AP Government Study Guide

When did major networks start to give free time to major candidates?

1996

What is pure conservatism?

A political ideology that is conservative on both economic and personal conduct.

What is a concurrent resolution?

A resolution used to settle housekeeping and procedural matters that affect both houses. Such resolutions are not signed by the president and do not have the force of law.

What is a roll-call vote?

A method of voting used in both houses in which members answer yea or nay when their names are called. These votes are recorded and occur in the House at the request of 20 percent of its members.

What is an opinion of the Court?

An opinion by the Supreme Court that reflects the majority's view.

What are two questions that were settled by McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

a. Could Congress charter a national bank? yes, because "necessary and proper" b. Could states tax such a bank? no, because national powers supreme

How do congressional incumbents can serve their constituents?

a. Credit for government grants, programs, etc., can be claimed by Congress member b. President can't (power is not local) and must communicate by mass media

Describe the formulas used to allocate delegates

a. Democrats shift formula away from South, to North and West b. Republicans shift formula from East to South and Southwest c. Result: Democrats move left, Republicans right

What is a direct primary?

A proposal originated by progressive reformers to open up political parties to their membership. It permits a vote of party members to select the party's nominee in the general election.

What is the Section 1983 case?

A provision in the U.S. Code which allows a citizen to sue state and local government officials who have deprived the citizen of some constitutional right or withheld some benefit to which the citizen is entitled. If the citizen wins, he or she can collect money damages and lawyers' fees from the government.

What is Article VI of the constitution?

A provision of the Constitution that makes the laws and treaties of the federal government the "supreme law of the land."

What is the right-of-reply rule?

A regulation by the FCC permitting a person the right to respond if attacked on a broadcast other than in a regular news program.

What is the political editorializing rule?

A regulation of the FCC providing a candidate with the right to respond if a broadcaster endorses the opposing candidate.

What is committee clearance?

A request made by congressional committees to pass on certain agency decisions. Although usually not binding, it is seldom ignored by agencies.

What is unit rule?

A requirement that all delegates representing a state at a national party convention vote with the majority of their state delegation.

What is a simple resolution?

A resolution passed by either house to establish internal chamber rules. It is not signed by the president and has no legal force.

What is a joint resolution?

A resolution requiring approval of both houses and the signature of the president and having the same legal status as a law.

What is a random sample?

A sample selected in such a way that any member of the population being surveyed (e.g., all adults or voters) has an equal chance of being selected.

What are the Federalist papers?

A series of eighty-five essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay that were published in New York newspapers to convince New Yorkers to adopt the newly proposed Constitution.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

A rebellion in 1787 by ex-Revolutionary War soldiers who feared losing their property over indebtedness. The former soldiers prevented courts in western Massachusetts from sitting. The inability of the government to deal effectively with the rebellion showed the weakness of the political system at the time and led to support for revision of the Articles of Confederation.

What is a culture war?

A split in the United States reflecting differences in people's beliefs about private and public morality, and regarding what standards ought to govern individual behavior and social arrangements.

What is equal protection of the law?

A standard of equal treatment that must be observed by the government

What is a norm?

A standard of right and proper conduct. Elites tend to state the norms by which issues should be settled.

What is a conservative/strict constructionist bloc?

One of three groups of justices in the 1970s and 1980s, including Chief justice Warren Burger, who took a consistently conservative position on issues.

What was the liberal/activist bloc?

One of three groups of justices in the 1970s and 1980s, led by Justice William Brennan, who took a consistently liberal position on issues. It was usually in the minority.

What is the progressive (social) view?

One of two camps in the culture war that believes personal freedom is more important than traditional rules and that rules depend on the circumstances of modern life.

What are three reasons why liberties become a major issue?

Rights in conflict: Bill of Rights contains competing rights Policy entrepreneurs most successful during crises, especially war, by arousing people Cultural conflicts

What are unalienable rights?

Rights thought to be based on nature and providence rather than on the preferences of people.

Describe caucuses in Congress

Rivals to parties in policy formulation 1. 1995, public funds denied caucuses-had to raise their own money 2. Types of caucuses a . Intra-party b. Personal interest c. National constituency d. Regional constituency e. State or district constituency f. Industry constituency

What is dissenting opinion?

The opinion of the justices on the losing side.

What was the first party system?

The original party structure in which political parties were loose caucuses of political notables in various locations. It was replaced around 1824.

What is parliament?

An assembly of party representatives which chooses a government and discusses major national issues. Tight party discipline usually regulates the voting behavior of members.

What was Chaplinksy v. New Hampshire (1942)?

"Fighting words" are not protected by the First Amendment

What is a poll?

A survey of public opinion.`

What is a libel?

A written statement that defames the character of another person

What were the motives of the Framers?

A. Acted out of mixture of motives: economic interests played modest role B. Economic interests at the convention 1. Economic interests of framers varied widely 2. Charles Beard: those who owned government debt supported Constitution 3. But no clear division along class lines found by later historians 4. Recent research: state economic considerations outweighed personal considerations a. Exception: slaveholders C. Economic interests and ratification 1. Played larger role in state-ratifying conventions 2. In favor: merchants, urban, owned western land, held government IOUs, no slaves 3. Opposed: farmers, held no government IOUs, owned slaves D. The Constitution and equality, Federalists and Antifederalists 1. Critics: government today is too weak a. Bows to special interests that foster economic inequality b. Liberty and equality are therefore in conflict 2. Framers more concerned with political inequality a. Weak government reduces political privilege

What are different types of minor parties?

A. Ideological parties--comprehensive, radical view; most enduring Examples: Socialist, Communist, Libertarian B. One-issue parties-address one concern, avoid others Examples: Free Soil, Know-Nothing, Prohibition C. Economic protest parties-regional, protest economic conditions Examples: Greenback, Populist D. Factional parties-from split in a major party Examples: Bull Moose, Henry Wallace, American Independent E. Movements not producing parties; either slim chance of success or parties accommodate via direct primary and national party convention Examples: civil rights, antiwar, labor F. Factional parties have had greatest influence G. Ross Perot in 1992 and 1996

What are different kinds of organizations?

A. Institutional interests B. Membership interests

Describe the reforms of Congress

A. Numerous proposals to reform Congress B . Representative or direct democracy? 1. Framers: representatives refine, not reflect, public opinion 2. Today: representatives should mirror majority public opinion 3. Move toward direct democracy would have consequences

What determines who wins an election?

A. Party identification B. Issues C. The campaign D. Finding a wining coalition

Who gets appointed in the executive branch?

A. President knows few appointees personally B. Most appointees have had federal experience 1."In-and-outers"-alternate federal and private sector jobs C. Need to consider groups, regions, and organizations when making appointments D. Rivalry between department heads and White House staff

What are some characteristics of the two-party system?

A. Rarity among nations today B. Evenly balanced nationally, not locally

What are the bureaucratic pathologies?

A. Red tape--complex and sometimes conflicting rules B. Conflict-agencies work at cross-purposes C. Duplication-two or more agencies seem to do the same thing D. Imperialism-tendency of agencies to grow, irrespective of benefits and costs of programs E. Waste-spending more than is necessary to buy some product or service

What are the three different views of how members of Congress vote?

A. Representational view B. Organizational view C. Attitudinal view

What are some characteristics of slavery in the constitution?

A. Slavery virtually unmentioned B. Apparent hypocrisy of declaration signers C. Necessity for compromise (3/5th) or no ratification D. Congress could not prohibit slave trade before 1808 E. Fugitive slave clause--escaped slaves to be returned to masters

What are bureaucrats?

Appointed officials who operate government agencies and large corporations

What was Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (1971)?

Approved busing and redrawing district lines as ways of integrating public schools

What is a participatory democracy?

Aristotelian "rule of the many"

What is an example of elastic language in the constitution?

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: necessary and proper clause

Why was the ratification by conventions in at least nine states (though a democratic feature) illegal?

Articles could be amended only with unanimous agreement of thirteen states

What is the Senior Executive Service?

As the keystone of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the SES was established to "...ensure that the executive management of the Government of the United States is responsive to the needs, policies, and goals of the Nation and otherwise is of the highest quality."

Describe the leadership structure in the Department of Justice

Attorney General -Chief legal Rep. Solicitor General -Represents Govt. in Supreme Court U.S. Attorneys -Dist. & Appellate Courts U.S. a party in ½ of all cases

Define the Aristotelian view

Government should improve human nature by cultivating virtue

What are capital grants?

Grants for purposes such as building local wastewater treatment plants

What are operational grants?

Grants for purposes such as running state child-care programs

How do race and ethnicity affect public opinion?

Blacks are generally far more liberal than whites, on issues ranging from busing and housing discrimination to the death penalty, national defense, and national health insurance. 1. Becoming more important even on nonracial matters 2. Blacks most consistently liberal group within Democratic Party; little cleavage among blacks 3. Hispanic and Asian Americans less liberal

Which grow slower, block grants or categorical grants?

Block grants

What are some negative views of Federalism?

Blocks progress and protects powerful local interests a. Federalist No. 10: small political units dominated by single political faction

What is the concept of dual federalism?

Both national and state government's are supreme in their own spheres of influence (Interstate vs. intrastate commerce)

What is required in order to obtain a grant-in-aid

Broad congressional coalitions with wide dispersion of funds

What was Max Weber's opinion of the bureaucracy?

Bureaucracy is real power in the government because they are involved in the day to day activities Hierarchical Specialized tasks Efficient objective

What is patronage?

Bureaucratic appointments made on the basis of political considerations. Federal legislation significantly limits such appointments today.

When did the federal funds that the intergovernmental lobby hoped to obtain stop growing?

By 1980

What is a cabinet

By custom, the heads of the fourteen major executive departments who meet to discuss matters with the president. These "secretaries" receive their positions by presidential nomination and confirmation by the Senate. They meet as a group from time to time for the purpose of discussing current policy proposals and advising the chief executive of their recommendations. (Chief executives usually also maintain one or more additional advisory councils that may well be more influential than the more formal cabinet.) They can be removed at the pleasure of the president.

How are parliamentary candidates selected?

By the party: a. Become a candidate by persuading party to place your name on ballot b. Members of Parliament select prime minister and other leaders c. Party members vote together on most issues d. Renomination depends on remaining loyal to party e. Principal work is debate over national issues f. Very little actual power, very little pay

When nominating a president, which party holds its convention first?

By tradition, the party "out of power"-the one not holding the presidency

Are candidates required to take federal matching funds?

Candidates are not required to take matching funds in presidential primaries. In 1980, John Connally sought the Republican nomination solely on the basis of private financing, which allowed him to avoid the spending ceiling imposed on candidates receiving federal funds. He lost. Also note the activity of Steve Forbes in 1996 and 200 as well as Ross Perot in 1992 and 1996. In 2000 George W. Bush has refuse matching money as well.

What are entitlement grants?

Grants for purposes such as transferring income o families and individuals

What is the Office of Management and Budget?

Created as the Bureau of the Budget in 1921, the OMB was reorganized in 1970. It assembles and analyzes the national budget submitted to Congress by the president. Additional duties include studying the organization and operation of the executive branch, devising plans for reorganizing departments and agencies, developing ways of getting better information about government programs, and reviewing proposals that cabinet departments want included in the president's legislative program.

What is the Congressional Research Service?

Created in 1914 to respond to congressional requests for information. It also keeps track of every major bill and produces summaries of legislation for members of Congress.

What is the General Accounting Office?

Created in 1921 to perform routine audits of the money spent by executive departments. It also investigates agencies and makes recommendations on every aspect of government. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the "congressional watchdog," GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars.

What is a Congressional Budget Office?

Created in 1974 to advise Congress on the economic effects of spending programs and to provide information on the cost of proposed policies.

What are block grants?

Grants given by the federal government to state and local authorities for general purpose.

What happened during Shay's Rebellion?

Group of farmers & workers - Shut down W. Mass. Courts Problem mustering troops - Congress - Mass state govt. Fear of future rebellions Shows need for stronger National govt.

How is Congress organized?

In committees

Did the new plan for Federalism have a historical precedent?

No

Define germane

Relevant to the topic of a bill

How can an amendment to the constitution be ratified?

When ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof

Do rank-and-file Democrats and Republicans differ on many political issues?

Yes, but differences are usually small

How was Ross Perot able to publicize his campaign?

a. CNN appearances b. Infomercials

How are presidential general elections financed?

all public money ($55 million per candidate)

How are bureaucrats difficult to fire?

"Loyal" or "Agency" point of view Continuity of agency behavior Expertise in policies & procedures Cultivate support of subordinates

What was Weeks v. US (1914)?

"exclusionary rule" states that evidence seized w/o a warrant or in hot pursuit, may not be used in a federal trial. The Weeks Exclusionary Rule was later extended to include criminal trials conducted by the states (Mapp v. Ohio, 1964).

What are some pieces of evidence supporting the theory of apparent decline in voting, induced in part by more honest ballot counts of today?

(1) Parties once printed ballots (2) Ballots cast in public (3) Parties controlled counting (4) Australian ballot began to be adopted in 1910

Most scholars see some real decline in voting turnout due to several causes. What are they?

(1) Registration more difficult-longer residency; educational qualifications; discrimination (2) Continuing drop after 1960 cannot be explained according to Wilson but clearly political efficacy plays a role. Watergate, Vietnam, etc.

In what ways does Puritan heritage (dominant tradition) stress on personal achievement?

(1) Work (2) Save money (3) Obey secular law (4) Do good works (5) Embrace "Protestant ethic" (work ethic)

What were the sources of ideas discussed in the Constitutional Convention?

- Ancient Greece & Rome - English heritage - Political philosophers - Colonial govt's - State Constitutions

Describe phase two of congressional evolution: A divided House (1820s)

1. Assertiveness of Andrew Jackson who vetoed bills if he opposed policy 2. Caucus system disappears, replaced with national nominating conventions 3. Issue of slavery and Civil War shatter party unity, limiting Speaker's power 4. Radical Republicans impose harsh measures on post-Civil War South

What are some 'informal' methods of changing the Constitution?

- Acts of Congress - Judicial rulings - Presidential actions - Customs & traditions

What were the views of the Federalists?

- Elites most fit to govern - Favor strong Nat. govt.

What were the views of the Anti-Federalists?

- Feared concentration of power in elites - Favored strong state govt—"state rights" - Need for a Bill of Rights

What were some compromises reached during the Constitutional Convention?

- Great or Connecticut - 3/5 - Electoral College

A decisive Congress or a deliberative one?

1. Framers designed Congress to balance competing views and thus act slowly 2. Today, complaints of policy gridlock but if Congress moves too quickly it may not move wisely

What are states powers?

- Powers denied to national govt. - 10th Amendment

What were areas of agreement among those who attended the Constitutional Convention?

- Scrap the Art. of Confederation - Republican govt. - Constitutional govt. - Need for stronger central govt. - Reduce factional dangers - Suffrage property owners - Locke's theory of rights - Separation of powers

How is political tolerance crucial to democratic politics?

1. Free discussion of ideas 2. Select rulers without oppression

Describe term-limits imposed on Congress

1. Anti-Federalists distrusted strong national government, favored annual elections and term limits 2. Today, 95 percent of House incumbents reelected, but 80 percent of public supports term limits 3. Twenty-two states in 1994 had passed term-limit proposals 4. Effects of term limits vary depending on type of proposal a. Lifetime limits produce amateur legislators who are less prone to compromise b. Limiting continuous sequence leads to office-hopping and push for public attention c. 1995, Congress failed to approve resolutions for a constitutional amendment on term limits d. Supreme Court ruled states cannot constitutionally impose term limits on Congress

What is the impoundment of funds?

1 . Defined: presidential refusal to spend funds appropriated by Congress 2. Countered by Budget Reform Act of 1974 a. Requires president to notify Congress of funds he does not intend to spend b. Congress must agree in 45 days to delete item c. Requires president to notify Congress of delays in spending d. Congress may pass a resolution requiring the immediate release of funds

What were some effects of the Finance Reform Law?

1 . Goal was to expose and publicize fundraising a. Has succeeded, but ... 2. has greatly increased power of PACs and thus of special interests 3. has shifted control of money away from parties to candidates a. Limits influence of parties 4. has given advantage to wealthy challengers a. Can just write out a check for campaign expenses 5. has given advantage to ideological candidates a. Direct mail appeals to special interest groups on issues like abortion, gun control, school prayer, etc. 6. has penalized candidates who start campaigning late, who don't have war chests 7. has helped incumbents and hurt challengers a. PACs more likely to support an incumbent

How are bills introduced?

