Final Exam Flashcards
(14 cards)
List and describe three ways that the constitution has allowed the national government to expand.
The Constitution allows the national government to expand through war powers, regulating interstate commerce, and the power to tax and spend money. That’s national government has power to wage war. U.S. is considered a super power because of its ability to to protect itself. But this means the national government needs to be active and education in the economy to make sure they can continue to protect citizens. Commerce is any activity connected with producing buying selling transporting goods. So Congress pass laws against discrimination, connected with commerce. Congress was given authority to raise taxes and spend money. They pass the 16th amendment that created income taxes. Income taxes are a major source of income for the national government. They can use taxes to regulate business and influence states to adopt certain programs.
List and describe three guarantees that the constitution says the national government will give the states
The national government guarantees states a republican form of government, protection from threats, and respect for territorial boundaries. Republican form of government is the process of electing, senators, and representatives. This allows the government to be a government for the people by the people. Protection means that the national government will protect the states from threats, inside or out. Any attack on a state means attack on the whole US an example of this would be 911 or Pearl Harbor. The president can send troops to any state that needs help. The last guarantee is territorial protection. This means that the federal government has to respect state boundaries. They can’t take away land from the state government.
Explain the plessy V. Ferguson decision in the importance of this decision to the history of the United states.
Plus versus Ferguson was a landmark court case in 1896. It states that separate but equal is constitutional. The 14th amendment allowed for separate facilities for different races as long as those facilities were equal. This ruling helped reinforce the southern Jim Crow laws, making life harder for African-Americans in the US. It was considered one of the worst decision made by any Supreme Court Court. The ruling allowed places to segregate until it was overturned in 1954.
Explain the brown V. Board of education and the importance of this decision to history of the United States.
The Brown versus Board of Education was the Supreme Court case that overworld plessy versus Ferguson decision from 1896. Linda Brown wanted to attend an all white school that was close to her home. That a way she wouldn’t have to travel a great distance to get to the all black school. The NAACP argued that it was unconstitutional to separate and the court agreed with them. The Supreme Court said that schools could now be integrated. This was a struggle to do, many people fought the government and schools on this matter. There were riots and protests at many schools. Some students were taken out of school and moved to other school that has not integrated. Black families were threatened if they came to school. Without this decision, though, schools might still be segregated, and some races would lose out on better education since white schools will usually better funded.
The constitution of the United States establishes a system of checks and balances among three branches of government, explain how the system works and evaluate its effectiveness and maintaining a balance of power in today’s political climate .
A system of checks and balances in the United States ensures that no single branch of government – executive, legislative, or judicial – becomes too powerful. Each branch has specific powers that can limit the actions of others. For example, the president veto laws passed by Congress, Congress can override a veto with two– thirds Majority , and the Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional. While this system has historically helped prevent abuse of power, recent political conflicts and partisanship have challenged It’s effectiveness. Nonetheless, it remains a critical framework for maintaining stability and accountability in the government.
Describe the three major responsibility of political parties.
- Recruiting candidates: political parties are responsible for identifying and selecting individuals to run for political office. They seek out candidates who align with the parties values, goals, and who are capable of winning elections. This process involves everything from local offices to national position, ensuring that the party has a candidate for every election.
- educating the public: political parties work to inform and educate the public about key political issues, policies, and candidates. They do this through campaigns, advertisements, debates, and public statements. They help shape public opinion and provide voters with the information they need to make informed decisions at the polls. This also includes promoting party platforms and advocating for their policies.
- operating the government: once a political party gains control of government offices ( especially after winning an election ) it takes on the responsibility of running and managing government functions. This involves implementing party policies, passing legislation, and overseeing the administration of government programs. Political parties work with elected officials, government agencies, and other political entities to ensure that the government operates efficiently and according to party principles.
What did the Dred Scott v. Sandford case do?
The Dredd Scott V. Stanford case, decided the by the US Supreme Court in 1857, the African-Americans weather enslaved or free could not be American citizens and therefore had no right to sue in federal court. The court also declared that Congress has no authority to prohibit slavery and federal territories, effectively invalidating the Missouri compromise of 1820. The decision height intentions between the north and south, deepened national division over slavery and pushed a country closer to Civil War.
What was the Immigration Act of 1924 and how it affected the United States
The immigration act of 1924 was introduced in 1924 when there was a huge surge of immigrants coming into the US. It was a quota system that only allowed a certain amount of immigrants from other countries. Only 2% of immigrants were allowed into the US after the 1890 US census. The immigration act heavily favored immigrants from Great Britain. This caused other countries to be offended and hurt by not being allowed to move into the US.
