midterm review Flashcards
(40 cards)
What are public goods?
Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, available for everyone to use
Examples include clean air and national defense.
What is popular sovereignty?
The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of the people.
What is a constitutional representative democracy?
A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf within a constitutional framework.
What does government do for people?
Provides public services, enforces laws, ensures national security, manages economic policies, and protects citizens’ rights.
The elite theory of government maintains that ________.
A small group of elites hold the power and make decisions affecting society.
According to the pluralist theory of government, ________.
Power is distributed among many groups that compete to influence government policy.
What political activities can people engage in other than running for office?
Voting, joining interest groups, protesting, writing letters to representatives, attending town hall meetings, contributing to political campaigns.
Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Explain.
Yes, it ensures government responsiveness to the people, fosters accountability, and encourages political participation.
Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government?
No, factors include socioeconomic status, education, race, and access to resources.
What is the social contract?
The agreement that citizens will consent to be governed as long as government protects their natural rights.
What key tenets of American political thought influenced the decision to declare independence from Britain?
Natural rights, limited government, and consent of the governed.
What actions by the British government convinced the colonists to declare independence?
Imposed taxes without representation, restricted trade, maintained a standing army.
What was the main goal of the Articles of Confederation?
to establish a national government for the newly independent United States, while still preserving the sovereignty of individual states by creating a weak central government
How did Shays’ Rebellion reveal the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It showed the inability to maintain order or address economic issues.
According to the Great Compromise, how would representation in Congress be apportioned?
The House would have proportional representation, while the Senate would have equal representation.
How did the delegates resolve their disagreement regarding slavery?
With the Three-Fifths Compromise, counting slaves as three-fifths of a person.
What does separation of powers mean?
Divides government authority into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
What are the key positions of the Federalists?
Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.
Why did many oppose ratification of the Constitution?
Fear of too much power to the national government.
How many states must ratify an amendment before it becomes law?
Three-fourths (38) of the states.
What are the implied powers of Congress?
Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to exercise enumerated powers.
What is the doctrine of enumerated powers?
Congress has only the powers specifically listed in the Constitution.
The Great Compromise successfully resolved differences between ________.
Large and small states over representation in Congress.
While each state has two senators, members of the House are apportioned ________.
Based on population.