1 . Introduced by a member of Congress 2. Congress initiates most legislation 3. Presidentially drafted legislation is shaped by Congress 4. Resolutions a . Simple-passed by one house affecting that house b. Concurrent-passed by both houses affecting both c. joint (1) Essentially a law-passed by both houses, signed by president (2) If used to propose constitutional amendment-two-thirds vote in both houses, president's signature unnecessary

Describe floor debate in the Senate

1 . No rule limiting germaneness 2. Committee hearing process can be bypassed by a senator with a rider 3. Debate can be limited only by a cloture vote. a. Three-fifths of Senate must vote in favor of ending filibuster 4. Both filibusters and cloture votes becoming more common a. Easier now to stage filibuster b. Roll calls are replacing long speeches c. Filibuster can be curtailed by double-tracking: disputed bill is shelved temporarily so Senate can continue other business

Describe the role of the Appropriations Committee and legislative committees on the bureaucracy

1. Appropriations Committee most powerful a . Most expenditure recommendations are approved by House b. Tends to recommend amount lower than agency request c. Has power to influence an agency's policies through "marking up" an agency's budget d. But becoming less powerful due to: (1) Trust funds operate outside the regular government budget (2) Annual authorizations (3) Budget deficits have necessitated cuts 2. Legislative committees are important when a. A law is first passed b. An agency is first created c. An agency is subject to annual authorization 3. Informal congressional controls over agencies a. Individual members of Congress can seek privileges for constituents b. Congressional committees may seek committee clearance: right to pass on certain agency decisions

Describe the service role of the bureaucracy

1. 1861-1901: shift in role from regulation to service 2. Reflects desire for limited government; laissez-faire beliefs; Constitution's silence on regulatory powers for bureaucracy 3. War led to reduced restrictions on administrators and a slight enduring increase in personnel

What are the voting patterns of the Supreme Court?

1. 1960's - Liberal Activist Court - "The Warren Court" All the 60's landmark cases. 2. 1970s and 1980s a. Liberal/activist bloc-Brennan, Marshall, Blackmun, Powell b. Conservative/ strict constructionist bloc-Burger, Rehnquist, O'Connor c. Swing bloc-White, Stevens d. Liberals usually in minority; sometimes won by convincing swing bloc 3. Rehnquist Court still deeply divided in the 1990s a. Liberals-Stevens, Ginsburg, Breyer b. Conservatives-Rehnquist, Scalia, Thomas c. Swing vote-Kennedy, Souter, O'Connor 4. Unity may be more notable than divisions-38.7 percent of opinions were unanimous in the 1995 term

How important is money in a presidential election?

1. 1988 presidential campaigns totaled $177 million 2. 1992 presidential campaigns totaled $286 million

Describe interest groups in relation to money and PACs

1. According to text, money is least effective way to influence politicians 2. Campaign finance reform law of 1973 had two effects a. Restricted amount interests can give to candidates b. Made it legal for corporations and unions to create PACs 3. Rapid growth in PACs has not led to vote buying a. More money is available on all sides b. Members of Congress take money but still can decide how to vote 4. Almost any organization can create a PAC a. Over half of PACs sponsored by corporations, one-tenth unions, and remainder varied b. Recent increase in ideological PACs; one-third liberal, two-thirds conservative 5. Ideological PACs raise more but spend less due to cost of raising money 6. In 1992 and 1994, unions and business/professional organizations gave the most 7. Incumbents get most PAC money a. Labor PACs almost exclusively give to Democrats b. Business PACs split money between Democrats and Republicans c. Democrats get most PAC money (Remember, Wilson is a conservative) 8. PAC contributions small 9. Text states that there is no systematic evidence PAC money influences votes in Congress a . Most members vote their ideology and with their constituents b. When issue of little concern to voters and ideology with little guidance, slight correlation but may be misleading c. PAC money may influence in other ways, like access or committee actions d. PAC money most likely to influence client politics

What were results of of mobilization of opinion by dramatic events to get on agenda in civil rights movement?

1. Agenda-setting success 2. Coalition-building setbacks: methods seen as law breaking

What are some differences in the political culture of America compared to other nations as they relate to the Economic System?

1. American concept of Capitalism and fair competition firmly entrenched. 2. America more of a "meritocracy." We accept some income inequality but not class division. 3. Other nations more socialistic.

What are some differences in the political culture of America compared to other nations as they relate to the Religion?

1. Americans are much more religious 2. Religion plays a much more important role in politics - both liberals and conservatives use religion to promote their political agenda.

Describe membership interests

1. Americans join some groups more frequently than in other nations a. Social, business, professional, veterans', charitable-same rate as elsewhere b. Unions-less likely to join c. Religious, political, civic groups-more likely to join d. Greater sense of political efficacy, civic duty explain tendency to join civil groups 2. Most sympathizers do not join because benefits flow to nonmembers too

What are some differences in the political culture of America compared to other nations as they relate to the Political System and Ideology?

1. Americans tend to be assertive and participatory, whereas other nations citizens, Sweden for example, tend to "trust the experts" and advocate "what is best" as opposed to "what people want." 2. Japanese stress group harmony and community as opposed to Americans who are much willing to buck trends and disrupt the status quo. 3. Americans stress individualism, competition, equality and "following the rules." 4. Americans vote less but participate in other ways more. 5. Americans have more faith in their national institutions then other nations.

What is the meaning of participation rates?

1. Americans vote less, but participate more a. Other forms of activity becoming more common b. Some forms more common here than in other countries 2. Americans elect more officials and have more elections 3. U.S. turnout rates heavily skewed to higher status persons

Describe the organizational view of congressional voting

1. Assumes members of Congress vote to please colleagues, to gain status and prestige 2. Organizational cues a. Party b. Ideology c. Party members on sponsoring committees 3. Problem is that party and other organizations do not have clear position on all issues 4. On minor votes, most members influenced by party members on sponsoring committees

Describe the attitudinal view of congressional voting

1. Assumes that ideology affects a legislator's vote 2. House members tend, more than senators, to have opinions similar to those of the average voter a. 1970s-senators more liberal b. 1980s-senators more conservative

Describe the representational view of congressional voting

1. Assumes that members vote to please their constituents, to get reelected 2. Constituents must have a clear opinion of the issue; the vote must attract attention a. Very strong correlation on civil rights and social welfare bills b. Very weak correlation on foreign policy 3. May be conflict between legislator and constituency on certain measures: gun control, Panama Canal treaty, abortion 4. Constituency influence important in Senate votes; influence in House unknown 5. Members in marginal districts as independent as those in safe districts 6. Weakness of representational explanation: no clear opinion in the constituency on most issues

What are conditions of aid?

1. Attached to grants 2. Conditions range from specific to general 3. Divergent views of states and federal government on costs, benefits a. Example: Rehabilitation Act of 1973 4. Failed presidential attempts to reverse trends and consider local needs a. Example: Nixon's 'New Federalism" creating revenue sharing b. Example: Reagan's attempt to consolidate categorical grants; Congress's cooperation in name only Categorical grants constitute by far the largest proportion of federal grants-in-aid. In 1991, there were 478 separate "categories," which amounted to nearly 90 percent of all federal aid to state and local authorities.

What are some examples of bills travel through Congress at different speeds?

1. Bills to spend money or to tax or regulate businesses move slowly 2. Bills with a clear, appealing idea move fast 3. Complexity of legislative process helps a bill's opponents

What are examples of how corporations, etc., usually have same rights as individuals?

1. Boston bank, antiabortion group, California utility 2. More restrictions on commercial speech a) Regulation must be narrowly tailored and sever public interest b) Yet ads have some constitutional protection 3. Young people may have fewer rights; Hazelwood; school newspaper can be restricted

What are some examples of how corporations, etc., usually have same rights as individuals?

1. Boston bank, antiabortion group, California utility 2. More restrictions on commercial speech a) Regulation must be narrowly tailored and sever public interest b) Yet ads have some constitutional protection 3. Young people may have fewer rights; Hazelwood; school newspaper can be restricted

What are some factors explaining rise of interest groups?

1. Broad economic developments create new interest 2. Government policy itself

What are some ambiguities in the Fourteenth Amendment?

1. Broad interpretation: Constitution color-blind 2. Narrow interpretation: equal legal rights 3. Supreme court adopted narrow view in Plessy case

What were two thing that the civil rights movement broadened?

1. Broadened base by publicizing grievances 2. Moved legal struggle from Congress to the courts

What are class-action suits?

1. Brought on behalf of all similarly situated 2. Financial incentives to bring suit 3. In 1974, Supreme Court tightened rules on these suits

Descsribe the power of the federal courts to make policy

1. By interpretation of constitution or law 2. By extending reach of existing law 3. By designing remedies

Describe results of the congressional primary

1. Candidate needs to win the party primary to appear on the ballot in the general election 2. Reduces influence of political party 3. Incumbents almost always win: sophomore surge due to use of office to run personal campaign 4. Candidates run personalized campaigns--offers them independence from party in Congress 5. Effects how policy is made: office geared to help people, committee pork for district

Why have Democrats won more congressional elections than presidential contests?

1. Candidates are out of step with average voters on social and taxation issues 2. So are delegates ... and there's a connection Republicans had same problem with Goldwater (1964)

Describe the popular press

1. Changes in society and technology made possible self-supporting, mass readership daily newspapers a. High-speed press b. Telegraph c. Associated Press, 1848; objective reporting d. Urbanization concentrated population to support paper, advertisers e. Government Printing Office established 1860-end of subsidies

How does the role of the gender gap affect ones political attitudes?

1. Changing partisan affiliations a. Women were likely to be Republicans in 1950's b. Women were likely to be Democrats since late 1960's c. Change due to shift in party policy positions (abortion, equal pay/equal work, etc.)

How does the role of schooling and education affect ones political attitudes?

1. College education has liberalizing effect 2. Effect extends beyond end of college 3. Cause of this liberalization? a. Personal traits: temperament, family, intelligence b. Exposure to information politics c. Liberalism of professors 4. Effect growing as more go to college 5. Increasing conservatism since 1960's? a. Yes (oppose legalizing marijuana and abortion) and ... b. ...No (support school busing)

Describe floor debate in the House

1. Committee of the Whole-procedural device for expediting House consideration of bills but cannot pass bills 2. Committee sponsor of bill organizes the discussion 3. House usually passes the sponsoring committee's version of the bill

What is the Executive Office of the President?

1. Composed of agencies that report directly to the president 2. Appointments must receive Senate confirmation 3. Office of Management and Budget among the most important a. Assembles the budget b. Develops reorganization plans c. Reviews legislative proposals of agencies

What were examples of how perceived costs of granting black rights not widely shared?

1. Concentrated in small., easily organized populations 2. Interest-group politics versus easily organized populations 3. Blacks at a disadvantage in interest group politics because they were not able to vote in many areas

Describe the relationship between Congress and the courts

1. Confirmation and impeachment proceedings gradually alter composition of courts 2. Changing the number of judges, giving president more or less appointment opportunities. The number of justices sitting on the Supreme Court is determined by Congress. The current number of nine justices was established in 1869. However, the membership of the Court has ranged from five to ten justices. 3. Revising legislation declared unconstitutional 4. Altering jurisdiction of the courts and restricting remedies 5. Constitutional amendment - According to Henry Abraham, six constitutional amendments have been adopted specifically to alter decisions by the Supreme Court.

What are some general characteristics of subsequent evolution of Congress proceeding its founding?

1. Congress generally dominant over presidency until twentieth century a. Exceptions: brief periods of presidential activism 2. Major political struggles were within Congress a. Generally over issues of national significance, e.g., slavery, new states, internal improvements, tariffs, business regulation b. Overriding political question: distribution of power within Congress (1) Centralization-if the need is for quick and decisive action (2) Decentralization-if congressional members and constituency interests are to be dominant (3) General trend toward decentralization

What are examples of staff agencies offering specialized information?

1. Congressional Research Service (CRS) 2. General Accounting Office (GAO) 3. Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), abolished in 1995 4. Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Describe phase one of congressional evolution: The powerful House

1. Congressional leadership supplied by the president in first three administrations 2. Preeminence of House of Representatives; originated legislation and nominated presidential candidates 3. Party caucus shaped policy questions, selected party candidate for the presidency

What are the tasks of congressional staff members?

1. Constituency service-major task of staff 2. Legislative functions-devising proposals, negotiating agreements, organizing hearings, meeting with lobbyists and administrators 3. Staff members consider themselves advocates of their employers entrepreneurial function

Why are there so many news leaks?

1. Constitution: separation of powers a. Power is decentralized b. Branches of government compete c. Not illegal to print most secrets 2. Adversarial press since Vietnam, Watergate, Iran-contra a. Press and politicians distrust each other b. Media are eager to embarrass officials c. Competition for awards, etc., among journalists 3. Cynicism created era of attack journalism a. Most people do not like this kind of news b. Cynicism of government mirrors public's increasing cynicism of media c. People believe media slant coverage, have too much influence, abuse their constitutional protections 4. Public confidence in big business down, and now media are big business 5. Drive for market share forces media to use theme of corruption

Describe confessions and self-incrimination

1. Constitutional ban originally against torture 2. Extension of rights in the 1960s a) Escobedo b) Miranda case : "Miranda rules" to prove voluntary confession

What are rights regarding confessions and self-incrimination?

1. Constitutional ban originally against torture 2. Extension of rights in the 1960s a) Escobedo b) Miranda case : "Miranda rules" to prove voluntary confession

What are the two kinds of federal courts?

1. Constitutional courts exercise judicial powers found in Article III a. Judges serve during good behavior b. Salaries not reduced while in office c. Examples: District Courts (94), Courts of Appeals (12) 2. Legislative courts a. Created by Congress for specialized purposes b. Judges have fixed terms c. Can be removed; no salary protection d. Example: Court of Military Appeals

What is the White House Office?

1. Contains the president's closest assistants 2. Three types of structure, often used in combination a. Pyramid b. Circular c. Ad hoc 3. Staff typically worked on the campaign; a few are experts

What is the major effect of media on how politics is conducted, candidates perceived, policy formulated?

1. Conventions scheduled to accommodate television 2. Candidates win party nomination via media exposure a. Estes Kefauver (1952) 3. Issues established by media attention a. Environment b. Consumer issues 4. Issues that are important to citizens similar to those in media a. TV influences political agenda b. But people less likely to take media cues on matters that affect them personally 5. Newspaper readers see bigger contrasts between candidate than do TV viewers 6. TV news affects popularity of presidents; commentaries have short-run impact

Apathy is not the only cause of non-registration. What are some others?

1. Costs here versus no costs in European countries where registration automatic 2. Motor-voter law of 1993 took effect in 1995-increased registration throughout the country

What effect did the Judiciary have on government and political liberty: 1936 to the present

1. Court establishes tradition of deferring to the legislature in economic cases 2. Court shifts attention to personal liberties and is active in defining rights 3. Court-packing plan (FDR) 4. In the 1990s, some rulings in favor of state's rights

What is yellow journalism?

The use of sensationalism to attract a large readership for a newspaper

What are some deterrents in getting to court?

1. Court rejects over 95 percent of applications for certiorari 2. Costs of appeal are high a. But these can be lowered by (1) In forma pauperis: plaintiff indigent, with costs paid by government (2) Indigent defendant in a criminal trial: legal counsel provided by government (3) Payment by interest groups (e.g., American Civil Liberties Union) b. Each party must pay its own way except for cases in which it is decided: (1) that losing defendant will pay (fee shifting) (2) Section 1983 suits 3. Standing: guidelines a . Must be controversy between adversaries b. Personal harm must be demonstrated c. Being taxpayer not ordinarily entitlement for suit challenging federal government action d. Sovereign immunity

Describe sponsored parties

1. Created or sustained by another organization 2. Example: Detroit Democrats controlled by United Auto Workers (UAW) union 3. Not very common in U.S.

What are the forms of congressional supervision on the bureaucracy?

1. Creation of agency by Congress 2. Statutory requirements of agency 3. Authorization of money, either permanent, fixed number of years, or annual 4. Appropriation of money allows spending

Describe the legislative veto

1. Declared unconstitutional by Supreme Court in Chadha (1983) 2. Weakens traditional legislative oversight but Congress continues creating such vetoes 3. Their constitutionality is uncertain; debate about the legislative veto continues

Describe institutional interests

1. Defined: individuals or organizations representing other organizations 2. Types a. Business firms: example, General Motors b. Trade associations 3. Concerns-bread-and-butter issues of concern to their clients a. Clearly defined, with homogeneous groups b. Diffuse, with diversified groups 4. Other interests-governments, foundations, universities

Describe phase five of congressional evolution: The empowerment of individual members

1. Defining issue was civil rights during 1960s and 1970s 2. Powerful Southern committee chairs blocked legislation until 1965 3. Members changed rules to limit chairs' power a . Committee chairs become elective, not just based on seniority b. Subcommittees strengthened c. Chairs could not refuse to convene committee meetings, most meetings were to be public d. Member staff increased

Describe party realignments

1. Definition: sharp, lasting shift in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties 2. Occurrences: change in issues that distinguish the parties, so supporting voter change a. 1800: Jeffersonians defeated Federalists b. 1828: Jacksonian Democrats came to power c. 1860: Whigs collapsed; Republicans won d. 1896: Republicans defeated Bryan e. 1932: FDR Democrats came to power

Describe the relationship between public opinion and the courts

1. Defying public opinion frontally is dangerous, especially elite opinion 2. Opinion in realigning eras may energize court 3. Public confidence in court since 1966 has varied

How does the fact that opinions of delegates from two parties differ widely on these same issues affect the positions of candidates?

