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Final Flashcards (G version)

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1
Q

What are the functions of government?

A

Maintain national defense and borders, provide public services, preserve order, educate and socialize the young and collect taxes

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2
Q

What did Madison say about factions in the Federalist Papers?

A

Factions are bad but will always be around. Getting rid of factions gets rid of people’s individual thoughts

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3
Q

What is the rule of four in the Supreme Court?

A

It only takes 4 justices to hear a case that was appealed from a lower court

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4
Q

What is the nomination process for the Supreme Court?

A

The President nominates a justice that is approved by the senate. (senate judiciary committee –> senate floor vote)

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5
Q

What qualities does the president look for in selecting his White House Staff?

A

Loyalty, trust, experience, similar political views, and a person who is pretty much an extension of the presidents policies

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6
Q

What is the exculsionary rule?

A

Illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court. Stems from 4th amendment. Reinforced by Mapp v. Ohio through 14th amendment

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7
Q

What is veto? How often are they overriden, and is a line item veto constititional?

A

A veto is refusing a bill and sending it back to Congress. Are often not overridden (like ever). A line item veto is not constitutional b/c president has too much power (took away in 1996 by supreme court)

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8
Q

What is the trend in number of existing PACs? Limits PACs can donate? How do PACs try to influence legislators?

A

PACs increasing, limit is $5,000. No limit as to how many pacs can donate to one candidate though. SuperPACs increased a lot, no limit on money amount. PAC money supports legislators being reelected so legislatures kinda do favors for PACs

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9
Q

The change from conventions to direct primaries in selecting presidential nominees has had what impact on party control, campaign costs, and voter turnout?

A

Engage more voters. Voter turnout higher. Voters vote directly for presidential nominees. Election cycle lasts longer and costs more expensive. Being a candidate relies more on money and status, not policies or party centered.

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10
Q

What best explains the recent rise of interest groups and decline of political parties?

A

Interest groups have specific focuses, goals and achievements. Parties are too broad. Easier to see results with interest groups.

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11
Q

What kind of influence does the media have on public opinion?

A

Sets political agenda. Shapes public opinion with potential bias.

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12
Q

What ethnic minority voted most heavily Democratic in presidential elections between 1964-1992?

A

Jewish or African American groups. Depends on context.

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13
Q

What law did Congress pass to better enforce the 14th amendemtn?

A

Civil Rights Act of 1964

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14
Q

How do most criminal cases end?

A

Plea Bargain - A deal to plead guilty for a lesser charge or sentence

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15
Q

The necessary and proper clause most heavily influences what principle of the Constitution?

A

Power of Congress - gives them the power to do anything they deem necessary.

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16
Q

What has the necessary and proper clause done in effect.

A

Congress created institutions like banks. Makes pretty much any law. Gives implied powers to congress.

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17
Q

The idea that the Supreme Court should defer to elective institutions is also known as what philosophy?

A

Judicial Restraint -> Supreme Court should let lower courts handle the case. Judicial Activism -> Supreme Court takes on cases themselves that they never challenged before.

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18
Q

IN what general policy area is Congress most likely to defer to the President?

A

Foreign affairs and national security

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19
Q

In what way is the President better able to influence legislation than Congressional leaders?

A

More power: executive orders, vetos, threaten a veto and set agenda.

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20
Q

What is the most common argument FOR a line item veto?

A

Allows president to eliminate wasteful spending

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21
Q

What is an executive agreement and how is it different from a treaty?

A

Agreements are between president and foreign countries, are not legally binding, and are often used for trades, military, and diplomatic relations.

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22
Q

What impact have reforms of the presidential nomination process had over the past 20 years on the number and type of delegates at conventions and on the power held by state and local party organizations?

A

Gave people more say in who is chosen for presidential nomination. 1960s delegate system revamped the system. Delegate vote tied closer to peoples vote, so delegate votes reflected more of their party. No longer made delegates all white males and more representative (like a woman delegate).

