Semester 1 Flashcards
Midterms Review (231 cards)
1
Q
Direct Democracy
A
People are directly responsible for political changes.
2
Q
Participatory Democracy
A
This is when citizens are the largest influencer on the political process. This is distinguished from direct democracy, as politicians are the one implementing policy decisions, citizens just influence these.
3
Q
Elitist Theory
A
A small number of people, generally the wealthy and well-educated, have the largest impact.
4
Q
Pluralist Theory
A
Groups have the largest impact on policies. People with similar ideas work together to increase their ideas’ influence.
5
Q
European Enlightment
A
Philosophical movement which led to the prominence of individuals such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.
6
Q
Second Treatise on Government
A
This document was written by John Locke. This talks about natural rights and the social contract.
7
Q
Social Contract
A
People give up certain freedoms for the security of being led by a government. However, if the people feel the government impedes on freedom too much, it is their role to create change.
8
Q
Amending Process
A
2/3 of some form of national government, and 3/4 of some form of state government:
proposal by ⅔ of both house/senate OR proposal by ⅔ of national convention AND ratified by ¾ of state legislatures OR passage by ¾ state conventions
9
Q
Articles of Confederation
A
Created the original national government, which lacked power. This was reformed, resulting in the constitution, as a result of Shay’s Rebellion.
10
Q
Bill of Rights
A
Written by James Madison, this document was intended to appease the antifederalist group who were against the constitution’s ratification. It details the people’s fundamental rights, which the government can’t interfere with.
11
Q
Federalist #10
A
Madison: Factions are dangerous. However, having a large and diverse republic will prevent dangers from emerging.
12
Q
Federalist #51
A
Madison: Separation of powers will create checks and balances between the branches. Limited Government!
13
Q
New Jersey Plan
A
Unicameral; small states (each state get’s equal representation); representatives decided by state legislatures
14
Q
Virginia Plan
A
Bicameral; large states (representation proportionate to population); representatives decided in one chamber by the people, and in the other chamber by state legislature
15
Q
The Great Compromise
A
Connecticut’s proposal:
Bicameral; one chamber by population and the other chamber with equal representation; the house chosen by the people, and the senate chosen by the state legislature (later changed by the 17th amendment)
16
Q
Judicial Review
A
The Supreme Court decides the validity of a law
17
Q
Popular Sovereignty
A
The power and laws of the government are given and maintained by the people
18
Q
17th Amendment
A
Direct election of senators
19
Q
Shay’s Rebellion
A
Rebellion caused by debt crisis in Massachusetts. Under the AoC, the government was unable to handle this well. To prevent such an incident in the future, the constitution was created through a national convention.
20
Q
Three-fifths compromise
A
During the constitutional convention, it was decided that enslaved people count as 3/5 of a person, in terms of the state’s population, for representative and taxation purposes.
21
Q
Writ of Habeas Corpus
A
People detained by the government have the right to know the charges against them
22
Q
Bills of Attainder
A
When someone is declared guilty without a trial
23
Q
Ex Post Facto Laws
A
When someone is punished for an act that wasn’t a crime when they committed it
24
Q
Americans with Disabilities Act
A
Unfunded Mandate
Requires employers and public facilities to make accommodations for disabilities. This act also prevents discrimination on the basis of a disability.
25
Block Grants
Federal aid without oversight
26
Categorial Grants
Federal aid with oversight
27
Commerce Clause
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3
Regulates commerce between foreign nations, among states, and with tribes.
28
Concurrent Powers
Powers which the constitution gives to both the states and the federal government
29
Confederal System
Power is distributed, there is no strong federal government.
(AoC)
30
Federal System
This is a mix of the confederal and unitary systems, as both the states and the federal government have power.
(Constitution)
31
Unitary System
This is when the federal government has all the power.
(Dictatorship)
32
Contract with America
This was a plan that impacted Congress during 1994. This represented the wishes of conservative Republicans, who desired a decrease in the power of Congress.
Made by Newt Gingrich, 50th Speaker of the house
33
Cooperative Federalism
The federal and state governments work together to shape public policy. This is related to the marble cake analogy.
34
Dual Federalism
This is when the federal and state governments work independently on public policy.
This is related to the layer cake analogy.
35
Delegated Powers
Enumerated Powers: Powers given to the government in the constitution.