1. Delegates (and candidates) need to correspond with views of average citizens 2. But candidates must often play to the ideological extremes to win delegate support.

Describe growth in discretionary authority of the bureaucracy

1. Delegation of undefined authority by Congress greatly increased 2. Primary areas of delegation a. Subsidies to groups b. Grant-in-aid programs c. Enforcement of regulations

Are the delegates to the national convention representative of the voters?

1. Democratic delegates much more liberal 2. Republican delegates much more conservative 3. Explanation of this disparity? a. Not quota rules alone-women, youth, minorities have greater diversity of opinion than do the delegates

If party identification determines the outcome of an election, why don't Democrats always win?

1. Democrats less wedded to their party 2. GOP does better among independents 3. Republicans have higher turnout

Why do the facts regarding upper class bias in interest groups not decide the issue?

1. Describe inputs but not who eventually wins or loses 2. Business groups often divided among themselves

How do interest groups use trouble to further their causes?

1. Disruption always part of American politics 2. Used by groups of varying ideologies, etc. 3. Better accepted since 1960s 4. History of "proper" persons using disruption-suffrage, civil rights, anti war movements 5. Officials dread "no-win" situations

What effect did the Judiciary have on government and the economy: Civil War to 1936?

1. Dominant issue of the period: under what circumstances could the economy be regulated by state or federal governments 2. Private property held to be protected by the Fourteenth Amendment 3. Judicial activism-Supreme Court assessing the constitutionality of governmental regulation of business or labor 4. The Supreme Court unable to define reasonable regulation 5. The Court interprets the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments narrowly as applied to blacks-upheld segregation, excluded blacks from voting in many states

What are some reassurances that state sovereignty exists (regardless of the tremendous power of the Federal government)?

1. Dual federalism is not dead 2. Supreme Court limited congressional use of commerce clause, thus protecting state sovereignty under 10th amendment 3.Supreme Court given new life to 11th amendment 4. Not all Supreme Court decisions support state sovereignty 5. New debate re-surfaces over state police powers 6. Many state constitutions open door to direct democracy: initiative, referendum, and recall. 7. Existence of states guaranteed while local governments exist at pleasure of states

Describe oral arguments by lawyers after briefs submitted

1. Each side has one half-hour, but justices can interrupt with questions 2. Role of solicitor general - decides what cases the federal government will appeal from lower courts and personally approves every case the government presents to the Supreme Court. a. Often asked to submit amicus curiae. This brief is usually highly regarded by the court. 3. Amicus curiae briefs submitted if parties agree or Supreme Court grants permission. The Supreme Court must give its permission to accept an amicus brief. The Court is generous in its consent, taking 85 percent of all requests to file such briefs. 4. Many sources of influence on justices, e.g., law journals

What are the working of the electoral college?

1. Each state to choose own method of selecting electors 2. Electors to meet in own capital to vote for president and vice president---The actual election of the president and vice president does not occur until January 6, when the sitting vice president, in the presence of both houses of Congress, opens the ballots of the electors. Although usually a formality, some electors have deviated from the way they were supposed to vote. 3. If no majority, House decides amongst the top three candidates. Each state receives only one vote.

In what way are judges not immune to politics or public opinion?

1. Effects will vary from case to case 2. Decisions can be ignored a. Examples: school prayer, school desegregation b. Usually if wrongful act is not highly visible and actor is willing to risk charges

Describe phase six of congressional evolution: The return of leadership

1. Efforts began to restore Speaker's power because the individualistic system was not efficient . Speaker appointed a majority of the Rules Committee members b. Speaker given multiple referral authority 2. Sweeping changes with 1994 Republican majority a. Committee chairs hold positions for only 6 years b. Reduced the number of committees, subcommittees c. Speaker dominated the selection of committee chairs d. Speaker set agenda (Contract with America) and sustained high Republican discipline

What are some examples of presidential succession by the vice president?

1. Eight vice presidents have succeeded to office on president's death To avoid a succession calamity, the Secret Service insists that one member of the cabinet should be absent when the president delivers the State of the Union message. Since all high-ranking members of the administration attend, the possibility exists that the entire line of presidential succession could be wiped out by an act of terrorism. 2. Rarely are vice presidents elected president a. Unless they first took over for a president who died b. Only five instances otherwise: Adams, Jefferson, Van Buren, Nixon, Bush Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were vice presidents prior to the adoption of the Twelfth Amendment.

Why is the two-party system such a permanent feature of American politics?

1. Electoral system-winner-take-all and plurality system 2. Opinions of voters-two broad coalitions work, although times of bitter dissent 3. State laws have made it very difficult for third parties to get on the ballot

Describe the numerous attempts to make bureaucracy work better for less money

1. Eleven attempts to reform this century alone 2. National Performance Review (NPR) in 1993 designed to reinvent government a. Differs from previous reforms that sought to increase presidential control b. Emphasizes customer satisfaction by bringing citizens in contact with agencies 3. NPR calls for innovation and quality consciousness by: a. Less centralized management b. More employee initiatives c. Fewer detailed rules, more customer satisfaction

What are some limits to elite influence on the public?

1. Elites do not define problems 2. Many elites exist, hence many elite opinions

Explain how the press relates to campaigning

1. Equal-time rule applies a. Equal access for all candidates b. Rates no higher than cheapest commercial rate c. Debates formerly had to include all candidates (1) Reagan-Carter debate sponsored by LWV as news event (2) Now stations and networks can sponsor debates limited to major candidates 2. Efficiency in reaching voters varies a. Works well only when market and district overlap b. More Senate than House candidates buy television time

Describe the national media

1. Existence somewhat offsets local orientation 2. Consists of a. Wire services (AP, UPI) b. National magazines c. Television network evening news broadcasts d. CNN, NBC, FOX, CBS, ABC e. Newspapers with national readerships

What are some regulations of broadcasting?

1. FCC licensing a. Seven years for radio license renewal b. Five years for television license renewal c. Stations must serve "community needs" 2. Recent movement to deregulate a. License renewal by postcard b. No hearing unless opposed c. Relaxation of some rule enforcement 3. Other radio and television regulations a. Equal-time rule b. Right-of-reply rule c. Political-editorializing rule 4. Fairness doctrine was abolished in 1987; still voluntarily followed by many broadcasters

What were some concerns of the Founders regarding the presidency?

1. Fear of military power of president who could overpower states George Washington was the only president who took active control of the military. During the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, Washington requested state governors to provide a force of 12,900 militia troops-and ended up with a volunteer force larger than the one he had commanded during the Revolutionary War. 2. Fear of presidential corruption by Senate 3. Fear of presidential bribery to ensure reelection 4. Concerned to balance power of legislative and executive branches

What are reasons for differences with European parties and American parties?

1. Federal system decentralizes power in U.S. 2. Parties closely regulated by state and federal laws 3. Candidates chosen through primaries, not by party leaders, in U.S. 4. President elected separately from Congress 5. Political culture

What are the three audiences of the president?

1. Fellow politicians and leaders in Washington, D.C.-reputation very important 2. Party activists and officials outside Washington 3. The various publics

Describe the phenomenon of party decline

1. Fewer people identify with either party 2. Increase in ticket splitting

What did black civil rights progress depend on?

1. Finding more white allies or 2. Shifting policy-making arenas

What are some examples of foundation grants?

1. Ford Foundation and liberal public interest groups 2. Scaife foundations (conservative foundation) and conservative public interest groups

Describe the structure of parties from the Founding (to 1820s)

1. Founders' dislike of parties, viewing them as factions 2. Emergence of Republicans, Federalists: Jefferson vs. Hamilton a. Loose caucuses of political notables b. Republicans' success and Federalists' demise 3. No representation of homogeneous economic interests-parties always are heterogeneous coalitions

Explain separation of powers and corruption in Congress

1. Fragmentation of power increases number of officials with opportunity to sell influence a. Example: senatorial courtesy rule offers opportunity for office seeker to influence a senator 2. Forms of influence a. Money b. Exchange of favors

What are some arguments for making the system less democratic?

1. Government does too much, not too little 2. Attention being given to individual wants over general preferences 3. Proposals a . Limit amount of taxes collectible b. Require a balanced budget c. President gained enhanced decision authority (a delimited lineitem veto) in 1996 - now unconstitutional. d. Narrow authority of federal courts 4. Changes unworkable or open to evasion?

What is a Civil rights issue?

1. Group is denied access to facilities, opportunities, or services available to other groups, usually along ethnic or racial lines 2. Issue is whether differences in treatment are "reasonable" a) Some differences in treatment are: progressive taxes b) Some are not: classification by race subject to "strict scrutiny"

What are the reasons for increased activism in the judiciary?

1. Growth of government 2. Activist ethos of judges

What is the source of American's political culture?

1. Historical roots 2. Legal-sociological factors 3. The culture war

What are the new ethics rules (104th Congress)?

1. Honoraria: House bans, Senators may designate charity 2. Campaign funds: ban retaining of surplus 3. Lobbying: former members banned for one year 4. Gifts: $250 House limit, $100 Senate 5. Lobbyist payments banned for travel, legal defense funds, charitable donations

What's driving devolution?

1. House Republican did not trust federal government, believed states were more responsive and less wasteful; governors agreed 2. Devolution undertaken to make major cuts in entitlement spending 3. Supported by public opinion-though strength of support uncertain

What were some characteristics of the Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise)

1. House of Representatives based on population and directly elected by people 2. Senate of two members per state and elected by state legislatures 3. Reconciled interests of large and small states

What are some questions to be asked about the U.S. political culture?

1. How do we know people share these beliefs? - before polls, beliefs inferred from books, speeches, etc. 2. How do we explain behavior inconsistent with these beliefs - beliefs still important, cause changes in behavior 3. Why has there been so much political conflict in U.S. history? - beliefs contradict one another, are not consistently prioritized

Who are the new delegates?

1. However chosen, today's delegates are issue-oriented activists 2. Advantages of new system a. Increased chance for activists within party b. Decreased probability of their bolting the party 3. Disadvantage: may nominate presidential candidates unacceptable to voters or rank and file

How did delegates fear both anarchy and monarchy?

1. Idea of a plural executive 2. Idea of an executive checked by a council

How was the relationship between the states influenced by the grants-in-aid and the slow of "free" money from the government?

1. Increased competition a result of increased dependency 2. Snowbelt (Frostbelt) versus Sunbelt states due to population changes 3. Actual difficulty telling where funds spent 4. Census takes on monumental importance

How have voting regulations transitioned from state to federal control?

1. Initially, states decided who could vote for which offices 2. This led to wide variation in federal elections 3. Congress has since reduced state prerogatives 4. Black voting rights 5. Women's voting rights 6. Youth vote 7. National standards now govern most aspects of voter eligibility 8. Twenty-third Amendment ratified 1961, gave District of Columbia residents the right to vote in presidential elections

Describe public support as an activity of interest groups

1. Insider strategy previously most common-face-to-face contact between lobbyist and member or Hill staff 2. Increasing use of outsider strategy-grassroots mobilization of the issue public 3. Politicians dislike controversy, so work with those they agree with 4. Lobbyists' key targets: the undecided legislator or bureaucrat 5. Some groups attack their likely allies to embarrass them 6. Legislators sometimes buck public opinion, unless issue important 7. Some groups try for grassroots support a. Saccharin issue b. Dirty Dozen environmental polluters - 31 legislators with "Bad voting records" on the enviornment. Noted by the Interest Group, Enviornmental Action, only 7 survived in office.

What is the three-part test that determines under what circumstances government involvement in religious activities is constitutional?

1. It has a secular purpose 2. Its primary effect neither advances nor inhibits religion 3. It does not foster an excessive government entanglement with religion

How are the stages of how a bill becomes a law?

1. It's introduced 2. Committee Action is taken 3. Floor Action and Conference Action 4. Goes to president

What were the views of the Jacksonians regarding the Presidency?

1. Jackson believed in a strong and independent president 2. Vigorous use of veto for policy reasons; none overridden

Describe the structure of parties during the time of the Civil War and sectionalism

1. Jacksonian system unable to survive slavery and sectionalism 2. New Republicans became dominant because of a. Civil War-Republicans rely on Union pride b. Bryan's alienation of northern Democrats in 1896 3. Most states one-party a . Factions emerge in each party b. Republicans with professional politicians (Old Guard) and progressives (mugwumps) c. Progressives moved from shifting between parties to attacking partisanship

What is the establishment clause?

1. Jefferson's view: "wall of separation" 2. Congress at the time: "no national religion" 3. Ambiguous phrasing of First Amendment 4. Supreme Court interpretation of the "wall of separation"

What effect did the Judiciary have on National supremacy and slavery: 1789-1861?

1. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): federal law declared supreme over state law 2. Interstate commerce clause is placed under the authority of federal law; conflicting state law void 3. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857): Blacks were not, and could not become, free citizens of the U.S.; federal law (Missouri Compromise) prohibiting slavery in northern territories was unconstitutional

What is the establishment clause?

1. Jefferson's view: "wall of separation" 2. Congress at the time: "no national religion" 3. Ambiguous phrasing of First Amendment 4. Supreme Court interpretation of the "wall of separation" a) 1947 New Jersey case (reimbursements) (1) Court: First Amendment applies to the states (2) Court: State must be neutral toward religion b) School decisions struck down (1) School prayers (voluntary, nonsectarian, delivered by a rabbi or minister or student elected by other students) (2) Teaching of creationism (3) In-school released time programs c) Public aid to parochial schools particularly controversial (1) Allowed: aid for construction of buildings, textbook loans, tax-exempt status, state deductions for tuition, computers, and sign language interpreters (2) Disallowed: teacher salary supplements, tuition reimbursements, various school services, money to purchase instructional materials, special districts (3) Though the Court can (and does) change its mind d) Development of a three-part test for constitutional aid (1) It has a strictly secular purpose (2) It neither advanced nor inhibits religion (3) It involved no excessive government entanglement e) Failure of the Court's test to create certainty in our law (1) Nativity scenes, menorahs, and Christmas trees (2) Seeming anomalies: Prayer in Congress, chaplains in the armed services, "In God We Trust" on currency (3) Deep division / confusion among members of the Court

What are some characteristics of impeachment?

1. Judges, not presidents, most frequent objects of impeachment 2. Indictment by the House (simple majority), conviction by the Senate (2/3 majority) a. Examples: Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton both impeached by the House, but acquitted by the Senate

Only in the United States do judges play so large a role in policy-making - The policy-making potential of the federal judiciary is enormous. Woodrow Wilson once described the Supreme Court as a constitutional convention in continuous session. Describe this power

1. Judicial review: right of federal courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and executive acts a. Chief judicial weapon in system of checks and balances 2. In Britain, Parliament is supreme 3. In other countries, judicial review means little a. Exceptions: Australia, Canada, Germany, India, and a few others

Describe the growth and impact of congressional staff

1. Larger staff generates more legislative work 2. Members of Congress can no longer keep up with increased legislative work and so must rely on staff 3. Results in a more individualistic Congress-less collegial, less deliberative

What is the free exercise clause (no state interference, similar to speech)?

1. Law may not impose special burdens on religion 2. But no religious exemptions from laws binding all 3. Some cases difficult to settle a) Conscientious objection to war, military service b) Refusal to work Saturdays; unemployment compensation c) Refusal to send children to school beyond eighth grade

Describe the relationship between legislation and the courts

1. Laws and the Constitution are filled with vague language a. Gives courts opportunity to design remedies 2. Federal government is increasingly on the defensive in court cases; laws induce litigation 3. The attitudes of federal judges affect their decisions

How have the power and perks of Congress been reduced?

1. Legal bribes such as gifts banned in 1995; concerns remain 2. Regulating franking 3. Place Congress under law and not exempt itself from laws a. Congressional Accountability Act of 1995--Congress obliged itself to obey eleven major employment laws 4. Trim pork to avoid wasteful projects a. Main cause of deficit is entitlement programs, not pork b. Some spending in districts is for needed projects; most of this spending already decreased c. Members supposed to advocate interests of district d. Price of citizen-oriented Congress is pork 5. Cut number of committees and assignments to slow pace and allow reasoned consideration of bills a. 1995 reforms cut number of committees; Senate still had assignment inflation 6. Downsize staff as well a. But staff size same as 1980s b. Cutting staff makes Congress more dependent on executive

Some forms of speech not fully protected; what are the four kinds?

