Unit 1-Foundations of American Democracy

Question 1

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)?

Answer 1

A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.

It aims to ensure equal opportunity and access for individuals with disabilities.

Question 2

What are exclusive powers?

Answer 2

Powers that are reserved solely for the federal government.

Examples include the power to declare war and regulate interstate commerce.

Question 3

What does New Federalism/Devolution refer to?

Answer 3

A political philosophy that seeks to transfer certain powers from the federal government back to the states.

This approach emphasizes state and local control.

Question 4

Define factions.

Answer 4

Groups of individuals, such as interest groups or political parties, that share a common interest or goal.

Factions can influence politics and governance.

Question 5

What was the New Jersey Plan?

Answer 5

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

It was presented during the Constitutional Convention as an alternative to the Virginia Plan.

Question 6

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Answer 6

Opponents of the Constitution who argued against a strong central government.

They favored more power for state governments.

Question 7

What is federalism?

Answer 7

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

The United States operates under a federal system.

Question 8

Define participatory democracy.

Answer 8

A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.

It encourages active engagement from citizens.

Question 9

What is a bicameral legislature?

Answer 9

A legislative body with two chambers or houses.

The U.S. Congress is an example, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 10

Who were the Federalists?

Answer 10

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

They believed that a centralized authority was necessary for the nation’s survival.

Question 11

Define pluralist democracy.

Answer 11

A model of democracy that recognizes and affirms diversity within the political sphere.

In this model, various groups compete for influence.

Question 12

What is a bill of attainder?

Answer 12

Legislation that declares a person or group guilty of a crime without a trial.

Bills of attainder are prohibited by the Constitution.

Question 13

What is fiscal federalism?

Answer 13

The financial relationship between different levels of government, particularly regarding taxation and spending.

It involves the allocation of funds and responsibilities among federal, state, and local governments.

Question 14

Define popular sovereignty.

Answer 14

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

This concept underlies the legitimacy of democratic governments.

Question 15

What are block grants?

Answer 15

Federal funds provided to states or local governments for broad purposes with fewer restrictions.

They allow for more flexibility in how funds are used.

Question 16

What is a formal amendment?

Answer 16

A change or addition to the Constitution that follows a specific process outlined in the document itself.

This process requires significant consensus.

Question 17

What does the Privileges and Immunities Clause entail?

Answer 17

A clause in the Constitution that prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

It ensures that citizens enjoy the same rights across state lines.

Question 18

Define categorical grants.

Answer 18

Federal funds provided to states for specific purposes, often with strict regulations on how they can be used.

These grants are often aimed at addressing specific issues like education or healthcare.

Question 19

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

Answer 19

A clause that requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

This ensures legal consistency across state lines.

Question 20

What is the central government?

Answer 20

The national government that holds authority over a country.

In the U.S., this refers to the federal government.

Question 21

What are grants?

Answer 21

Funds provided by one level of government to another for specific purposes.

Grants can come from federal to state or local governments.

Question 22

What does ratification mean?

Answer 22

The formal approval of a proposed law or constitutional amendment.

Ratification often requires a vote by the legislature or the people.

Question 23

Define checks and balances.

Answer 23

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

This is a foundational principle of U.S. governance.

Question 24

What was the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?

Answer 24

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states.

Question 25

Define representative democracy.

Answer 25

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. ## Footnote This contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly.

Question 26

What is the Clean Air Act (1970)?

Answer 26

A comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. ## Footnote It aims to protect public health and the environment.

Question 27

What is a compromise in politics?

Answer 27

An agreement reached by opposing parties to settle a dispute or reach a consensus. ## Footnote Compromises are often necessary in legislative processes.

Question 28

Define republic.

Answer 28

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers. ## Footnote In a republic, officials are accountable to the public.

Question 29

What is the Commerce Clause?

Answer 29

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with the Indian tribes. ## Footnote It serves as a foundation for much of federal economic regulation.

Question 30

What are implied powers?

Answer 30

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the elastic clause. ## Footnote These powers allow Congress to carry out its functions effectively.

Question 31

What are reserved powers?

Answer 31

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, thus reserved for the states. ## Footnote Examples include regulating education and local government.

Question 32

Define concurrent powers.

Answer 32

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments. ## Footnote Examples include the power to tax and to build roads.

Question 33

What are incentives in government policy?

Answer 33

Rewards or benefits offered to encourage specific behaviors or actions. ## Footnote Incentives can be financial or non-financial.

Question 34

What is revenue sharing?