36
Devolution Revolution
Attempt by Ronald Reagan to give power back to the states
37
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Case revolving slavery. This case gave power back to the states, by declaring the state's laws regarding slavery to triumph over the federal law regarding the 36 30 line.
38
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Article 4, Section 1
Requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and civil court proceedings from the other states.
39
Gibbons v Ogden
The Supreme Court denied New York of the ability to create a monopoly along the Hudson, as interstate commerce could only be controlled by the federal government.
40
Gonzalez v Raich
Raich used medical marijuana, which was seized as it went against federal laws. She appealed the decision, as it was intrastate commerce rather than interstate commerce. Raich lost the case, as the Supreme Court decided that marijuana has a strong enough market that it would impact the economy significantly enough to be considered interstate commerce. *Increased federal authority*
41
Grants-in-aid System
Federal money granted to states to achieve policy objectives
42
Implied Powers
Powers of the federal government that are not stated in the constitution
43
McCulloch v. Maryland
Maryland tried to tax the national bank. The Supreme Court deemed this unconstitutional, under the Commerce Clause.
44
Necessary and Proper Clause
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18.
Also known as the elastic clause.
Congress can create any laws needed to accomplish the enumerated powers.
45
New Deal
Laws created by the Roosevelt administration to help the economy in the wake of the Great Depression.
46
No Child Left Behind Act
Federal government set education standards for K-8.
*Increase in Federal Government's power*
47
Reserved Powers
Powers not given to the federal government, but to the state governments and to the people.
48
Revenue Sharing
When the federal government gives tax money to the states with no strings attached.
49
16th Amendment
Established Congress' power to create and collect income tax.
*Increase in federal power*
50
Supremacy Clause
Article 6, Clause 2:
Ladder of laws: The constitution is the supreme law of the land, then the national laws and treaties, then the states, etc.
51
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Block grant, part of the devolution revolution.
Funds given to states to assist low-income families.
52
10th Amendment
Reserved Powers Clause:
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states and the people.
53
Unfunded Mandates
Mandatory laws to follow/implement, without receiving funding to do so.
54
US v. Lopez
Lopez brought a gun to school. The Federal Government tried to charge him using the commerce clause, which failed as it wasn’t considered related enough to the case. *Decrease in Federal Power*
55
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson: Shows the belief of Individualism. People are responsible for their actions, and when the government fails, it is the people's role to change it.
56
Federalist #78
Hamilton: Limited Government! The Judiciary branch will limit the other branches.
57
Alexis de Tocqueville
French writer of "Democracy in America". Equality of Opportunity!
58
Affordable Health Care Act
Obamacare: Subsidized health insurance based on income. Since insurance was required, the individual's health care insurance could generally be lower.
59
Ballot Restrictions
Measure which prevent voting
60
Command Economy
Production/Investment/Income is determined by the government
61
Conflictual vs. Consensual Political Culture
Conflictual: Different groups clash due to opposing beliefs/views.
Consensual: Citizens tend to agree on how to solve societal problems. When there is conflict, there is still an overlap in values.
62
Core American Values
- Individualism
- Equality of Opportunity
- Free Enterprise
- Rule of Law
- Limited Government
63
Divided Government
The President is from a different party as at least 1 house of Congress
64
Equality of Opportunity
All should have the same opportunity to advance.
This DOES NOT mean equality of result.
65
Entrance/Exit Polls
Polls taken at the entrance/exit of an event, to measure public support for a candidate
66
Culture War
Contrasting views regarding what individual + social behavior can be regulated by the government
67
Generational Effect
The same generation has lived through the same experiences, meaning they may have similar perspectives
68
George Gallup
Inventor of the Gallup poll, a successful way to use sampling to measure public opinion.
69
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Way to measure economic success. Considers net goods/services.
70
Individualism
Strong emphasis on individual initiative and responsibility.
71
Intergovernmental Organization (IGOs)
Nations join a group in order to work together towards a cause.
72
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
Funded Mandate
Improved voting standards
73
Laissez Faire
Less government regulation
74
Limited Government
Restrictions placed on the government to protect citizens
75
Medicare
Health coverage to those above 65 years old and to the disabled
76
Medicaid
Health coverage for low income families
77
Free Market Economy
Laissez-Faire, no government interference
78
Mixed Economy
Combination of command economy (gov regulates everything) and free market economy (no gov interference).