1. Libel: written statement defaming another by false statement 2. Obscenity 3. Symbolic Speech 4. False Advertising

What are some elements of the American political system?

1. Liberty 2. Equality 3. Democracy 4. Civic duty 5. Individual responsibility

Describe the scope of bureaucracy

1. Little public ownership of industry in the United States 2. High degree of regulation in the United States of private industries

Describe the strength of party structure in Congress

1. Loose measure of strength of party structure is ability of leaders to determine party rules and organization 2. Tested in 104th Congress-Gingrich with party support for reforms and controversial committee assignments 3. Senate different since transformed by changes in norms, not rules a. Now less party-centered, less leader-oriented, more hospitable to freshmen

How did Majoritarian politics worked against blacks?

1. Lynchings shocked whites, but little was done 2. General public opinion was opposed to black rights 3. Those sympathetic to granting black rights opposed the means

Is Congress a proper guardian of the public zeal?

1. Madison a. National laws should transcend local interest b. Legislators should make reasonable compromises on behalf of entire polity's needs c. Legislators should not be captured by special interests 2. Problem is that many special-interest groups represent professions and public-interest groups

Why is it important to ask what the bias is in interest groups?

1. Many conflicts are within upper-middle class, political elites 2. Resource differentials are clues, not conclusions

What are some reasons why public policy and public opinion may differ?

1. Many constitutional checks on public opinion; many public's conflict 2. Difficult to know public opinion 3. Government listens more to elite views

Why are interest groups are common in America?

1. Many kinds of cleavages in the country 2. Constitution makes for many access points to government 3. Political parties are weak so interests work directly on government

Describe incumbency in Congress

1. Membership in Congress became a career: low turnover by 1960s 2. 1992 and 1994 brought many new members due to a. Redistricting after 1990 census b. Anti-incumbency attitude of voters c. Republican victory in 1994 3. Incumbents still with great electoral advantage a. Most House districts safe, not marginal

House has evolved through three stages over past half-century. What are they?

1. Mid-1940s to early 1960s 2. Early 1970s to early 1980s 3. Early 1980s to present 4. Senate meanwhile remained decentralized and individualistic throughout this period

Describe magazines of opinion

1. Middle class favors new, progressive periodicals a. Nation, Atlantic, Harper's in 1850s and 1860s b. McClure's, Scribner's, Cosmopolitan later 2. Individual writers gain national followings through investigative reporting 3. Number of competing newspapers declines, as does sensationalism 4. Today, national magazines focusing on politics account for a small and declining fraction of magazines 5. Internet

Why is it necessary to view the context of the increase in mistrust of government?

1. Mistrust of specific leaders and policies, not of system mainly 2. Present view closer to historical norm 3. Mistrust shared with most other institutions 4. No loss of confidence in Americans themselves or in their system 5. But people less ready to support leaders than in 1950s

Decribe direct and indirect growth of the bureaucracy

1. Modest increase in number of government employees 2. Significant indirect increase in number of employees through use of private contractors, state and local government employees

What are some reasons for belief in upper-class bias regarding interest groups?

1. More affluent more likely to join 2. Business/professional groups more numerous; better financed

What are the levels of American political tolerance?

1. Most Americans assent in abstract but would deny rights in concrete cases 2. Most are willing to allow expression by those with whom they disagree 3. Becoming more tolerant in recent decades

What was the founders view of the Judiciary

1. Most Founders probably expected judicial review but not playing so large a role in policy-making 2. Traditional view: judges find and apply existing law 3. Activist judges would later respond that judges make law 4. Traditional view made it easy for Founders to predict courts would be neutral and passive in public affairs 5. Hamilton: courts least dangerous branch 6. But federal judiciary evolved toward judicial activism

Describe solidary groups

1. Most common form of party organization 2. Members motivated by solidary incentives (companionship) 3. Advantage: neither corrupt nor inflexible 4. Disadvantage: not very hard working

What is the route to the Supreme Court?

1. Most federal cases begin in district courts a. Most are straight forward, do not lead to new public policy 2. Supreme Court picks the cases it wants to hear on appeal a. Uses writ of certiorari (cert) Other avenues exist for taking an appeal to the Supreme Court aside from the writ of certiorari. A "writ of certification" can be used when a U.S. Court of Appeals requests instructions from the Supreme Court on a point of law never before decided. A "writ of appeal" is available, in simple terms, when the constitutionality of a government action is in question or when a decision from a three-judge district court is appealed. b. Requires agreement of four justices to hear case c. Usually deals with significant federal or constitutional question (1) Conflicting decisions by circuit courts (2) Highest state court issues a ruling involving constitutional interpretation d. Only 3 to 4 percent of appeals are granted certiorari e. Others are left to lower courts f. Results in diversity of constitutional interpretation among appeals courts

What is the exclusionary rule?

1. Most nations punish police misconduct apart from the criminal trial 2. United States punishes it by excluding improperly obtained evidence 3. Supreme Court rulings a) 1949: declined to use exclusionary rule b) 1961: changed, adopted in Mapp case

Are news stories slanted?

1. Most people believe media, especially television where they get most news a. But percentage increasing among those who think media biased b. Press itself thinks it is unbiased 2. Liberal bias of journalists, especially national media 3. Various factors influence how stories are written a. Deadlines b. Audience attraction c. Fairness, truth imposed by professional norms d. Need sources with different views

How do very unpopular political groups survive?

1. Most people do not act on beliefs 2. Officeholders and activists more tolerant than general public 3. Usually no consensus exists on whom to persecute 4. Courts are sufficiently insulated from public opinion to enforce protection

Why is bureaucratic reform always difficult to accomplish?

1. Most rules and red tape due to struggle between president and Congress or agencies' efforts to avoid alienating influential voters 2. Periods of divided government worsen matters, especially in implementing policy a. Republican presidents seek to increase political control (executive micromanagement) b. Democratic congresses respond by increasing investigations and rules (legislative micromanagement)

What is "Separate but equal"?

1. NAACP campaign objectives in education through courts a) Obviously unequal schools b) Not so obviously unequal schools c) Separate school inherently unequal

What are some examples of federal grants and contracts?

1. National Alliance for Business financed summer youth job programs 2. Jesse Jackson's PUSH (community development organization)

In what ways were the parties "similar on paper" before the 1960s?

1. National convention ultimate power; nominate presidential candidate 2. National committee composed of delegates from states manages affairs between conventions 3. Congressional campaign committees 4. National chair manages daily work

What are some examples of coverage of congress in the news/media?

1. Never equal to that of president; members resentful 2. House quite restrictive a. No cameras on floor until 1978 b. Gavel-to-gavel coverage of proceedings since 1979 (C-SPAN) 3. Senate more open a. Hearings since Kefauver (1950); TV coverage of sessions initiated 1986 b. Incubator for presidential contenders through committee hearings

What is equality of result?

Making certain that people achieve the same result

What are some differences between newspapers versus electronic media?

1. Newspapers almost entirely free from government regulation a. Prosecutions only after the fact-no prior restraint b. After publication, sue only for libel, obscenity, incitement to illegal act c. Each of these conditions defined narrowly, to enhance freedom of the press 2. Radio and television licensed, regulated

What was Tocqueville's view on American democracy?

1. No feudal aristocracy; minimal taxes; few legal restraints 2. Westward movement; vast territory provided opportunities 3. Nation of small, independent farmers 4. "Moral and intellectual characteristics" - today called "political culture"

Why do block grants grow more slowly than categorical grants?

1. No single interest group has a vital stake in multipurpose block grants, revenue sharing so there is no one "pushing." 2. Categorical grants are matters of life or death for various state agencies 3. Supervising committees in Congress favored growth of categorical grants 4. Revenue sharing was wasteful and lacked a "constituency"

What is the cabinet?

1. Not explicitly mentioned in Constitution The term "cabinet" was coined by a journalist during the administration of George Washington. 2. President can appoint fewer than 1 percent of employees in most departments 3. Secretaries become preoccupied and defensive about their own departments

How is fair representation determined in Congress?

1. Now elected from single-member districts 2. Problem of drawing district boundaries a. Malapportionment: deliberately creating disparity in number of people in each district b. Gerrymandering: drawing boundaries to ensure party victory 3. Congress decides size of House 4. Congress reapportions representatives every ten years 5. 1964 Supreme Court decision requires districts to be drawn to ensure "one person, one vote" 6. Majority-minority districts remain vexing question

What are committee practices?

1. Number of committee has varied; 1995 with significant cuts 2. Majority party has majority of seats on the committees 3. Each member usually serves on two standing committees but, a. House members serve on one exclusive committee b. Senators receive two major and one minor committee assignments 4. Chairs are elected, but usually the most senior member of the committee is elected by the majority party-though seniority weakened in 1995 5. Subcommittee bill of rights of 1970s changed several traditions a. House committee chairs elected by secret ballot in party caucus; Senate also with this possibility b. Opened more meetings to the public

Describe the measures of power of the federal courts

1. Number of laws declared unconstitutional (over 120) 2. Number of prior cases overturned; not following stare decisis 3. Deference to the legislative branch (political questions) 4. Kinds of remedies imposed; judges go beyond what is narrowly required 5. Basis for sweeping orders either from Constitution or interpretation of federal laws

What were some characteristics of the first presidents?

1. Office legitimated by men active in independence and Founding politics 2. Minimal activism of early government contributed to lessening fear of the presidency 3. Appointed people of stature in the community (rule of fitness) 4. Relations with Congress were reserved; few vetoes; no advice

Describe the appointment of officials in the bureaucracy

1. Officials affect how laws are interpreted, tone and effectiveness of administration, party strength 2. Use of patronage in nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to reward supporters, induce congressional support, build party organizations 3. Civil War a watershed in bureaucratic growth; showed administrative weakness of federal government and increased demands for civil service reform 4. Post-Civil War period saw industrialization, emergence of a national economy-power of national government to regulate interstate commerce became controversial

How has the First Amendment been applied to speech and national security?

1. Original Blackstone view: no prior press censorship 2. Sedition Act of 1789 followed Blackstone view 3. By 1917-1919, Congress defines limits of expression a) Treason, insurrection, forcible resistance b) Upheld in Schenck via test of "clear and present danger" c) Justice Holmes dissents, saying test not met 4. Fourteenth Amendment "due process" not applied to stated originally; Gitlow elicits "fundamental personal rights" 5. Supreme Court moves toward more free expression after WW1 a) But communists convicted under Smith Act under "gravity of evil" b) By 1957, test of "calculated to incite" c) By 1969(Brandenburg), "imminent" unlawful act d) 1977 American Nazi march in Skokie, Illinois, held lawful e) "Hate" speech permissible but not "hate crime"

How has the First Amendment been interpreted and applied to speech and national security?

1. Original Blackstone view: no prior press censorship 2. Sedition Act of 1789 followed Blackstone view 3. By 1917-1919, Congress defines limits of expression a) Treason, insurrection, forcible resistance b) Upheld in Schenck via test of "clear and present danger" c) Justice Holmes dissents, saying test not met 4. Fourteenth Amendment "due process" not applied to stated originally; Gitlow elicits "fundamental personal rights" 5. Supreme Court moves toward more free expression after WW1 a) But communists convicted under Smith Act under "gravity of evil" b) By 1957, test of "calculated to incite" c) By 1969(Brandenburg), "imminent" unlawful act d) 1977 American Nazi march in Skokie, Illinois, held lawful e) "Hate" speech permissible but not "hate crime"

What are some examples of Cultural conflicts?

1. Original settlement by white European Protestants produced Americanism 2. Waves of immigration brought new cultures, conflicts a. Non-Christians offended by government-sponsored crèches at Christmas b. English speakers prefer monolingual schools c. Boy Scouts of America exclude homosexuals from being scout leaders 3. Differences even within cultural traditions

What are some examples of cultural conflicts?

1. Original settlement by white European Protestants produced Americanism 2. Waves of immigration brought new cultures, conflicts a. Non-Christians offended by government-sponsored crèches at Christmas b. English speakers prefer monolingual schools c. Boy Scouts of America exclude homosexuals from being scout leaders 3. Differences even within cultural traditions

What are some characteristics of parliaments?

1. Parliamentary system twice as common 2. Chief executive chosen by legislature 3. Cabinet ministers chosen from among members of parliament 4. Prime minister remains in power as long as his/her party or coalition maintains a majority in the legislature

Describe the party press

1. Parties created, subsidized, and controlled various newspapers. 2. Possible because circulation small, subscriptions expensive 3. Newspapers circulated among political and commercial elites 4. Government subsidized the president's party press

How does the role of family affect ones political attitudes?

1. Party identification of family absorbed, but more independent as child grows 2. Much continuity between generations 3. Declining ability to pass on identification 4. Younger voters exhibit less partisanship; more likely to be independent 5. Meaning of partisanship unclear; less influence on policy preferences 6. Clear political ideologies passed on in a few families

The Founders did not intend to create direct democracy. Why?

1. Physical impossibility in a vast country 2. Mistrust of popular passions 3. Intent instead to create a republic, a government with system of representation

What conclusions can be made about the political tolerance of Americans as a whole?

1. Political liberty cannot be taken for granted 2. No group should pretend it is always more tolerant than another

Describe the structure of parties from the Jacksonians (to Civil War)

1. Political participation a mass phenomenon a . More voters to reach; by 1932, presidential electors controlled mostly by popular vote b. Party built from bottom up c. Abandonment of presidential caucuses d. Beginning of national party conventions to allow local control

Describe the decline in popularity of the president over the course of their administration

1. Popularity highest immediately after an election 2. Declines by midterm

How has the exclusionary rule been relaxed as of late?

1. Positions taken on the rule a) Any evidence should be admissible b) Rule had become too technical work c) Rule had a vital safeguard 2. Supreme Court moves to adopt second position

How has the exclusionary rule been relaxed?

1. Positions taken on the rule a) Any evidence should be admissible b) Rule had become too technical work c) Rule had a vital safeguard 2. Supreme Court moves to adopt second position

Describe congressional investigations of the bureaucracy

1. Power inferred from power to legislate 2. Means for checking agency discretion and for authorizing agency actions contrary to presidential preferences 3. Means for limiting presidential control-though executive may claim executive privilege

How has the president's term of office evolved?

1. Precedent of George Washington and the historical tradition of two terms 2. Twenty-second Amendment in 1951 limits to two terms 3. Problem of establishing the legitimacy of the office 4. Provision for orderly transfer of power

What are independent agencies, commissions, and judgeships?

1. President appoints members of agencies that have a quasi-independent status 2. In general, independent agency heads can be removed only "for cause" and serve fixed term; executive agency heads serve at the president's pleasure, though their appointments must be confirmed by the Senate 3. Judges can be removed only by impeachment

Describe the Party organization of the Senate?

1. President pro tempore presides; member with most seniority in majority party 2. Leaders are the majority leader and the minority leader--elected by their respective party members 3. Party whips-keep leaders informed, round up votes, count noses 4. Each party has a policy committee-schedule Senate business, setting schedule and prioritizing bills

What are some major differences between running for Congress v. president?

1. Presidential races are more competitive than House races 2. Fewer people vote in congressional elections 3. Congressional incumbents can serve their constituents 4. Congressional candidates can campaign against Washington 5. Power of presidential coattails has declined

What are some differences between presidents and prime ministers?

1. Presidents are often outsiders; prime ministers are always insiders, chosen by party members in parliament 2. Sitting members of Congress cannot simultaneously serve in a president's cabinet; members of parliament are eligible to serve in the prime minister's cabinet 3. Presidents have no guaranteed majority in the legislature; prime ministers always have a majority 4. Presidents and legislature often work at cross-purposes

Who votes in primaries?

1. Primaries now more numerous and more decisive a. Stevenson (1952) and Humphrey (1968) won the presidential nomination without entering any primaries b. By 1992: forty primaries and twenty caucuses (some states with both) 2. Little ideological difference between primary voters and rank-and-file party voters

Describe party unity in Congress

1. Problems in measuring party votes 2. Party voting and cohesion more evident in 1990s 3. Splits often reflect deep ideological differences between parties or party leaders 4. Why is there party voting, given party has so little electoral influence? a. Ideological differences important b. Cues given by and taken from fellow party members c. Rewards from party leaders

What are some studies on media impact on elections?

1. Products can be sold more easily than candidates 2. Newspaper endorsements of presidential candidates a. Local newspapers often for Republicans b. This endorsement cut successful Democrats' winning margins by five percentage points

Describe the structure of parties during the era of reform

1. Progressive push measures to curtail parties 2. Effects a. Reduction in worst form of political corruption b. Weakening of all political parties

Describe the revolving door

1. Promise of future jobs to officials 2. Few conspicuous examples of abuse

What are some influences and limitations on public opinion?