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23
Q

Why do incumbents in the House enjoy an electoral advantage over challengers?

A

Franking Privilege, have more money through fundraising, status, gerrymandering

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24
Q

Primary responsibility of the Office of Management and Budget?

A

prepares federal budget and sends it to congress for approval

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25
WHo draws the boundary lines of Congressional Districts?
State Legislatures
26
What is the most common political activity done by US citizens?
Voting in elections
27
What is the relationship between income and political party
Theres a graph on the problem. GENERALLY: more income lean rep. less income lean dem.
28
How do US Citizens regard the rights of free speech and assembly.
Very high regard as it is one of the most important rights
29
How has the Supreme Court interpreted the 14th Amendment?
Equal Protection Clause -> no state can deny equal protection to any person under law, Citizenship Clause -> birthright citizenship, Due Process Clause -> No state can deprive a persons right to life liberty and property without a fair trial.
30
The legislative process is often slow and complicated, reflecting the intent of the framers to create what kind of legislature?
Deliberate and balanced government. Wanted laws to be carefully considered, debated, and enforced.
31
What is a cloture (senate)?
A vote to stop a filibuster (2/3 of senate)
32
How are Representatives to the House elected?
Popular vote within a district.
33
What is the difference between revenue sharing and categorical grants.
Revenue Sharing is giving all states money, but giving poor-er states more no restriction on what it can be used for really. Categorical grants are grants given for a specific purpose (little discretion has strings attached)
34
What branch can create new federal courts
Congress
35
What did the War Powers Act do?
President must notify Congress within 48 hours of mobilizing army, Congress has 60 days to recall army. UNSUCCESSFUL bc presidents just ignored it bc it wasnt enforced.
36
Why do we have a two-party system in the United States?
Historically only 2 are the most prominent. Electoral College "winner takes all" system. Third parties exist but cant really get anywhere.
37
Over which type of issue would an interest group most likely have the greatest infleunce in Congress?
Narrow, specialized issues that pertain to the interest group.
38
What is the single most important factor in predicting who will win a congressional election?
Incumbency and their benefits.
39
What are the consequences of the federal system in the United States for government services and programs across the country, points of access for interest groups, and division of power?
Government owned projects are often not good. Interest groups can target local, state, and federal government branches. Division of power follows checks and balances
40
How often does divided party control of the presidency and congress occur
Very often in modern era. House majority usually switches after two years depending on how the government is doing.
41
What does the Freedom of Information Act do?
Gives public access to federal documents and records.
42
What effect does the Electoral College have on campaigns?
Campaigns focus on states where the majority of popular vote is close, swing states. Campaigns do not visit states with overwhelming majority in one party specifically.
43
How does the standing commitee system affect Congress' workload, expertise, staff, and decision making process?
Standing committees break up the work of Congress so it is faster as committees are specialized in certain issues. Results in better legislation. Members become experts in these committee topics
44
What is the historical tend in voter turnout over the last 30 years in the US for different age groups and in comparison to other Western democracies?
Younger voters do not vote often even though they have the ability to vote. Middle aged has higher voter turnout. Older people have the highest voter turnout. Overall turnout in the U.S. is LOWER than other countries as other countries have punishments for people who do not vote.
45
How are voters in presidential primaries different from voters in general elections?
Primaries have lower turnout. Presidential primaries are the vote for a partys candidate for president. General elections are the overall vote for the presidency and other office positions.
46
ON what constitutional basis did the Supreme Court rule that laws outlawing segregation in public accommodations were legal?
Brown v. Board of Education where the court ruled seperate but equal was unconstitutional. Overturned Plessy v Ferguson separate but equal doctrine.
47
What is the clear and present danger test?
Government can limit free speech if the speech presents fake danger. Est. in Schenk v United States.
48
How was the constitution different from the articles of confederation?
Established strong central government with three branches. Government could tax, regulate commerce, the economy, enforce laws, and gave congress a majority vote rather than unanimous.