79
Monetary Policy
Federal Reserve can affect monetary/financial conditions to improve welfare
80
Midterm Elections
The general election held around the midpoint of the president's terms (2nd or 3rd year).
Generally divided gov. after this
81
Motor Voter Laws
Allows citizens to register to vote once they are issued a license
82
Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
Organizations that work in foreign nations, without the support of said nation's government
83
Outsourcing
Getting labor or products externally at a cheaper price
84
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)
The goal was to move families off of government assistance and make them self-sufficient
85
Political Efficacy
Belief of citizen's in their ability to change the government, understand matters, and influence politics
86
Political Culture
The set of beliefs which are the framework for the political process: core values
87
Political Socialization
The process of an individual learning about political attitudes and forming an opinion
88
Push Polls
Manipulative questions, intending to sway voters to a specific answer
89
Sampling Error
Confidence in result, generally a good sample size is 1000-1500
90
Straw Poll
Unofficial vote used to determine public opinion
91
Tracking Poll
Poll done with the same group as a previous poll, to determine the change in opinions
92
15th Amendment
States CAN'T restrict voting ability on the basis of race, color, or previous enslavement
93
26th Amendment
Brought down the minimum voting age from 21 to 18, so now 18+ individuals can't be restricted due to age.
94
Agenda Setting
Forming a list of topics to be discussed in government
95
Candidate-Centered v. Party-Centered Politics
Voting for the candidate versus voting for what the candidate represents
96
Caucus
Meeting held to discuss opinions. This gives the party more power, in comparison to the primaries
97
Coalitions
Like-minded groups within each party
98
Closed Primaries
Primaries accessible only for voters registered for the the relevant party
99
Election of 1800
Jefferson, first Democratic-Republican President.
This election marked the end of the Federalist party.
100
Election of 1828
Jackson, first Democrat president
101
Election of 1860
Lincoln, first Republican.
Whig party collapsed
102
Election of 1932
Roosevelt, power shifted to Democrats.
103
Cross-Cutting Cleavages
Society is split into many groups, which work together on some issues but oppose on others.
104
Dealignment
A group moves away from both political parties
105
Delegates
Those elected to represent a group of people in government
106
Direct Primary System
Voter's elect their party's candidates
107
Duties/Roles of Political Parties
- Political parties serve as labels to voters
- They also support the candidate/campaign
- Finally, they advocate for their beliefs and pass legislation. (When in the minority, they act as an opposition to the majority)
108
Electoral College
They vote for the president. They largely vote as their district/state did.
109
Frontloading
When states place their election earlier on the calendar to capitalize on media attention
110
Hyper Partisanship
Extreme polarization of parties
111
Tammany Hall
Political Machine
112
National Convention
The delegates elected -- from the primaries, caucuses, and state conventions -- assemble every 4 years to decide who the president and vice president will be for their party
113
Open Primaries
Primaries accessible to all voters, regardless of party affiliation
114
Party Identification
Affiliation with a party
115
Realignment
Change in voter preference, from on party to another
116
Proportional Representation
Unlike Winner-Takes-All System, candidates get seats proportional to their votes
117
Ralph Nader
Presidential candidate for the Green Party, a 3rd party
Election of 2000
118
Ross Perot
Presidential candidate for the Reform Party, fro individuals who though the Republicans and Democrats were too corrupt
119
Roosevelt
Tried to run for a 3rd term under the Bull Moose Party
He split the Democratic votes, resulting in the Republicans winning
120
Straight Ticket Voting
Voting for candidates from only one party
121
Solid South
Democratic South from 1877-1964. The end of the solid south started during the New Deal (FDR--> Democrats became the party of big gov.), although the actual end is more close to the Civil Rights Act of 1964
122
Spoiler Effect
When a 3rd party, non-winning candidate sways the results of the election by splitting the votes with one of the more prominent parties
123
Super Delegates
Democrats who are automatically seated in the national convention. They have not pledged to vote for a specific candidate.
124
Ticket Splitting
Voting for candidates from multiple political parties.
125
Universal Manhood Suffrage
All adult male citizens are allowed to vote, regardless of religion, race, property, etc.
126
Voting Rights Act of 1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed this law into affect, and it stopped the discriminatory practices (Jim Crow Laws) that were present after the Civil War. This act swapped the roles of Democrats and Republicans.