1. Public ignorance: Monetary Control Bill ruse, poor name recognition of leaders 2. Importance of wording of questions: affects answer 3. Instability of public opinion 4. Public has more important things to think about-need clear-cut political choices 5. Specific attitudes may be less important for health of society than political culture

What are the four different mixtures of liberalism and conservatism?

1. Pure liberals: liberal on both economic and personal conduct issues 2. Pure conservatives: conservative on both economic and personal conduct issues 3. Libertarians: conservative on economic issues, liberal on personal conduct issues 4. Populists: liberal on economic issues, conservative on personal conduct issues 5. What about abortion and homosexuality, where do these issues fit in?

What is equality of results?

1. Racism and sexism overcome only by taking them into account in designing remedies 2. Equal rights not enough; people need benefits 3. Affirmative action should be using in burning

Describe electronic journalism

1. Radio arrives in 1920s, television in 1940s 2. Politicians could address voters directly but people could easily ignore 3. Fewer politicians could be covered by these media than by newspapers a. President routinely covered b. Others must use bold tactics 4. Recent rise in talk show as political forum has increased politicians' access to electronic media a. Big three networks have made it harder for candidates by shortening sound-bits to less than ten seconds b. Politicians have more sources: cable, early-morning news, news magazine shows c. These new sources feature lengthy interviews 5. No research on consequences of two changes: a. Recent access of politicians to electronic media for campaigns, elections, governing b. Narrow casting, where segmented audience targeted by TV and radio stations 6. Politicians continue to seek visuals even after they are elected 7. New era of electronic journalism emerging

What are two ways in which elites influence public opinion?

1. Raise and frame political issues 2. State norms by which to settle issues, defining policy options Elite views shape mass views

Why was a bill of rights eventually deemed necessary by the Founders?

1. Ratification impossible without one 2. Promise by key leaders to obtain one 3. Bitter ratification narrowly successful

How was congressional power reasserted in 1970s?

1. Reaction to Vietnam, Watergate, and divided government 2. War Powers Act of 1973 3. Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 4. Legislative veto included in more laws

What are some factors explaining behavior of officials in the bureaucracy?

1. Recruitment and retention 2. Personal attributes-social class, education, political beliefs 3. Culture and careers 4. Constraints much greater on government agencies than on private bureaucracies 5. Why so many constraints? 6. Agency allies

What is the "machine"?

1. Recruitment via tangible incentives (money, jobs, political favors) 2. High degree of leadership control 3. Machines both self-serving and public-regarding 4. New machines a blend of old machine and ideological party traits

How does the role of religion affect ones political attitudes?

1. Religious traditions affect families a. Catholic families somewhat more liberal b. Protestant families more conservative c. Jewish families decidedly more liberal 2. Two theories on differences a. Social status of religious group b. Content of the religious tradition 3. Christian Coalition - grassroots mobilization, Republican affiliation

Describe confidentiality of sources in the press

1. Reporters want right to keep sources confidential 2. Most states and federal government disagree 3. Supreme Court allows government to compel reporters to divulge information in court if it bears on a crime

Describe women's rights regarding sexual harrassment

1. Requesting sexual favors as condition for employment a) "quid pro quo" rule b) Employer "strictly liable" 2. Hostile or intimidating work environment a) Employer not strictly liable b) Employer can be at fault if "negligent" 3. Almost no federal laws governing it 4. Vague and inconsistent court and bureaucratic rules tell us what it is

Describe what occurs when a bill is referred to a committee for consideration by either Speaker or presiding officer

1. Revenue bills must originate in the House 2. Most bills die in committee 3. Multiple referrals limited after 1995 4. Mark-up bills are revised by committees 5. Committee reports a bill out to the House or Senate a. If bill is not reported out, the House can use the "discharge petition" b. If bill is not reported out, the Senate can pass a discharge motion c. These are routinely unsuccessful. 6. Bill must be placed on a calendar, to come before either house. 7. House Rules Committee sets the rules for consideration a. Use of closed and restrictive rules growing b. Rules can be bypassed in the House-move to suspend rules; discharge petition; calendar Wednesday 8. In Senate, majority leader must negotiate interests of individual senators-unanimous consent agreements

What is equality of opportunity?

1. Reverse discrimination to use race or sex as preferential treatment 2. Laws should be color-blind and sex neutral 3. Government should only eliminate barriers

How has the political culture of the American people been shaped by their roots?

1. Revolution essentially over liberty; preoccupied with asserting rights 2. Adversarial culture due to distrust of authority and a belief that human nature is depraved 3. Federalist-jeffersonian transition in 1800 4. Legitimated role of opposition party; liberty and political change can coexist

What are the Conference procedures in the Supreme Court?

1. Role of chief justice: speaking first, voting last 2. Selection of opinion writer 3. Concurring and dissenting opinions

Describe women's rights regarding the military

1. Rostker v. Goldberg (1981): Congress may draft men only 2. Secretary of Defense in 1993 allows women in air and sea combat

What are some issues with the new ethics rules?

1. Rules assume money is the only source of corruption 2. Neglect political alliances and personal friendships that are part of legislative bargaining 3. The Framers were more concerned to ensure liberty (through checks and balances) than morality

What was Mapp v. Ohio (1961)?

Supreme Court required the use os the exclusionary rule as a way of enforcing a variety of constitutional guarantees

What are examples of how policy entrepreneurs are most successful during crises, especially war, by arousing people?

1. Sedition Act of 1789, during French Revolution 2. Espionage and Sedition Acts of World War I 3. Smith Act of World War II 4. Internal Security Act of World War II 5. Communist Control Act of 1954, McCarthy era 6. PATRIOT Act 2001

What are some examples of how policy entrepreneurs are most successful during crises, especially war, by arousing people?

1. Sedition Act of 1789, during French Revolution 2. Espionage and Sedition Acts of World War I 3. Smith Act of World War II 4. Internal Security Act of World War II 5. Communist Control Act of 1954, McCarthy era 6. PATRIOT Act 2001

What were the key principles of the new constitution?

1. Separation of powers 2. Federalism

What are examples of how the Bill of Rights contains competing rights?

1. Sheppard case (free press versus fair trial) 2. New York Times and Pentagon Papers (common defense versus free press) 3. Kunz anti-Jewish speeches (free speech versus public order) 4. Struggles over rights show same pattern as interest group politics

What are some examples of the Bill of Rights contains competing rights?

1. Sheppard case (free press versus fair trial) 2. New York Times and Pentagon Papers (common defense versus free press) 3. Kunz anti-Jewish speeches (free speech versus public order) 4. Struggles over rights show same pattern as interest group politics

When were the periods of rapid growth regarding interest groups?

1. Since 1960, 70 percent established their D.C. office 2. 1770s-independence groups 3. 1830s, 1840s-religious, antislavery groups 4. 1860s-trade unions, grange, fraternal organizations 5. 1880s, 1890s-business associations 6. 1900-1920-business and professional associations, charitable organizations 7. 1960s environmental, consumer, political-reform organizations

Describe why it is important that interest groups supply credible information

1. Single most important tactic 2. Detailed, current information at a premium 3. Most effective on narrow, technical issues-will see link to client politics 4. Officials also need cues regarding what values are at stake 5. Rating systems

What were examples of mobilization of opinion by dramatic events to get on agenda in civil rights movement?

1. Sit-ins and freedom rides 2. Martin Luther King, Jr. 3. From nonviolence to long, hot summers

What are some incentives to join interest groups?

1. Solidary incentives-pleasure, companionship (League of Women Voters (LWV), NAACP, Rotary, Parent-Teacher Association, American Legion) 2. Material incentives-money, things, services (farm organizations, AARP) 3. Purposive incentives-goal /purpose of the organization itself a. Though group also benefits nonmembers, join because: • Passionate about goal • Strong sense of civic duty • Cost of joining minimal b. Ideological interest groups-appeal of controversial principles c. Public interest groups-purpose principally benefits nonmembers d. Engage in research and bring lawsuits, with liberal or conservative orientation e. Publicity important because purpose groups are influenced by mood of the time

What are the three kinds of the feminist movement?

1. Solidary-League of Women Voters (LWV), Business and Professional Women's Federation (widest support) 2. Purposive-NOW, NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League) (strong position on divisive issues) 3. Caucus-National Women's Political Caucus (NWPQ) - (material benefits)

What is speech?

1. Some forms of speech not fully protected; four kinds 2. Libel: written statement defaming another by false statement a) Oral statement: slander b) Variable jury awards c) Malice needed for public figures 3. Obscenity a) Twelve years of decisions; no lasting definition b) 1973 definition: patently offensive by community standards of average person c) Balancing competing claims remains a problem d) Localities decide whether to tolerate pornography but must comply with strict rules e) Protection extended: nude dancing only marginally protected f) Indianapolis statute: pornography degrading but court disagreed g) Zoning ordinances upheld h) Regulation of electronic Internet (child pornography) 4. Symbolic speech a) Acts that convey a political message: flag burning, draft card burning b) Not generally protected c) Exception is flag burning: restriction of free speech

Describe equality for women

1. Somewhere between reasonableness and strict-scrutiny standard 2. Gender-based differences prohibited by courts a) Age of adulthood b) Drinking age c) Arbitrary employee height-weight requirements d) Mandatory pregnancy leaves e) Little League exclusion f) Jaycees exclusion g) Unequal retirement benefits 3. Gender-based differences allowed by courts a) All-boy/all-girl schools b) Widows' property tax exemption c) Delayed promotions in Navy d) Statutory rape 4. Women must be admitted to all-male, state-supported military colleges

What were some characteristics of the New Jersey Plan?

1. Sought to amend rather than replace Articles 2. One house legislature with one vote per state (equal representation) 3. Protected small states' interests while enhancing power of national government

What is the influence of the staff on interest group policy stances?

1. Staff influences if solidarity or material benefits are more important to members 2. National Council of Churches and unions are examples

What are the types of committees?

1. Standing committees-basically permanent bodies with specified legislative responsibilities 2. Select committees-groups appointed for a limited purpose and limited duration 3. joint committees-those on which both representatives and senators serve a. Conference committee-a joint committee appointed to resolve differences in Senate and House versions of the same piece of legislation before final passage

What is the state-level structure of parties?

1. State central committee 2. County committee 3. Various local committees 4. Distribution of power varies with state

Popular rule only one element of the new government. What were some others?

1. State legislators to elect senators (example of federalism) 2. Electors to choose president 3. Two kinds of majorities: voters (House) and states (Senate) 4. judicial review another limitation, not necessarily intended by Founders 5. Amendment process--2 part process

Can separate schools be equal?

1. Step 1: obvious inequalities a) Llyod Gaines b) Ada Lois Sipuel 2. Step 2: deciding that a separation created inequality in less obvious cases a) Heman Sweatt b) George McLaurin 3. Step 3: making separation inherently unequal; 1950 strategy to go for integration 4. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) a) Implementation (1) Class action suit (2) All deliberate speed b) Collapse of resistance in the 1970s

What is Rational Profiling regarding civil rights?

1. Stopping drivers for "driving while black" 2. Condemned by Clinton, Bush, and Congress 3. A complex issue, worthy of debate a) Inherently discriminatory and always wrong? b) Trends can exist and possible provide useful clues 4. Weighing costs and benefits a) Dies profiling increase the ability of police to catch criminals? b) If so, by how much? c) When is profiling justified (young, male, Middle Easterners involved in September 11 attacks? d) What impact does profiling have on innocent people? 5. A major political issue, but few firm acts

What were some characteristics of the Virginia Plan?

1. Strong national government organized into three branches 2. Two houses in legislature based on population 3. Executive chosen by legislature 4. Council of revision (executive and some judiciary branch members) with veto power 5. Two key features of the plan a. National legislature with supreme powers b. One legislative house elected directly by the people

How does the constitutional system and traditions make bureaucracy distinctive?

1. Supervision shared by president and Congress 2. Federal agencies share functions with state and local governments 3. Adversary culture leads to closer scrutiny; court challenges more likely

What are the different views of judicial activism?

1. Supporters a. Courts should correct injustices when other branches or state governments refuse to do so b. Courts are last resort 2. Critics a. Judges lack expertise b. Courts not accountable; judges not elected 3. Possible reasons for activism a. Adversary culture b. Easier to get standing in courts

What were some of the early controversies of the bureaucracy?

1. Supporters of a strong president argue against Senate consent being required for Senate-confirmed appointees 2. President is given sole removal power but Congress funds and investigates

How did the Depression and World War II lead to government activism in the executive branch?

1. Supreme Court upheld laws that granted discretion to administrative agencies 2. Introduction of heavy income taxes supports a large bureaucracy

What are other significant restraints on interest groups?

1. Tax code; nonprofits lose tax-exempt status 2. Campaign-finance laws limit PAC donations

Who is in Congress regarding sex and race?

1. The House has become less male and less white 2. Senate has been slower to change

Describe journalism in American political history

1. The party press 2. The popular press 3. magazines of opinion 4. Electronic journalism

What are some examples of prominence of the president in the news/media?

1. Theodore Roosevelt: systematic cultivation of the press 2. Franklin Roosevelt: press secretary cultivated, managed, informed the press 3. Press secretary today: large staff, many functions focused on White House press corps

What are the causes of political participation?

1. Those with schooling, or political information, more likely to vote 2. Churchgoers vote more 3. Men and women vote same rate 4. Race a. Black participation lower than that of whites overall b. But controlling for socioeconomic status higher than whites 5. Level of trust in government? a. Studies show no correlation between distrust and not voting 6. Difficulty of registering? a. As turnout has declined, registration barriers have been lowered 7. Several small factors decrease turnout a . More youths, blacks, and other minorities in population, pushing down percent registered b. Decreasing effectiveness of parties in mobilizing voters c. Remaining impediments to registration d. Voting compulsory in other nations e. Possible feeling that elections do not matter 8. Democrats, Republicans fight over solutions a. No one really knows who would be helped by increased turnout b. Nonvoters tend to be poor, minority, or uneducated c. But an increasing percentage of college graduates are also not voting d. Hard to be sure that turnout efforts produce gains for either party: Jesse Jackson in 1984 increased registration of southern whites even more than southern blacks

What was the intent of the Framers regarding Congress?

1. To oppose concentration of power in a single institution 2. To balance large and small states: bicameralism 3. Expected Congress to be the dominant institution

How has the culture war shaped the roots of the American's political culture?

1. Two cultural classes in America battle over values 2. Culture war differs from political disputes 3. Culture conflict animated by deep differences in people's beliefs about private and public morality 4. Culture war about what kind of country we ought to live in 5. Simplify by identifying two camps a. Orthodox: morality more important than self-expression with fixed rules from God b. Progressive: personal freedom more important than tradition with changing rules based on circumstances of modern life 6. Orthodox associated with fundamentalist Protestants and progressives with mainline Protestants and those with no strong religious beliefs 7. Culture war occurring both between and within religious denominations 8. Current culture war has special historical importance

What are some examples of the government not doing what people want?

1. Unbalanced budget 2. Opposition to busing 3. Support for ERA 4. Aid to Nicaragua 5. Congressional term limits 6. Campaign Finance Reform 7. Gun Control 8. Abortion

Describe direct mail fundraising

1. Unique to modern interest groups through use of computers 2. Common Cause a classic example 3. Techniques a. Teaser b. Arouses emotions c. Famous-name endorsement d. Personalization of letter

Describe women's rights regarding abortion

1. Until 1973 regulated by states 2. 1973: Roe. v. Wade a)Struck down Texas ban on abortion b) Woman's freedom to choose protected by Fourteenth Amendment ("right to privacy") (1) First trimester: no regulations (2) Second trimester: no ban but regulations to protect health (3) Third trimester: abortion ban c) Critics claim life begins at conception (1) Fetus entitled to equal protection (2) Supporters say no one can say when life begins (3) Pro-life versus pro-choice d) Hyde Amendment (1976): no federal funds for abortion e) Gag order on abortion referrals imposed under Bush, removed under Clinton 3. 1973-19889: Supreme Court withstood attacks on Roe v. Wade 4. 1989: Court upheld Missouri law restricting abortion 5. Casey decision lets Roe stand but permits more restrictions: twenty-four-hour wait, parental consent, pamphlets 6. Supreme Court and anti-abortion activists

What are arguments for reducing the separation of powers to enhance national leadership?

1. Urgent problems unable to be solved-gridlock 2. Proposed remedy: President should be more powerful, accountable to voters 3. Government agencies exposed to undue interference 4. Proposed remedies: a . Allow Congress members to serve concurrently in Cabinet b. Allow president to dissolve Congress c. Empower Congress to require special presidential election d. Require presidential /congressional teams in each congressional district e. Establish single six-year term for president f. Lengthen terms in House to four years 5. Results uncertain, worse from these reforms?