49
What is the difference between elite and pluralist theories of politics?
Elitist theory --> handful of wealthy people "control" the government. Pluralist theory --> individual interest groups influences parties. No one group has control. Hyperpluralist theory --> too many interest groups lead to no progress in government.
50
How are committee chairmanships in the House decided?
Seniority -> oldest members typically are chosen. However, the senior member must announce that they are running for it
51
What is an independent regulatory agency and how is one different from a cabinet department?
Independent regulatory agencies are independent from the presidents influence and control. Cabinet departments have direct president control as the president chooses its head positions without approval.
52
What are the differences in how a bill becomes a law between the House and the Senate?
House has the Rules Committee. Bill on house floor is final version. Rules committee gets to say who talks. In the senate, there are no rules AND senators are able to change parts of the bill.
53
How does most communication occur between members of Congress and their constituents?
Emails, social media, and the overall media.
54
Roe v Wade was based on what right.
Right to privacy and the Right to an abortion
55
What trends in voter turnout and partisan identification were evident in the 1980s?
Rise of republicans bc of Reagan. Independents also became popular.
56
What factors affect the chances for incumbent senators running for reelection?
Advantages -> recognition, campaign resources (money). Challengers dont have either, and have to win over the majority of the states population.
57
How has american political culture changed since the 1950s?
Civil Rights popularized, Divided government, more voters, more social movements as compared to civil rights, economy and immigration all became hot topics.
58
What is the common criterion that people use when evaluating which presidential candidate to vote for?
If the president has similar political views.
59
Which law(s) have been passed to protect the legal rights of women?
Equal Rights Amendment (proposed never passed), Equal Pay Act, Civil Rights Act, Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Education Act
60
What are examples of checks and balances?
Impeachment, Veto, Overriding Veto, Refuse Nominees, Amendments, Not enforce laws, Declare Unconstitutionality of other branches
61
What type of primary election allows only registered members of the party to vote?
Closed primaries -> elections for the party's candidates in the general elections.
62
What does a presidential nominee tend to lok for in a prospective vice-presidential running mate?
A vice-president that compliments that nominee. Usually something that the president isnt. (Ex: Old Biden chose young woman of different race)
63
What is the primary function of PACs?
Raise money to support candidates and influence elections.
64
What happened to income distribution in the United States during the Reagan administration? (There is a table but generally...)
Reaganomics made the wealthy wealthier and the poorer have slower economic growth. Widened the income gap.
65
What major national offices are directly elected by registered voters?
House, Senate, President
66
What does a conference committee in Congress do?
Temporarily made to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill.
67
Why did the framers give Supreme Court justices appointments for life on good behavior instead of limiting their terms?
Independence from the other branches, justices will become knowledgeable or are already experts
68
Why is the committee system more important in the House than in the Senate?
House is much larger (435 to 100), divides the workload into groups of experts that relate to the bill
69
From what type of jurisdiction does most of the Supreme Court's caseload come?
Appellate jurisdiction (cases that have been appealed)
70
As currently interpreted by the Supreme Court, what are the limits on free speech and what speech is protected?
Protected: political speech, symbolic speech (flag burning/things that do not incite violence), commercial speech Unprotected: Obscene and illegally sexual things (miller test which just determines obscentiy)
71
Why was Shay's Rebellion important to the development of the US Constitution?
Shay's Rebellion happened in response to the Articles of Confederation. Proved that a stronger central government was needed.
72
How is power distributed in a federal system of government?
Division between federal, state, and local. Federal has enumerated powers, reserved powers are for the states, and concurrent powers are shared by all three.
73
How do the following groups tend to vote? Jews, Protestants, Women, Rural Populations, and African Americans
Jews - democratic Protestant - Republican Women - Democratic Rural - Republican African Americans - democratic
74
What are standing committees in Congress?
permanent committees that deal with a specialized issues/topics
75
What powers are granted to the President in Article II?