127
Winner Takes All System
Also known as the single member plurality system, or first past the post voting, is when the group/candidate with the most votes wins
128
13th Amendment
Prevents slavery (unless for a crime)
129
14th Amendment
Equal Protection
130
19th Amendment
Allowed women to vote
131
24th Amendment
Eliminated poll taxes when voting
132
1st Amendment
Congress shall not prohibit ... (free speech, religion, assembly, etc.)
133
2nd Amendment
Right to bear arms
134
3rd Amendment
Soldiers can't force people to house them
135
4th Amendment
Prevents unreasonable searches/seizures, and creates regulations for warrants
136
5th Amendment
Jail: right to a fair, jury trial, protection from self-incrimination, etc.
137
6th Amendment
Defendants get a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, etc.
138
7th Amendment
Once the claim exceeds a certain monetary value, the defendant receives a federal court
139
8th amendment
No cruel or unusual punishment
140
9th Amendment
Even if some rights are not listed in the constitution, they are still protected
141
527s
Tax-exempt agency that promotes a political agenda. NOT regulated by the FEC
142
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002
Also called the McCain-Feingold Act:
Stricter regulations on financing political agendas trying to decrease the soft money loophole
radio/televisions ads restrictions
143
Buckley v. Valeo
Said spending money is free speech
Candidates can spend unlimited of their own money
144
Campaign Reform Act of 1974
Created the FEC
145
Coattail effect
A political leader may take votes from less popular candidates within the same party
146
Citizens United v. FEC
Wanted to prevent the BCRA from applying to the Citizens united film regarding Hillary.
Citizens United won as regulations on corporations were lifted as long as they didn’t coordinate with the candidate.
147
Federal Electoral Commission
Protects integrity/transparency of elections by enforcing finance laws
148
Franking privilege
Helps reach out to people quicker: Members of Congress can use their signature instead of postage when sending mail
149
Get out the vote (GOTV)
Attempts to increase voter turnout
150
Grassroots Lobbying
Attempts to change legislation by using the general public
151
Hard money
Money directly given to the candidate/party
152
Incumbency Advantage
Political advantage gained by previously holding office - name recognition
153
Independent Expenditures
Effort made to advocate/critique a candidate without conferring with a candidate
154
Invisible Primary
The time when candidates gain funds for the upcoming primaries and also campaign to gain support
155
LULAC v. Perry
Required Texas to redistrict district 23 for being unfair
156
Majority-Minority Districts
Districts made specifically so that minorities compose the majority
157
McConnell vs. FEC
Upheld the BCRA
158
PACs (Political Action Committees)
Works towards a political agenda
Can receive unlimited funding from individuals
159
Plurality
group/candidate receives more votes than others do, but not more than half of the total votes
160
Poll Tax
Tax before one can vote
Used to restrict black voters
161
Pollster
Person who analyzes polls
162
Rational Choice Voting
Political actors (voters/politicians) act in their best intersts, carefully weighing all actions
163
Reapportionment
Redistribution of seats in the House based on population
164
Recall
People can remove public officials from office
165
Redistricting
Redrawing electoral district boundaries
166
Referendum
Putting state issues on the ballot for voters to decide
167
Retrospective Voting
Voting by looking at past/recent actions of the candidate
168
Revolving Door
People who work in the government often tend to work as a part of an interest group eventually, and vice versa
169
Shaw v. Reno
Race can't be the main reason for redistricting
170
Super PAC
Have no soft money spending limits
171
Soft money
Efforts for candidates that aren’t donations (campaigning)
172
Spot Ad
Television advertising for candidate
173
Voter Canvass
Process by which campaigns reach voters
174
Class Action Lawsuits
Small group sues on behalf of all people who struggle --> interest groups use this technique (litigation)
175
Free rider Problem
Many do not work towards the social/issue change, as they will be benefit regardless
--> Solution is to offer benefits only to those who participate
176
Grassroots Organization
Relies on high levels of government to create social change based on people’s wishes
177
AMA (Amer Med Assoc), AFL-CIO, NAACP, NRA, AARP, Sierra Club, NOW, PhRMA, NARAL
AMA → american medicine association
AFL-CIO → largest labor association
NAACP → oppose racism
NRA → conservative, rifles
AARP → liberals, retired ppl
Sierra Club → liberal, conservation of environment
NOW → liberal, women's rights
PhRMA → research, pharmaceutical
NARAL → liberal, abortion and women’s rights
178
Lobbying (grassroots v. direct)
Grassroots → emphasis on gaining social media attention
Direct → directly petitioning/speaking to government officials
179
NAFTA
Free-trade agreement
Lifted tariffs between America, Mexico, and Canada
180
Trans Pacific Partnership
Agreement to facilitate trade
Reduce trade barriers
181
Equal time rule
FCC rule that if a broadcaster gives time to one candidate, it must give equal time to the other candidate
182
Fairness doctrine
Holders of broadcast licenses must fairly reflect differing perspectives
183
Federal Communications Commission
Regulates media to ensure fairness
184
Framing
Media intentionally focuses on one aspect to affect public opinion
185
New York Times vs. US
Pentagon Papers: Defended first amendment. If the government is lying, the press may disclose information (despite it being classified). Prior restraint of the media is only allowed if there evidence that it will be dangerous.