Describe presidential vetos

1. Veto message 2. Pocket veto (only before Congress adjourns at the end of its second session) 3. Congress rarely overrides vetoes; no line-item veto 4. 1996 reform permits enhanced recissions, though its constitutionality is uncertain

What is the problem of defining unethical conduct in Congress?

1. Violation of criminal law is obviously unethical a. Since 1941, nearly fifty members faced criminal charges, most convicted 2. 1978-1992, charges of congressional misconduct against sixty-three members a. 31 sanctioned, convicted b. 16 resigned or announced retirement c. Most infamous: ABSCAM (1980-1981) and Jim Wright (1989)

What are some causes in the increase in mistrust of government?

1. Watergate 2. Vietnam

What are some problems with presidential succession?

1. What if president falls ill? a. Examples: Garfield, Wilson, Eisenhower, Reagan 2. If vice president steps up, who becomes new vice president? a. Succession Act (1886): designated secretary of state as next in line b. Amended in 1947 to designate Speaker of the House 3. Twenty-fifth Amendment (1967) resolved both issues a. Allows vice president to serve as acting president if president is disabled (1) Decided by president, by vice president and cabinet, or by two thirds vote of Congress President Reagan was the first president to use the incapacity provision of the Twenty fifth Amendment. While in the hospital to have an intestinal tumor removed, Reagan signed a statement allowing the then vice president, George Bush, to exercise power "in my stead commencing with the administration of anesthesia to me in this instance." However, Reagan never formally mentioned compliance with the Twenty-fifth Amendment. b. Requires vice president who ascends to office on death or resignation of president to name a vice president (1) Must be confirmed by majority vote of both houses (2) Examples: Agnew's and Nixon's resignations

How have legal-sociological factors shaped the roots of the American's political culture?

1. Widespread (not universal) participation permitted by Constitution 2. Absence of an established national religion 3. Family instills the ways we think about world and politics (Greater freedom of children and equality among family members leads to belief in rights and acceptance of diverse views in decision-making) 4. High degree of class consciousness absent

What was the reemergence of Congress?

1. With brief exceptions the next hundred years was a period of congressional dominance 2. Intensely divided public opinion-partisanship, slavery, sectionalism 3. Only Lincoln expanded presidential power a. Asserted "implied powers" and commander in chief b. Justified by emergency conditions created by Civil War The Supreme Court rejected Lincoln's emergency powers rationale for exercising power beyond the president's constitutional authority. In Ex Parte Milligan (1866), the Court declared that "the Constitution of the United States is a law for rulers and people, equally in war and in peace." 4. President mostly an opposing force to Congress until New Deal 5. Popular conception of president as center of government contradicts reality; Congress often policy leader

What are the results of government constraints on journalists?

1.Reporters must strike a balance between expression of views and retaining sources 2. An abundance of congressional staffers makes it easier to gain information. 3. Governmental tools to fight back a . Numerous press officers in legislative and executive branches b. Press releases--canned news c. Leaks and background stories to favorites d. Bypass national press to local e . Presidential rewards and punishments for reporters based on their stories

Describe some evidence of Judicial law-making

1000 state laws 120 federal laws 140 reversals Since 1960's Willingness to rule on political questions

Describe the structure of the Court of Appeals

12 courts/ districts Bench trials Appellate jurisdiction Decisions may be appealed

Deciding which races were allowed to vote was established on a state-by-state basis until which amendment?

15th Amendment (1870)

When was Shay's Rebellion

1786

What is a conference committee?

A special type of joint committee appointed to resolve differences in House and Senate versions of a piece of legislation.

When was the Constitutional Convention?

1787

How are interest groups protected by the First Amendment?

1946 Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act accomplished little in requiring registration a. Supreme Court restricted application to direct contact b. Grassroots activity not restricted c. No staff to enforce law 2. 1995 act provided a broader definition of lobbying a. Requires reports twice a year, including client names, expenditures, issues b. Still exempted grassroots mobilization c. No enforcement agency established, but Justice Department may take action d. Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations cannot receive federal grants if they lobby

Since when have unfunded mandates had more attention?

1995

Deciding which genders were allowed to vote was established on a state-by-state basis until which amendment?

19th Amendment (1920)

Although voting is the commonest form of participation, a large percentage misreport it. What %?

8 to 10 percent misreport it

What is an authorization bill?

A (proposed) formal act (or "law") of a legislative body (such as the U.S. Congress or a state legislature) that legally establishes a new government agency or program or else renews or extends an existing agency or program whose previous legal authorization to exist would otherwise expire with the passage of time. Authorizations may be for one year or more than one year -- about one-half of current Federal spending is by agencies or programs subject to annual re-authorization, while the other half gets its legal basis either from longer term authorization bills or from permanent laws that provide spending authority automatically to ongoing entitlement programs like Social Security.

What is an amicus curiae?

A Latin term meaning "friend of the court." Refers to interested groups or individuals, not directly involved in a suit, who may file legal briefs or oral arguments in support of one side.

What was McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

A Supreme Court decision that settled two issues. First, Congress can exercise powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution if the power can be implied from an enumerated one. This authority is conferred by the "necessary and proper" clause. Second, the federal government is immune from taxation by the states (see case excerpt)

What is strict scrutiny?

A Supreme Court test to see if a law denies equal protection because it does not serve a compelling state interest and is not narrowly tailored to achieve that goal

What is an imperial presidency?

A U.S. presidency that is characterized by greater power than the Constitution allows. Origin of imperial presidency.

What is a party-column ballot?

A ballot, sometimes called the Indiana ballot, that was government-printed and contained a list in columns of all candidates of each party. A voter could simply mark the top on one column to vote for every candidate in that column. It was replaced by the office-bloc ballot.

What is an office-bloc ballot?

A ballot, sometimes called the Massachusetts ballot, that lists all candidates by office to minimize a straight party ticket vote. It was an innovation championed by the Progressives.

What is an electoral coalition?

A base of committed partisans supporting an electoral candidate who also attracts swing votes.

What is laissez-faire?

A belief in a freely competitive economy that was widely held in the late nineteenth century.

What is civic competence?

A belief that one can affect government policies.

What is a Christmas tree bill?

A bill that has lots of riders (Senate only).

What is criminal law?

A body of rules defining offenses that are considered to be offenses against society as a whole and for which conviction could result in a prison term.

What is a per curiam opinion?

A brief and unsigned opinion by the Supreme Court.

What is imperialism?

A bureaucratic pathology in which agencies tend to grow without regard to the benefits their programs confer or the costs they entail.

What is waste in the bureaucracy?

A bureaucratic pathology in which an agency spends more than is necessary to buy some product or service.

What is red tape?

A bureaucratic pathology in which complex rules and procedures must be followed to get things done.

What is conflict in bureaucracy?

A bureaucratic pathology in which some agencies seem to be working at cross-purposes to other agencies.

What is duplication?

A bureaucratic pathology in which two government agencies seem to be doing the same thing.

What is a position issue?

A campaign issue on which the rival parties or candidates take different positions in order to reach out for electoral support. It tends to divide the electorate.

What is a valence issue?

A campaign issue that is linked in the voters' minds with conditions, goals, or symbols that are almost universally approved or disapproved by the electorate, e.g., corruption. visual A campaign appearance covered in a news broadcast.

What is class-action suit?

A case brought into court by a person on behalf of not only himself or herself but all other persons in similar circumstances. The Supreme Court in 1974 tightened rules on these suits to only those authorized by Congress and those in which each ascertainable member of the class is individually notified if money damages are sought.

What is impeachment?

A charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office. See article II, section 4 of the U.S. Constitution.

What is executive privilege?

A claim by the president entitling him to withhold information from the courts or Congress. In U.S. v. Nixon 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that such a claim is valid when sensitive military or diplomatic matters are involved, but it refused to recognize an "absolute unqualified" presidential privilege of immunity especially in criminal cases..

What was Marbury v. Madison?

A decision of the Supreme Court written by Chief justice John Marshall in 1803 which interpreted the Constitution as giving the Supreme Court the power to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional. This decision is the foundation of the federal judiciary's power of judicial review.

What is political ideology?

A coherent and consistent set of beliefs about who ought to rule, what principles rulers ought to obey, and what policies rulers ought to pursue. Whether people have a political ideology can be measured in two ways: (1) by seeing how frequently people speak in terms of broad political categories-liberal or conservative-when they discuss politics;. and (2) by measuring the extent to which we can predict a person's view on one issue by knowing his or her view on another issue.

What is a political action committee (PAC)?

A committee, set up by a special-interest group representing a corporation, labor union, or other special interest, to contribute financially to candidates and campaigns.

What is political ideology?

A comprehensive set of political, economic, and social views or ideas concerned with the form and role of government.

What are conditions of aid?

A condition which a state government must fulfill for taking federal funds.

What was the Budget Reform Act of 1974?

A congressional effort to control presidential impoundments. It requires, among other things, that the president spend all appropriated funds unless he first tells Congress which funds he wishes not to spend and Congress, within forty-five days, agrees to delete the items. If he wishes simply to delay spending money, he need only inform Congress, but Congress in turn can refuse the delay by passing a resolution requiring immediate release of the funds.

What is the Seventeenth Amendment?

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1913 requiring the popular election of U.S. senators. Senators were previously chosen by state legislatures.

What is the Twenty-second Amendment?

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1951 which limits presidents to two terms of office.

What is the Twenty-fifth Amendment

A constitutional amendment ratified in 1967 which deals with presidential disability. It provides that the vice president is to serve as acting president whenever the president declares he is unable to discharge the duties of office or whenever the vice president and a majority of the cabinet declare the president incapacitated. If the president disagrees, a two-thirds vote of Congress is needed to confirm that the president is unable to execute his duties. The amendment also deals with a vacancy in the vice presidency by allowing the president to nominate a new vice president subject to confirmation by a majority vote of both houses.

Define the term libertarian

A contemporary 20th century political viewpoint or ideology derived largely from 19th century liberalism, holding that any legitimate government should be small and should play only the most minimal possible role in economic, social and cultural life, with social relationships to be regulated as much as possible by voluntary contracts and generally accepted custom and as little as possible by statute law. In other words, libertarians believe that the individual should be as free as is practically feasible from government restraint and regulation in both the economic and non-economic aspects of life.

What is the writ of habeas corpus?

A court order directing a police officer, sheriff, or warden who has a person in custody to bring the prisoner before a judge to show sufficient cause for his or her detention. The purpose of the order is to prevent illegal arrests and unlawful imprisonment. Under the Constitution, the writ cannot be suspended, except during invasion or rebellion.

What was McCulloch v. Maryland?

A decision of the Supreme Court written by Chief justice John Marshall in 1819 which held that the power of the federal government flows from the people and should be generously construed so that any laws "necessary and proper" to the attainment of constitutional ends are permissible, and that federal law is supreme over state law even to the point that the state may not tax an enterprise (such as a bank) created by the federal government.

What is a pluralistic political system?

A description of the American political system, once used by scholars, contending that the policy-making process encompasses the effective competition of interest groups. This account is generally considered wrong, or at least incomplete.

What is the Committee of the Whole?

A device used in the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of legislation. The quorum is reduced from 218 members to 100, and the Speaker appoints a member of the majority party as chair. Time allotted for debating the bill in question is split equally between its proponents and opponents. The committee cannot itself pass legislation but may debate and propose amendments

What is the definition of political culture?

A distinctive and patterned way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out. For example, stronger American belief in political than in economic equality

What is the doctrine of nullification?

A doctrine espoused on behalf of the states' rights position which holds that states are empowered to void federal laws considered in violation of the Constitution.

What is dual sovereignty?

A doctrine holding that state and federal authorities can prosecute the same person for the same conduct, each authority prosecuting under its own law.

What is a public finance law?

A federal law providing funds to candidates seeking the presidency. In primaries, matching funds are available only after eligibility requirements are fulfilled. In the general election, the federal government gives candidates of major parties the option of complete financing.

What is direct democracy?

A form of democracy in which the people legislate for themselves.

What is the federal system?

A form of government in which sovereignty is shared, so that on some matters the national government is supreme and on others the states are supreme.

What is a confederation?

A form of government in which the major geographical subdivisions of the country have their own governmental organizations that retain numerous independent rights of policy-making and decision that may not be overridden by the central government, and in which the central government's rights of policy-making and decision are severely restricted. The central government does not have direct taxing or enforcement authority over individual citizens but rather must depend upon the regional governments to provide its revenues and give effect to its laws governing individuals.

What is a representative democracy?

A form of government in which the people elect representatives to act on their behalf.

What is impeachment?

A form of indictment voted on by the House of Representatives. It can be brought against the president, the vice president, and all "civil officers" of the federal government. To be removed from his or her position, the impeached officer must be convicted by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

What is a Schedule C job?

A form of patronage under the excepted service for a position of confidential or policy-determining" character below the level of the cabinet and sub cabinet. A Schedule C appointment is a type of political appointment in the United States who serve in confidential or policy roles immediately subordinate to other appointees.

What are non career executive assignments?

A form of patronage under the excepted service given to high-ranking members of the regular competitive service, or to persons brought into the civil service at a high level who are advocates of presidential programs.

What are the separation of powers?

A fundamental principle undergirding the design of American government is that of the separation of powers, which prescribes the parceling out of the various powers and functions of government to separate and relatively independent levels and branches of the federal system in order to prevent their all being controlled at the same time by any potentially tyrannical political faction. (see Montesquieu).

What is a government corporation?

A government corporation is a company that is owned by the government and operates with the same independence of a private business, except that the owner is the government.

What is divided government?

A government in which one party controls the White House and a different party controls one or both houses of Congress (see Mayhew essay - Divided We Govern).

What is unified government?

A government in which the same party controls the presidency and both houses of Congress.

What is revenue sharing?

A grant-in-aid program that allowed states maximum discretion in the spending of federal funds. States were not required to supply matching funds, and they received money according to a statistical formula. The program was terminated in 1986.

What is an interest group?

A group of people who share common traits, attitudes, beliefs, and/or objectives who have formed a formal organization to serve specific common interests of the membership by influencing public policy. They typically have formal admission to membership, dues, elected officers, by-laws and regular meetings, and they often provide information and regular opportunities for communication through newsletters or magazines, sponsor recreational or educational activities, organize volunteer public service projects, make deals for group discounts or group insurance and so on.

What is a lobby?

A group that attempts to influence legislation through direct contact with members of the legislative or executive branches.

What is a political party?

A group that seeks to elect candidates to public office by supplying them with a label by which they are known to the electorate.

What is a special-interest caucus?

A group within a political party united by a concern over a specific cause. The Democratic party has attempted to assure many special-interest groups representation at its national convention, although lately the party has moved away from this commitment.

What is sovereign immunity?

A legal concept that forbids a person from suing the government without its consent. Congress has given its consent for the government to be sued in many cases involving disputes over contracts or damage done as a result of negligence.

What is the buddy system?

A job description by an agency which is tailor-made for a specific person. These appointments occur in middle- and upper-level positions in the bureaucracy.

What is a name-request job?

A job in the federal bureaucracy that is filled by a person whom an agency has already identified.

What is a muckracker?

A journalist who investigates the activities of public officials and organizations, especially business firms, seeking to expose and publicize misconduct or corruption.

What is a search warrant?

A judge's order authorizing a search

What is remedy in the judiciary?

A judicial order setting forth what must be done to correct a situation a judge believes to be wrong.

What is a bureaucracy?

A large organization composed of appointed officers in which authority is divided among several managers.

What is the motor-voter bill?

A law passed by Congress in 1993 that requires states to allow people to register to vote when applying for a driver's license and to provide registration through the mail and at some state offices that serve the disabled and provide public assistance. The law took effect in 1995.

What is the Pendleton Act?

A law passed in 1883 which began the process of transferring federal jobs from patronage to the merit system.

What is an Administrative Procedure Act?

A law passed in 1946 requiring federal agencies to give notice, solicit comments, and (sometimes) hold public hearings before adopting any new rules.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

A law passed in 1966 giving citizens the right to inspect all government records except those containing military, intelligence, or trade secrets or material revealing private personnel actions.

What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

A law passed in 1969 requiring agencies to issue an environmental impact statement before undertaking any major action affecting the environment.

What is the Privacy Act?

A law passed in 1974 requiring government files about individuals to be kept confidential.

What is an Open Meeting Law?

A law passed in 1976 requiring agency meetings to be open to the public unless certain specified matters are being discussed.

What is the Whistleblower Protection Act?

A law passed in 1989 which created an Office of Special Counsel to investigate complaints from bureaucrats claiming they were punished after reporting to Congress about waste, fraud, or abuse in their agencies.

What was Reno v. ACLU (1997)?

A law that bans sending "indecent" material to minors over the internet is unconstitutional because "indecent" is too vague and broad a term

What is an ex post facto law?