What amendments expanded voting rights how
There are four major amendments that helped expand voting rights. The first one was the 15th amendment this amendment states the African-American man could vote in the US because they had been born in the US that makes them US citizens. The second amendment passed was the 19th amendment this allowed women to have the right to vote as well. The 24th amendment was passed and outlawed poll taxes. Poll taxes has been making it hard for poor citizens to vote both black and white. The last amendment that was passed to expand voting rights was the 26th. It lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. College students had protested for this right, they said that if they 18 could go to war, then they had a right to say in the government that sent them to war.
What are the 2 main parts of the national party organization what does each part do
There are two main put of the national party organization, the first is the NATIONAL CONVENTION. The convention meets every four years. At this convention, they nominate president and vice president candidates for their respective party. The second part is the NATIONAL COMMITTEE. This committee helps run the party. They plan a huge fundraisers to raise money for the party to either use for campaign or for other needs of the party.
Explain why the media has been called the force branch of government. Include your opinion on whether this is an accurate portrayal.
The media is often in, referred to as the “ fourth branch of government” due to its critical role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and checks on governmental power within democratic societies. Unlike the formal branch of government – the executive, legislative, and judicial – the media operates independently, yet it functions closely parallel to those of a governing body. Through investigative journalism the media acts as a watchdog, uncovering government malfeasance , corruption, and abuses of power. This watchdog function is essential for holding public officials accountable to the citizens they serve, ensuring that Democratic principles are upheld, and that governmental actions are scrutinized and transparent.
What are the rights guaranteed by the first amendment? Explain each one. Which of the rights guaranteed by the first amendment do you consider the most important? Explain your answer.
The first amendment of the United States Constitution guarantee several fundamental rights, including: freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. Each of these rights are essential for the functioning of a free and democratic society. They protect individuals ability to express themselves, participate in civic life, hold the government accountable, and ensure that diverse voices a heard. While all these things are crucial, freedom of speech is often considered the most fundamental because it underpins many other freedoms, and serves as a cornerstone of democracy. Without the ability to freely express ideas, opinions, and criticism the other rights guaranteed by the first amendment would say be significantly weekend.
What are the 4 main ideologies of government describe them
- Liberals: liberals generally advocate for government intervention in the economy and social issues to promote equality and social justice. They support policies such as universal healthcare, environmental protection, and workers rights. They also emphasize civil liberties and government programs aimed at addressing social inequalities, including efforts to help marginalized communities
- Conservatives: conservatives favor limited government intervention in both the economy and individual personal lives. They prioritize, free market, capitalism, individual responsibility, and traditional values. Conservatives typically advocate for lower taxes, less regulation on business, and strong national defense, emphasizing personal freedoms over government control.
- Moderates: moderates hold centrist views, and seek a balance between liberal and conservative ideologies. They believe in compromise and pragmatism, often supporting policies from both side, depending on the issue. Moderate tend to advocate for more mixed approach to government. Supporting market, driven solutions alongside social programs, and often resist extreme stances on either side of the political spectrum.
- libertarians: Libertarians emphasize individual freedom and limited government intervention, and all areas of life, including the economy, personal behavior, and civil rights. They believe in minimal government, with a focus on protecting individual liberties, private property, and free market. Libertarian advocate for reducing or eliminating most government, regulation and services, believing that individuals should have the freedom to make their own decision without interference from the state.
What’s three major things still in the way of African-Americans voting and how? Why did they have these?
Poll taxes: these were fees that individuals had to pay in order to vote. They disproportionately affected African-Americans, particularly in the south, as many African-American were economically disadvantaged and could not afford the tax. They effectively broke down their right to vote for a large portion of the black population, preventing them from participating in elections.
Literacy test: these were test that required individuals to demonstrate the ability to read and understand a passage before voting. Although designed to appear neutral, literacy test were often administered in biased and unfair ways, with African-Americans given more difficult test or being graded, more harshly. This system was used to disqualify African-Americans from voting, even if they were literate.
Grandfather clauses : these laws allowed individuals to bypass literacy test and poll taxes if their grandfathers had been eligible to vote. Since African-American ancestors were often enslaved and could not vote, this clause effectively excluded African-Americans from voting while allowing white citizens to vote without restrictions, maintaining the racial voting inequality.
