Congress?

Answer 18

Make laws and govern America

Question 19

What financial benefits do members of Congress receive?

Answer 19

In addition to salaries, members of Congress have Franking privileges as well as allowances for staff, offices, and travel.

Question 20

What are the stages a bill goes through to become a law?

Answer 20

1. ) Introduced the house or the senate
2. ) Sent to committee
3. ) If approved, it’s voted on the full chamber
4. ) If, approved by both houses, but with differences, it is sent to a conference committee.
5. ) If approved, it is sent to the president.

Question 21

Why were the congressional elections of 1994 significant?

Answer 21

They marked the first Republican house and Senate takeover of Congress since 1954.

Question 22

What are the roles of the majority leader in the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

Answer 22

The majority leader in the senate controls the flow of legislation there. The speaker of the house presides in that chamber and makes the decisions of legislation, debate, and service on committees.

Question 23

How does the president affect the enactment of laws?

Answer 23

He can sign them, veto them, or ignore them.

Question 24

Why does the Senate often take longer to pass legislation than the House takes?

Answer 24

Being a smaller body, the senate is more informal, works more slowly, can debate at length, and has its work schedule decided by the majority leader

Question 25

Why are committee chairmanships important?

Answer 25

They decide whether to schedule hearings on a bill, write legislation, control a staff budget, and listen to anyone who wants to influence the bill.

Question 26

What are three of the five chief functions of the presidency as outlined in the Constitution, and what does each entail?

Answer 26

1. ) As chief executive, the president administers and enforces the law
2. ) As commander in chief, he can order overt military action and covert operations.
3. ) As the legislative leader, the president recommends an agenda for Congress during annual addresses.

Question 27

What is the Executive Office of the President? why was it formed?

Answer 27

The EOP is the made up of White House offices and agencies that helped to develop and implement presidential programs and policies
Formed in 1939 to help FDR meet the complex demands of a growing nation.

Question 28

What are some of the many pitfalls faced by the president?

Answer 28

The tendency to use his extraordinary power illegally or immorally or to allow the fawning attention to divert him from the just use of his authority

Question 29

What are the two main restrictions on the president’s powers?

Answer 29

1. ) Limited tenure of office

2. ) Limited possibility of impeachment

Question 30

What is the difference between popularity and greatness?

Answer 30

1. ) The ability to win the favor of many people and usually doesn’t last long.
2. ) Greatness transcends up polarity and focuses on immortal things.

Question 31

List the three things about the judicial branch?

Answer 31

1. Supreme court.
2. 9 Judges.
3. Appointed for life.