A law which makes criminal an act that was legal when in was committed, or that increases the penalty for a crime after it has been committed, or that changes the rules of evidence to make conviction easier. The state legislatures and Congress are forbidden to pass such laws by Article 1, Sections 9 and 10, of the Constitution.

What is the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946?

A law which required groups and individuals seeking to influence legislation to register with the secretary of the Senate and the clerk of the House of Representatives. Quarterly financial reports on expenses were also to be filed. Note new reform legislation (1995) was more stringent.

What is standing in the judiciary?

A legal concept that refers to who is entitled to bring a case. Three basic rules govern standing. First, there must be an actual controversy between real adversaries. Second, the person bringing suit must show that he or she has been harmed by the law or practice involved in the complaint. Third, merely being a taxpayer does not entitle a person to challenge the constitutionality of a governmental. action.

What is a brief?

A legal document submitted by lawyers to courts. It sets forth the facts of a case, summarizes any lower court decisions on the case, gives the arguments for the side represented by the lawyer filing the brief, and discusses decisions in other cases that bear on the issue.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislative assembly composed of two separate houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the legislative court?

A lower federal court created by Congress for specialized purposes. These justices have fixed terms of office, can be removed from office, and may have their salaries reduced while in office.

What is direct mail?

A mailing from an interest group focused at a specialized audience whose purpose is both to raise money and mobilize supporters.

What was the Constitutional Convention?

A meeting of delegates in 1878 to revise the Articles of Confederation, which produced a totally new constitution still in use today.

What is Congress?

A meeting place of representatives of local constituencies who can initiate, modify, approve, or reject laws. It also shares supervision of government agencies with the executive.

What is a whip?

A member of the party leadership in each house who helps the party leader stay informed about what party members are thinking, rounds up members when important votes are to be taken, and attempts to keep a nose count of how the voting on a controversial issue is likely to go.

What is a legislative veto?

A method by which Congress in a law allows either one or both houses to block a proposed executive action. It is frequently used for presidential reorganization plans of the executive branch. These vetoes were declared unconstitutional in 1981.

What is an ad hoc structure?

A method in which the president organizes his personal staff that employs task forces, committees, and informal groups of friends dealing directly with him.

What is a circular structure?

A method in which the president organizes his personal staff that has cabinet secretaries and assistants reporting directly to the president.

What is a pyramid structure?

A method in which the president organizes his personal staff that has most assistants reporting through a hierarchy to a chief of staff.

What is a voice vote?

A method of voting used in both houses in which members vote by shouting yea or nay. Votes are not recorded.

What is a teller vote?

A method of voting used only in the House. Members' votes are counted by having them pass between two tellers, first the yeas and then the nays. Since 1971, teller votes are recorded at the request of twenty members.

What is a party?

A party is a group that seeks to elect candidates to public office by supplying them with a label (party identification)

What is a lobbyist?

A person attempting to influence government policy on behalf of a lobby.

What is a political elite?

A person who possesses a disproportionate share of political power.

What is in forma pauperis?

A petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by an indigent person. The normal $300 filing fee is waived for such petitions.

Define natural rights as they are reviewed in the Declaration of Independence

A philosophical belief expressed in the Declaration of Independence that certain rights are ordained by God, are discoverable in nature and history, and are essential to human progress. The perception that these rights were violated by Great Britain contributed to the American Revolution.

What is Middle America?

A phrase coined by Joseph Kraft in a 1968 newspaper column to refer to Americans who have moved out of poverty but who are not yet affluent and who cherish the traditional middle-class values.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

A plan of government proposed by William Patterson as a substitute for the Virginia Plan in an effort to provide greater protection for the interests of small states. It recommended that the Articles of Confederation should be amended, not replaced, with a unicameral Congress, in which each state would have an equal vote.

What was the Virginia Plan?

A plan submitted to the Constitutional Convention that proposed a new form of government, not a mere revision of the Articles of Confederation. The plan envisioned a much stronger national government structured around three branches. James Madison prepared the initial draft.

What is pure liberalism?

A political ideology that is liberal on both economic and personal conduct.

What is an initiative?

A proposal favored by progressive reformers to curtail corruption. It allows a law to be enacted directly by vote of the people without approval of a legislative body.

Define the term conservative

A political ideology that, although changing in meaning, adheres to the following principles and practices: on economic matters, it does not favor government efforts to ensure that everyone has a job; on civil rights, does not favor strong federal action to desegregate schools and increase hiring opportunities for minorities; and on political conduct, does not favor tolerance toward protest demonstrations, legalizing marijuana, or protecting the rights of the accused.

Define the term liberal

A political ideology that, although changing in meaning, adheres to the following principles and practices: on economic matters, it favors government efforts to ensure that everyone has a job; on civil rights, it favors strong federal action to desegregate schools and increase hiring opportunities for minorities; and on political conduct, it favors tolerance toward protest demonstrations, legalizing marijuana, and protecting the rights of the accused.

What is a solidary group?

A political party organization based on gregarious or game-loving instincts. It survives on the basis of a friendship network.

What is a sponsored party?

A political party organization created or sponsored by another organization. This form of local party organization is rare in the United States.

What is a political machine?

A political party organization that recruits its members by the use of tangible incentives and is characterized by a high degree of leadership control over members' activities.

What is a ideological party?

A political party organization that values principle above all else and spurns money incentives for members to participate (see chart on page 187).

What is federalism?

A political system in which ultimate authority is shared between a central government and state or regional governments.(see Federalist 16, 17, 39, 51)

What is a lame duck?

A politician whose power has been diminished because he or she is about to leave office as a result of electoral defeat or statutory limitation.

What is fee shifting?

A practice that enables plaintiffs to collect their costs from a defendant if the defendant loses. The Supreme Court has limited fee shifting to cases in which it is authorized by statute �Section 1983 suits.

What are rights?

A preoccupation of the American political culture that has imbued the daily conduct of politics with a kind of adversarial spirit.

What was Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000)?

A private organization may ban gays from its membership

What is a recall?

A procedure, in effect in fifteen states, whereby the voters can vote to remove an elected official from office. Example, Governor Davis being removed by the people of California in 2003.

What is a cue (political)?

A signal, frequently provided by interest groups, that tells a politician what values are at stake in an issue and how that issue fits into his or her own set of political beliefs.

What is a Senior Executive Service?

A special classification for high-level civil servants created by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. Members of this service can be hired, fired, and transferred more easily than ordinary civil servants. They are also eligible for cash bonuses and, if removed, are guaranteed jobs elsewhere in the government. The purpose of the service is to give the president more flexibility in recruiting, assigning, and paying high-level bureaucrats with policy-making responsibility.

What is a line-item veto?

A special form of veto in which the chief executive has the right to prevent particular provisions of a bill enacted by a legislative assembly from becoming law without having to kill all the other parts of the bill at the same time. Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton have all endorsed the idea of granting the President line-item veto powers over appropriations bills as a means of controlling the budget deficit problem, but the President of the United States has only recently acquired a very limited line-item veto power through certain changes in the rules of the House of Representatives and Senate. In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that even this limited form of line-item veto enacted by a simple Congressional majority was unconstitutional because it violates the concept of separation of powers.

What is a presidential primary?

A special kind of primary used to pick delegates to the presidential nominating conventions of the major parties.

What is the Grandfather Clause?

A state law allowing people to vote, even if they did not meet legal requirements, if an ancestor had voted before 1867. The clause was used as a vehicle to enable poor and illiterate whites to vote while excluding blacks (who had no ancestor voting prior to 1867). Such clauses were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

What was the literacy test?

A state law requiring potential voters to demonstrate reading skills. The laws were frequently implemented in a discriminatory fashion to prevent otherwise qualified blacks from voting. These tests were suspended by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

What is a poll tax?

A state tax paid prior to voting. The tax was designed to prevent blacks from voting since poor whites were usually exempted through a grandfather clause. Poll taxes have been made illegal.

What is a veto / veto message?

A statement the president sends to Congress accompanying a refusal to sign a bill passed by both houses. It indicates the president's reasons for the veto. A two-thirds vote of both houses overrides the veto. In the United States, the President may veto a bill passed by majorities in both houses of Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless each house then re-passes the bill by a two-thirds majority.

What is a unitary system?

A system in which sovereignty is wholly in the hands of the national government, so that sub-national units are dependent on its will.

What is a trial balloon?

A tactic by an anonymous source to float a policy to ascertain public reaction before the policy is actually proposed.

What is background story - (news)?

A tactic by government officials to win journalistic friends. The official purportedly explains current policy on condition that the source of the information not be identified by name.

What is a faction?

A term employed by James Madison to refer to interests that exist in society, such as farmers and merchants, northerners and southerners, debtors and creditors. Madison postulated that each interest would seek its own advantage and that the pulling and hauling among them would promote political stability on a national basis (See Federalist # 10).

What are federalists?

A term used to describe supporters of the Constitution during ratification debates in state legislatures.

What is a litmus test?

A test of ideological purity used by recent presidents in selecting and senators in confirming judges to nominate to federal courts.

What is work ethic?

A tradition of Protestant churches that required a life of personal achievement as well as religious conviction; a believer had an obligation to work, save money, obey the secular law, and do good works. Max Weber attributed the rise of capitalism, in part, to this ethic.

What is impoundment?

A traditional budgeting procedure by which the President of the United States once could prevent any agency of the Executive Branch from spending part or all of the money previously appropriated by Congress for their use. He would accomplish this, in essence, by an executive order that would forbid the Treasury to transfer the money in question to the agency's account. (The Constitution provides that no money from the Treasury can be spent without a specific Congressional appropriation, but it is silent on the question of whether all money appropriated by Congress actually has to be spent.) All American presidents since John Adams asserted the right to impound appropriated funds, and presidents often used this as a way of making relatively small cuts in Federal spending on programs that they deemed unwise or unnecessary, despite occasional murmurings of dissatisfaction from Congressmen annoyed by the cancellation or trimming of some of their pet pork-barrel projects. In 1973-1974, however, President Nixon made unusually large-scale use of impoundment in his efforts to fight the unusually serious inflationary pressures of the time by trimming back the budget deficit. President Nixon impounded nearly $12 billion of Congressional appropriations, which represented something over 4% of the spending Congress had appropriated for the coming fiscal year. Congressional leaders, who were already up in arms against the Nixon White House because of the Watergate scandal, rebelled against the implicit presidential rebuke of their judgment and authority over spending decisions posed by such large-scale impoundment.

What are ratings?

A type of cue supplied by some interest groups that ranks legislators on their degree of support for a particular cause, such as unions or the environment. These can be helpful sources of information, but are often biased.

What is a personal following?

A type of local party organization in which a candidate gets people to work for him or her for a campaign and then the organization disbands until the next election. To run this type of campaign, a candidate needs an appealing personality, a lot of friends, or a large bank account.

What are feature stories

A type of news story that involves a public event not routinely covered by reporters and that requires a reporter to take initiative to select the story and persuade an editor to run it.

What are routine stories?

A type of news story that involves a public event regularly covered by reporters. These stories are related in almost exactly the same way by all the media. The political opinions of journalists have the least effect on these stories.

What are insider stories?

A type of news story that involves information not usually made public which requires investigative work on the part of a reporter or a leak by some public official.

What is an open primary?

A type of primary in which the voter can decide upon entering voting booth in which party's primary to participate.

What is a closed primary?

A type of primary in which the voter must be a registered member of a political party to vote in that party's primary.

What is a runoff primary

A type of primary used in some southern states. If no candidate gets a majority of the votes in the first primary vote, the two candidates with the most votes vie in a second primary election.

What is a blanket primary?

A variant of the open primary in which the voter receives a ballot that lists the candidates for nomination of all the parties, enabling the voter to vote for candidates of different parties.

What is a sound bite?

A video clip used on nightly newscasts. The average length of such clips has decreased, making it harder for candidates to get their message across.

What is referendum?

A vote taken by the general public to decide an important legislative or policy issue directly (rather than having the issue decided by a representative assembly or other legislative agency).

What is the social movement?

A widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social or political order.

Describe the effects of elections on policy

A. Argument: public policy remains more or less the same no matter which official or party is in office B. Comparison: Great Britain, with parliamentary system and strong parties, often sees marked changes, as in 1945 and 1951 C. Evidence indicates that many American elections do make great differences in policy, though constitutional system generally moderates the pace of change D. Why, then, the perception that elections do not matter? Because change alternates with consolidation; most elections are only retrospective judgments

How powerful is the president?

A. Both president and Congress are more constrained B. Reasons for constraints 1. Complexity of issues 2. Scrutiny of the media 3. Greater number and power of interest groups

Describe several different presidential characters

A. Eisenhower-orderly B. Kennedy-improviser C. Johnson-deal maker D. Nixon--mistrustful E. Ford-genial F. Carter-outsider G. Reagan-communicator H. Bush-hands-on manager I. Clinton-focus on details

Describe the evolution of the Senate

A. Escaped many of the tensions encountered by the House, because: 1. A smaller chamber 2. In 1800s, balanced between slave and free states B. Popular election of senators in 1913-Seventeenth Amendment C. Filibuster restricted by Rule 22 (1917)

How do interest groups get funds?

A. Foundation grants B. Federal grants and contracts C. Direct mail

Have American parties become weaker or stronger?

American parties have become weaker in all three arenas: a. As label, more independents and more ticket-splitting b. As set of leaders, organization of Congress less under their control c. As organization, much weaker since 1960s

What is equality of opportunity?

An economic value in American culture which maintains that all people should have the same opportunity to get ahead but that people should be paid on the basis of ability rather than on the basis of need.

What is an Australian Ballot?

An election ballot of uniform size printed by the government and cast in secret.

What is split-ticket voting?

An election result in which a congressional district (or voter) votes for the presidential candidate of one party and the congressional candidate of the other party.

What is the plurality system?

An electoral system in which the winner is that person who gets the most votes, even if they do not constitute a majority of the votes.

What is a two-party system?

An electoral system with two dominant parties that compete in state or national elections. Third parties have little chance of winning.

What is the spoils system?

The practice of a successful political party giving public office to its supporters.

What is the plurality system?

An electoral system, used in almost all American elections, in which the winner is the person with the most votes, even if he or she does not receive a majority of the votes.

What is tone?

An element of campaign strategy that involves either a positive (build-me-up) or negative (attack-the-opponent) approach.

What is theme?

An element of campaign strategy that is a simple, appealing idea that can be repeated over and over again.

What is a winner-take-all system?

An element of the electoral system used in the United States which requires that only one member of the House of Representatives can be elected from each congressional district.

What is loaded language?

The use of words to persuade people of something without actually making a clear argument for it.

What is the national committee?

Delegates from each state and territory who manage party affairs between national conventions. These exist at the national level for both major political parties.

How were the funds for revenue sharing distributed?

Distributed by statistical formula

What are some groups that rely on purposive incentives that were created by social movements?

A. Social movement is a widely shared demand for change B . The environmental movement C. The feminist movement D. Unions left after social movement died

What is an ideological interest group?

An organization that attracts members by appealing to their interests on a coherent set of controversial principles.

What is a political action committee (PAC)?

An organization which finances candidates and may lobby. Such organizations can contribute no more than $5,000 to a federal candidate in any election.

Describe gays and the supreme court

A. State laws could ban homosexual activities B. Court struck down amendment to state constitution prohibiting cities from adopting an ordinance banning discrimination against gays

What are the activities of interest groups?

A. Supplying credible information B. Public support C. Money and PACs D. The Revolving Door E. Trouble

What is grass root support (lobbying)?

An outsider strategy designed to generate public pressure directly on government officials.

What are the offices of the President?

A. The White House Office B. Executive Office of the President C. The cabinet D. Independent agencies, commissions, and judgeships

What are the origins of political attitudes?

A. The role of family B. Religion C. The gender gap D. Schooling and information

Why did the Founders believed that neither national nor state government would have authority over the other?

Because power comes from people who shift support.

When did grants-in-aid come into existence?

Before the Constitution with land and cash grants to states

What was NAACP v. Alabama (1964)

Established that a state may not compel the disclosure of the membership list of an organization that is pursuing lawful ends, especially if members are likely to suffer physical or economic harm from such disclosure.

What was Richmond v. Croson (1989)?

Affirmative action plans must be judged by the strict scrutiny standard that requires any race-conscious plan to be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest

What was Near v. Minnesota (1931)

Defined freedom of the press to mean the press is to be free from any prior restraint or censorship. A state may not permanently prevent a newspaper from publishing simply because it objects to the paper's portrayal of politicians.

What is seniority?

The practice of granting special perks and privileges to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who have served the longest.