Commander in Chief of US Army, makes treaties, appoint officials, meeting with other countries, appointment to Supreme Court,
76
IN which landmark act did Congress try to regain powers previously lost to the executive branch during what is described as the imperial presidency?
War Powers Act of 1973. Failed bc presidents just ignored.
77
What can Congress do if the Supreme Court finds a law unconstitutional?
Make an Amendment or edit the existing law.
78
What Law made discrimination in public accomodations illegal?
Civil Rights act of 1964.
79
What constitutional amendment has made most individual protections of the Bill of Rights now apply to the states instead of just the federal government according to the Supreme Court?
14th Amendment - incorporation through the due process clause
80
What was decided in McCulloch v. Maryland?
Congress had the ability to create a national bank under the necessary and proper clause. If states taxed federal institutions, it would destroy the federal government.
81
What is political socialization?
How a person builds their political views. A combination of family, school, media and friends.
82
What are the differences between the rules of operation for the Senate and the House?
House Rules Committee sets strict rules on who can talk and for how long. Senate has no rules.
83
What is the process for removing a President from office?
Impeachment. Starts and is voted for in the House. Senate does a trial as jury with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court proceeding. Senate jury votes, needs 2/3 to remove president from office.
84
How do interest groups and political parties both promote democracy?
Promote citizen involvement. Interest groups give a place for individuals to voice their concerns. Political parties have citizens vote directly for their nominees. In both cases citizens are involved which promotes democracy.
85
Which type of campaigns are public monies used to help finance (presidential, congressional or gubernatorial)?
Only presidential. Public monies are giving equal money to candidates to get them to focus more on their issues and policies rather than campaign money.
86
How does Congress exercise oversight of the bureaucracy? (Oversight is monitoring the many organizations)
Hearings and investigations, power of the purse (to punish bad agencies), pass laws that alter agencies and programs, checks and balances on other branches,
87
What was the Warren court known for?
Earl Warren was supposed to be a conservative judge but was extremely liberal. Seen as a traitor but ruled on school segregation, gerrymandering being bad, rights of the accused and the right to abortion.
88
What are Miranda warnings designed to protect against?
Self-incrimination. (Right to remain silent and right to an attorney)
89
What are reserved powers of the state governments? (10th amendment)
Gives states power that isnt in constitution. Primarily they have control of education, public health, transportation, local governments, family law, criminal justice, and property of the states.
90
What are critical elections? When do critical elections usually occur?
Major shift in party support from one party to the other. Parties themselves changes their focus. Usually happens after an election with new voters voting on new issues.
91
Immediately after 18-21 year olds recieved the right to vote in 1971, what was their turnout rate and how did they overwhelmingly vote?
Not a lot of them voted. Not a big change in the election. Overall voter turnout rate dropped (bc more people added), but most of them overwhelmingly voted democratic.
92
What type of coverage does a newspaper typically give to presidential campaigns?
Covers what the president had done the DAY PRIOR. Today's media covers what he president does NOW.
93
How are states electoral votes distributed if the Democratic candidate wins 48% of the vote, Republican wins 40% and indpendents 12%?
Democrats win all electoral votes. (Winner-take-all system)
94
What is the trend in political party identification, which level of party organization is the strongest, and what is the effect of third parties?
Decrease in identification and an increase in independents. Federalism is the strongest. Third parties have little to no effect but can take away votes from other candidates.
95
Who makes up an iron triangle?
Congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies and interest groups. Each group supports the others in order to achieve policy goals.
96
What is an election called that involves more than two candidates in which the person who receives the most votes is the winner?
Plurality election apparently
97
Why do cabinet members rarely have a dominant influence on presidential decision-making?
Cabinet members are most likely the friends of the president and do not really have much experience. President relies on other officials for better advice.
98
What function of the bureaucracy gives it importance? (What does bureaucracy do?)
Bureaucracies (organizations) implement policy, enforce laws, rules and policies.
99
What does the establishment clause do?
Government is not allowed to adopt a single religion

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