Key Terms - Exam 1

Question 1

Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and to the president.

Answer 1

Expressed Powers

Question 2

The ability to influence government and politics.

Answer 2

Political Efficacy

Question 3

Federal grants-in-aid that allow states considerable discretion in how the funds are spent.

Answer 3

Block Grants

Question 4

In this type of federalism… national policies, state policies, and local policies overlap in may areas.

Answer 4

Marble-Cake Federalism

Question 5

A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials.

Answer 5

Democracy

Question 6

Provision from Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution providing Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its expressed powers.

Answer 6

Necessary and Proper Clause

Question 7

The system of government that prevailed in the U.S. from 1789 to 1937 in which most fundamental governmental powers were shared between the federal and state governments.

Answer 7

Dual Federalism

Question 8

The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation.

Answer 8

Pluralism

Question 9

A principe of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people.

Answer 9

Popular Sovereignty

Question 10

Freedom from governmental control.

Answer 10

Liberty

Question 11

The right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of “one person, one vote”.

Answer 11

Political Equality

Question 12

Oppressive and unjust government that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority.

Answer 12

Tyranny

Question 13

Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses; distinguished from unicameral.

Answer 13

Bicameral

Question 14

The requirement articulated by the Supreme Court in Miranda V. Arizona, that persons under arrest must be informed prior to police interrogation of their rights to remain silent and to have he benefit of legal council.

Answer 14

Miranda Rule

Question 15

The 1954 Supreme Court decision that struck down the “separate but equal” doctrine as fundamentally unequal; this case eliminated state power to use race as a criterion for discrimination in law and provided the national government with the power to intervene by exercising strict regulatory policies against discriminatory actions.

Answer 15

Brown v. Board of Education

Question 16

One of 3 civil war amendments; it guaranteed voting rights for African American men.

Answer 16

15th Amendment

Question 17

One of 3 civil war amendments; it guaranteed equal protection and due process.

Answer 17

14th Amendment

Question 18

One of 3 civil war amendments; it abolished slavery.

Answer 18

13th Amendment