Answer 34

A distribution of a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments. ## Footnote It is intended to provide financial support for various programs.

Question 35

What are conditions-of-aid?

Answer 35

Requirements set by the federal government that states must follow to receive certain funds. ## Footnote These conditions can influence state policies.

Question 36

Define indirect democracy.

Answer 36

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. ## Footnote It contrasts with direct democracy, where citizens vote on laws directly.

Question 37

What is the separation of powers?

Answer 37

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. ## Footnote The three branches are legislative, executive, and judicial.

Question 38

What is cooperative federalism?

Answer 38

A concept that emphasizes collaboration between federal, state, and local governments. ## Footnote This approach often involves shared responsibilities and funding.

Question 39

What is an informal amendment?

Answer 39

Changes to the Constitution that occur through the interpretation of the document rather than through formal processes. ## Footnote This can happen through court decisions or legislative actions.

Question 40

What was Shay's Rebellion?

Answer 40

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by debt-ridden farmers protesting against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments. ## Footnote It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Question 41

Define direct democracy.

Answer 41

A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly. ## Footnote This system is often implemented through referendums and initiatives.

Question 42

What are inherent powers?

Answer 42

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to function effectively. ## Footnote These powers are often assumed by the national government.

Question 43

What was the Slave Trade Compromise?

Answer 43

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed the continuation of the slave trade for a limited time before Congress could regulate it. ## Footnote This compromise addressed contentious issues between northern and southern states.

Question 44

What is dual federalism?

Answer 44

A system of government in which power is divided between the federal and state governments with clear boundaries. ## Footnote Often referred to as 'layer cake' federalism.

Question 45

What is judicial review?

Answer 45

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution. ## Footnote This principle was established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Question 46

Define social contract.

Answer 46

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit. ## Footnote This concept is foundational in political philosophy.

Question 47

What is the Elastic Clause?

Answer 47

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers. ## Footnote It allows for flexibility in legislative power.

Question 48

What does 'Layer Cake' federalism refer to?

Answer 48

A metaphor for dual federalism, where the responsibilities of the federal and state governments are distinct and separate. ## Footnote This contrasts with 'Marble Cake' federalism, where responsibilities are intertwined.

Question 49

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Answer 49

A clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state law. ## Footnote This ensures a uniform national legal framework.

Question 50

What is the Electoral College?

Answer 50

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. ## Footnote Each state has a number of electors equal to its total number of senators and representatives.

Question 51

What does limited government mean?

Answer 51

A political system restricted by laws to protect individual rights and liberties. ## Footnote It contrasts with absolute government, where authority is unchecked.

Question 52

What is a supermajority?

Answer 52

A requirement for a proposal to gain a higher level of support than a simple majority. ## Footnote Commonly used in contexts such as constitutional amendments.

Question 53

What is elite democracy?

Answer 53

A model of democracy in which a small number of people, typically those with wealth or education, hold power and influence. ## Footnote This perspective suggests that the general populace has limited influence on decision-making.

Question 54

What are mandates?

Answer 54

Requirements imposed by the federal government on state and local governments to comply with federal laws and regulations. ## Footnote Failure to comply can result in penalties or loss of funding.

Question 55

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Answer 55

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that counted three-fifths of the slave population for purposes of representation and taxation. ## Footnote This compromise was a contentious issue between northern and southern states.

Question 56

What are enumerated powers?

Answer 56

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government. ## Footnote Examples include the power to tax, to declare war, and to regulate commerce.

Question 57

What does 'Marble Cake' federalism mean?

Answer 57

A metaphor for cooperative federalism, where the responsibilities of the federal and state governments are intertwined and blurred. ## Footnote This approach emphasizes collaboration between different levels of government.

Question 58

What is a unicameral legislature?

Answer 58

A legislative body with a single chamber or house. ## Footnote Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature.

Question 59

What is an ex post facto law?

Answer 59

A law that makes an action illegal retroactively, thereby punishing individuals for acts that were legal when committed. ## Footnote Such laws are prohibited by the Constitution.

Question 60

Define natural rights.

Answer 60

Fundamental rights inherent to all humans, often considered to include life, liberty, and property. ## Footnote These rights are central to the philosophy of social contract theorists.

Question 61

What was the Virginia Plan?

Answer 61

A proposal for a bicameral legislative structure based on population, which favored larger states. ## Footnote It was one of the key proposals during the Constitutional Convention.

Question 62

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Answer 62

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for executing its powers. ## Footnote This clause supports the use of implied powers.