186
New York Times vs. Sullivan
Press may say libelous statements
187
Right of reply rule
May defend against public criticism where it was displayed
188
Spin doctor
People hired to spin stories to benefit a candidate/target the other candidate
189
Telecommunications Act of 1996
Removed regulations, allowed companies to have a larger reach
190
White House press corps
Those who watch for stories regarding the white house
191
Baker v Carr
Courts can hear cases of redistricting. (Baker stated that the boundaries hadn't been redrawn enough, making some votes worth more than others)
192
Cloture
In the Senate, this stops filibusters
193
Conference Committee
Includes members from both houses to reconcile differences in legislation
194
Standing Committee
Long-term committees
195
Joint Committee
Bicameral committees
196
Select Committees
Committees which emerge to handle a specific situation
197
Ways and Means Committee
Handles financial matters, such as revenue and taxation (House)
198
Rules Committee
Decides the procedure for debates and amendments in the House
199
Appropriations Committee
They decide where funds should be allocated to (House)
200
Judiciary Committee
Handles matters regarding the courts, particularly the nomination of judges (Senate)
201
Foreign Relations Committee
Oversee foreign relations and treaties made by the president
202
Armed Service Committee
They handle matters regarding the military
203
Speaker of the House
most important member of the house --> in the constitution
204
Party Caucuses decide ___.
majority/minority leaders and whips
205
Vice President in the Senate
Acts as a tie-breaker
206
President Pro Tempore
Official chair of the senate, but not the real leader
207
Senate, most important member
Majority Leader
208
Discharge Petition
Force legislation to leave a committee
209
Earmarks
Also known as pork-barrel spending: This is when a representative tries to create a specific project/allocate funds to their district
210
Entitlement Programs
Funded mandates which provide benefits to those who fit specific regulations
211
Lame Duck Period
Time period before the president leaves office, after the election of the successor
212
Logrolling
exchanging political favors/votes
213
Mandatory Spending
Spending dictated by law
214
Discretionary Spending
Voted on in the annual appropriations process
215
Emoluments Clause
Preserves president's independence by preventing congress from impacting their salary
216
Markups
Finalizing the wording of bills
217
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Supervises annual spending, particularly of the executive branch
218
Pigeonholing
When legislation is ignored by a committee
219
Pocket veto
Formal method for the president to veto a bill by not responding
220
Delegate Model
Representatives act as delegates, carrying out the people's wishes at a higher level of government
221
Trustee Model
People must trust their representatives to make wise decisions based on their judgement
222
Politico Model
Combination of the delegate and trustee models
223
Committee of the Whole
Committee made up of all in congress
224
Closed Rule
One way the Rules Committee can set limits to debate times/amending bills on the floor
225
Germane Amendments
Amendments related to the bill (does not occur much in the House)
226
Riders
Same as Germane Amendments. This often occurs in the Senate, as adding on unrelated content can help controversial bills pass.
227
Quorum
Minimum number of people for legislation to be passed in the House
228
Brutus #1
Argued that a republic was dangerous, as it would ultimately damage the rights of the people. So large that it can't represent everyone
229
Federalist #70
Hamilton: Argued for a single, decisive figure for the executive branch
230
Marbury v Madison
established judicial review
231
Schenck v US
Speech that is a "clear and present" danger can be restricted