Describe the size and powers of the bureaucracy

About 3 million employees Pre- 1900's = service role Post-1900's = regulatory role Discretionary Authority Fill gaps left by lawmakers Payment of subsidies Transfer of Money Grant-in-aid Devise & enforce regulations

What are complete activists?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who are highly educated, have high incomes, and tend to be middle-aged rather than young or old. These people participate in all forms of politics and account for 11 percent of the population.

What are parochial participants?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who do not vote and stay out of election campaigns and civic associations, but who are willing to contact local officials about specific, often personal, problems.

What are campaigners?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who not only vote but like to get involved in campaign activities as well. They are better educated than the average voter, but what distinguishes them most is their interest in the conflicts of politics, their clear party identification, and their willingness to take strong positions.

What are inactives?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who rarely vote, do not get involved in organizations, and do not even talk much about politics. They account for about 22 percent of the population.

What are communalists?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who tend to reserve their energies for community activities of a nonpartisan kind. Their education and income are similar to those of campaigners.

What are voting specialists?

According to Sidney Verba and Norman Nie, people who vote but participate in little else politically. They tend not to have much schooling or income, and to be substantially older than the average person.

What was Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)?

Affirmed right of Amish to remove their children from schools after eighth grade.

Describe judicial activism vs. restraint

Activism (loose constructivist) -Court instrument for social, economic, and political change Restraint (strict constructivist) -States, Congress, & Executive branch

What was Reynolds v. Sims (1964)

After establishing the court's jurisdiction to rule on apportionment issues ( Baker v. Carr, 1962 ), the court ruled that the principle of "one man-one vote" required congressional districts to have approximately equal residents, regardless of geographical size.

Describe the process of selecting judges

All are nominated by president and confirmed by the Senate 1. Party background some effect on judicial behavior, but rulings are also shaped by other factors 2. Senatorial courtesy: judges must be approved by that state's senators, particularly for district courts 3. The litmus test a. Presidential successes in selecting compatible judges b. Concern this may downplay professional qualifications c. Greatest impact on Supreme Court-no tradition of senatorial courtesy

What was Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)?

Allowed states to ban abortions from public hospitals and permitted doctors to test to see if fetuses were viable

What is a benefit of the elasticity of the necessary and proper clause?

Allows for adaptation to changing times and conditions

What are common types of mandates that are imposed on the states?

Am. w/Disabilities Act Environment • Clean Air & Waters Acts Civil Rights Issues • Age Discrimination in Employment Act

What conclusion can be made about the decline of political efficacy seen in the American people?

Americans today may not be more alienated but simply more realistic

What is the equal-time rule?

An FCC regulation requiring that if a station sells time to one candidate seeking an office, it must sell time to the opposing candidate as well.

What is the fairness doctrine?

An FCC rule, abolished in 1987, that required broadcasters to give time to opposing views if they broadcast one side of a controversial issue.

What is symbolic speech?

An act that conveys a political message

What are populists?

An adherent of a political ideology that is liberal on economic matters and conservative on social ones. It believes the government should reduce economic inequality but regulate personal conduct.

What is the Federal Communications Commission?

An agency of the federal government with authority to develop regulations for the broadcast media.

What is a caucus (nominating)?

An alternative to a state primary in which party followers meet, often for many hours, to select party candidates.

What was the Nineteenth Amendment?

An amendment to the Constitution allowing women the right to vote.

What is the Tenth Amendment?

An amendment to the Constitution which defines the powers of the states, stipulating that the states (or the people) retain all powers not specifically delegated to the national government by the Constitution.

What is the strict constructionist approach?

An approach to judicial review which holds that judges should confine themselves to applying those rules that are stated in or clearly implied by the language of the Constitution.

What is an activist approach?

An approach to judicial review which holds that judges should discover the general principles underlying the Constitution and its often vague language, amplify those principles on the basis of some moral or economic philosophy, and apply them to cases.

What is a market (television)

An area easily reached by a station's television signal.

What is a caucus (congressional)?

An association of members of Congress created to advocate a political ideology, a constituency, or regional or economic interests. Almost a hundred of these groups now exist, and they rival political parties as a source of policy leadership.

What is the good-faith exception?

An error in gathering evidence sufficiently minor that it may be used in a trial

What is a purposive incentive?

An incentive to join a mass-membership organization based on the appeal of the group's goal.

What is the sophomore surge?

An increase in the number of votes candidates receive between the first time elected and their first time reelected.

What is a activist?

An individual, usually outside government, who actively promotes a political party, interest group, philosophy, or issue he or she cares personally about. These individuals are more ideological "left" or "right" than your average individual or rank-and-file member of an interest group or political party.

What is a solidary incentive?

An inducement that attracts people out of gregarious or gameloving instincts. It is one reason why people become involved in a state or local party organization.

What is a solidary incentive?

An inducement to join a mass-membership organization based on the sense of pleasure, status, or companionship derived from membership.

What is stare decisis?

An informal rule of judicial decision making in which judges try to follow precedent in deciding cases. That is, a court case today should be settled in accordance with prior decisions on similar cases.

What is a bureaucratic culture?

An informal understanding among fellow employees of an agency as to how they are supposed to act.

What is a public-interest lobby?

An interest group whose principal purpose is to benefit nonmembers.

What is dual federalism?

An interpretation of the Constitution which holds that states are as supreme within their sphere of power as is the federal government within its sphere of power. The Supreme Court no longer supports this interpretation.

What is a political question in judicial review?

An issue that the Court refuses to consider because it believes the Constitution has left it entirely to another branch to decide. Its view of such issues may change over time, however.

What is concurring opinion?

An opinion by one or more justices who agree with the majority's conclusion but for different reasons that they wish to express.

What is a writ of certiorari?

An order issued by the Supreme Court granting a hearing to an appeal. A vote of four justices is needed to issue the writ. Only about 3 or 4 percent of all appeals are accepted.

What is the spoils system?

Another phrase for political patronage, that is, the practice of giving the fruits of a party's victory, such as jobs and contracts, to loyal members of that party.

Describe the structure of the federal courts

Article III -Supreme Court Judiciary Act 1789 -Congress = lower courts District Courts -90% of all cases -Jury trials -Original jurisdiction -Decisions may be appealed

What was Dartmouth v. Woodward (1819)?

Citing the Contract Clause (Art. 1, Sect. 10), the Court ruled the university's charter was the same as a contract. The fact that it was established prior to Independence did not change the legality of the contract.

What were some national problems that occurred between 1781-89

Bankruptcy of nat. govt. - States didn't pay debt - Unable to pay interest on foreign debt Trade wars w/states - Closed ports to foreign trade Inflation - States print more $ - Some $ not accepted

What was Green v. County School Board of New Kent County (1968)?

Banned a freedom-of-choice plan for integrating schools, suggesting that blacks and whites must actually attend racially mixed schools

What was the McCain-Feingold Law?

Campaign finance reform law passed in 2003 and challenged in the Supreme Court of the United States http://www.campaignfinancesite.org/legislation/mccain.html

What is prior restraint?

Censorship of a publication

Citizens United v Federal Election Commission

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission 558 U.S. 310 (2010) is a landmark U.S. constitutional law and corporate law case dealing with the regulation of campaign spending by organizations.The Supreme Court overruled Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce and portions of McConnell v. FEC. (In the prior cases, the Court had held that political speech may be banned based on the speaker's corporate identity.) By a 5-to-4 vote along ideological lines, the majority held that under the First Amendment corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority joined by Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justices Antonin G. Scalia, Samuel A. Alito, and Clarence Thomas. Justice John Paul Stevens dissented, joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer, and Sonia Sotamayor. The majority maintained that political speech is indispensable to a democracy, which is no less true because the speech comes from a corporation. The majority also held that the BCRA's disclosure requirements as applied to The Movie were constitutional, reasoning that disclosure is justified by a "governmental interest" in providing the "electorate with information" about election-related spending resources. The Court also upheld the disclosure requirements for political advertising sponsors and it upheld the ban on direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions.

Describe the 1881 Pendleton Act

Civil Service Commission Merit System Civil Service Exam 90% of Federal employees Under 10% appointed

What are suspect classifications

Classifications of people on the basis of their race or ethnicity

Describe the nature of cleavages in public opinion in America?

Cleavages in opinion in the United States are numerous and crosscutting. No single feature of an individual's life (such as social class) explains all (or even most) of that individual's attitudes. Among the important cleavages are: A. Social class / Occupation: less important in U.S. than in Europe B. Race and ethnicity C. Region

What is an ideology?

Coherent and consistent set of political beliefs about who ought to rule, the principles rulers ought to obey, and what policies rulers ought to pursue

What is a joint committee?

Committee on which both representatives and senators serve.

What is internal efficacy?

Confidence in one's own ability to understand and to take part in political affairs. This confidence has remained stable over the past few decades.

What was Rostker v. Goldberg (1981)?

Congress can draft men without drafting women

What was Near v. Minnesota (1931)?

Defined freedom of the press to mean the press is to be free from any prior restraint or censorship. A state may not permanently prevent a newspaper from publishing simply because it objects to the paper's portrayal of politicians.

What is a select committee?

Congressional committee appointed for a limited time period and purpose.

Have the Democrats won more congressional elections or presidential contests

Congressional elections

What is oversight?

Congressional supervision of the bureaucracy.

What is a legislative veto?

Congressional veto of an executive decision during the specified period it must lie before Congress before it can take effect. The veto is effected through a resolution of disapproval passed by either house or by both houses. These resolutions do not need the president's signature. In INS v. Chadha 1983, the Supreme Court ruled such vetoes were unconstitutional, but Congress continues to enact laws containing them.

What is under the jurisdiction of the federal courts?

Constitution, federal law, or treaty Admiralty or maritime law Disputes between states U.S. Govt. as a party Citizens of Different states Ambassadors/ diplomats A state as a party

What do the national conventions do today?

Conventions today only ratify choices made in primaries

What is selective incorporation?

Court cases that apply Bill of Rights to states

What was Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

Court describes ruling that police must give to arrested persons

What was Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Court held that "prior to questioning a suspect, the person must be apprised of his/her right to remain silent, the right to an attorney and that any statements made can be used in a court of law.

What was Muller v. Oregon (1908)?

Court held that states have the right to regulate the work hours of employees under their power to regulate the health and safety of its citizens.

What was Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Court held that �minority �majority� districts created to insure descriptive representation (vs. substantive representation ) may constitute gerrymandering.

What was Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918)

Court invalidated a federal law that sought to bar goods produced by children from interstate commerce. Held the regulation of child labour was purely a state matter. Case was later overturned in US v. Darby (1941).

What was Cruikshank v. US (1876)

Court limited the reach of the Fourteenth Amendment to �state action' (ie. State laws, government action. Did not recognize the jurisdiction of the Fourteenth Amendment over acts of private discrimination.

What was Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000)

Court ruled that a student initiated prayer announced over the public address system prior to football games was in violation of the Establishment Clause (Amendment 1). Furthermore, the contention of the school district that the prayer was approved by the majority of the students was not sufficient grounds to allow the prayer. (6-3)

What were the Slaughterhouse Cases (1877)?

Court ruled that the �equal protection clause� of the Fourteenth Amendment could not be used to invalidate a state law. The law in question was a 25 year monopoly given to a slaughterhouse that required all butchers to use this facility & prescribed the fees charged. Plaintiffs argued the law violated their 13 th & 14 th Amendment rights. Affirmed in Munn v. Illinois (1877) . Illustrated the courts unwillingness to enforce the Fourteenth Amendment.

What was Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

Court ruled that while the Federal Elections Campaign Act of 1974 was in general constitutional, no limits could be placed on the amount of money an individual could spend on a personal campaign, or to a political organization.

What is the wall of separation?

Court ruling that government cannot be involved with religion

What was Cohens v. Virginia (1821)?

Court's jurisdiction held to include cases where individuals of one state could sue a state. Ruled that citizens of one state must abide by the laws of states where they are engaging in activity. May not apply the laws of a home to another state if contrary to that state's laws.

What was Engel v. Vitale (1962)?

Courts ruled mandatory school prayer as an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state. Reaffirmed in Abington v. Schempp (1963).

What was Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Created the "separate, but equal" doctrine in upholding a state law that required the segregation of races in public transportation. Court held the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could provide for separate facilities for people of color. Overturned in the 1950s in the school desegregation cases.

Which party was a beneficiary of incumbency from 1933-1992?

Democrats

How are committee assignments and legislative schedules set by each party?

Democrats-Steering and Policy Committee, chaired by party leadership b. Republicans divide tasks (1) Committee on Committees for committee assignments (2) Policy Committee to schedule legislation

What is due process of law?

Denies the government the right, without due process, to deprive people of life, liberty, and property

In what ways do states depend on the federal government?

Dependency of state & local govt.s for federal funds National grant-in-aid • categorical grants • block grants

What were the reasons for growth of the bureaucracy?

Depression = New Deal WW II Cold War Other reasons Technology Iron Triangle relationships

What was United Steelworkers v. Weber (1979)?

Despite the ban on racial classifications in the 1964 Civil Right Act, this case upheld the use of race in an employment agreement between the steelworkers union and steel plant

What was Gratz v. Bollinger (2003)

Determining that the U-M affirmative action policies strayed too far from its 1978 Bakke decision, the court concluded, that the University of Michigan's use of race in its current freshman admissions policy is not narrowly tailored to achieve respondents' asserted compelling interest in diversity, the admissions policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.� However, it reasserted that diversity is a compelling government interest, which means U-M and other universities can continue to consider race in admissions.

What is the gender gap?

Differences between the political views of men and women.

Why are precise definitions of powers politically impossible? (Federalism)

Due to competing interests, e.g. commerce

How does the political efficacy of Americans compare to that of Europeans'?

Efficacy of Americans is still much higher than Europeans'

What are superdelegates?

Elected officials and party leaders represented at the national convention of the Democratic party. Such representation was provided for by a recent party reform to ensure that an electable presidential candidate is selected.

When did revenue sharing end?

Ended in 1986

What was Escobedo v. Illinois?

Escobedo v. Illinois, 378 U.S. 478, was a United States Supreme Court case holding that criminal suspects have a right to counsel during police interrogations under the Sixth Amendment.

What was Miller v. California (1973)

Established a major reformulation of Roth v. US (11957) case for determining obscenity. The basic test is to be whether the average person, applying contemporary community (local) standards, would find the work, taken as a whole appeals to a prudent interest in sex, portrays sexual conduct in a patently offensive way as defined by law, and, taken as a whole, does not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

What was Gitlow v. NY (1925)

Established that protections guaranteed under the First Amendment extend to individuals vis-a-vis states. Overturned a NY law prohibiting the dissemination of communist literature if it did not produce any clear and present danger to the public.

What was Reynolds v. US (1879)

Established that religious practice does not protect a person who commits a crime or an act contrary to accepted public morals. In this case, the Court upheld the enforcement of Utah anti-polygamy laws against Mormons who practiced polygamy as a religious doctrine.

What was Mapp v. Ohio (1961)?

Evidence illegally gathered by the police may not be used in a criminal trial

What are examples of personal followings?

Examples: Kennedy's (MA), Talmadge's (GA), Longs (LA), Byrd's (VA)

What are the 4 types of jurisdiction?

Exclusive Concurrent Original Appellate

What is the Executive Office of the President?

Executive agencies that report directly to the president and whose purpose is to perform staff services for the president. Top positions are filled by presidential nomination with Senate confirmation.

What was Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Extended the right to a attorney to state trials. Extended the protections of the Bill of Rights to individuals in the states via the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (Sect. 2.).

What are some limitations of the bureaucracy?

Extensive rules = "Red tape" Large size Duplication Lack of flexibility

What are ideological parties?

Extreme opposite to machine: 1. Principle above all else so contentious and factionalized 2. Usually outside Democratic and Republican parties-third parties 3. But some local reform clubs in 1950s and 1960s 4. Reform clubs replaced by social movements with specific demands

What was Marbury V. Madison (1803)?

First case to involve Judicial Review. Court held that provisions of the Judiciary Act of 1789 allowing the court to issue writs of mandamus were unconstitutional.

What was Fletcher v. Peck (1810)?

First case to rule state law unconstitutional. Court ruled a Georgia law rescinding the illegal sale of state lands to innocent third party buyers was a violation of the Contract Clause (Art. 1, Sect. 10).

What are executive agencies?

Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of cabinet departments. Their heads typically serve at the pleasure of the president and can be removed at the president's discretion.

What are independent agencies?

Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of cabinet departments. Their heads typically serve fixed terms of office and can be removed only for cause (see chart page 382).

With the shift in grants-in-aid that occurred during the 1960s, on what did state and local governments become dependent?

Federal funds

What is the impact of government mandates on the states?

Financial burdens • Un-funded mandates Complaints of federal intrusiveness Federal blackmail • Clean Air Act & drinking age

What is the establishment clause?

First Amendment ban on laws "respecting an establishment of religion"

What is the free-exercise clause?

First Amendment requirement that law cannot prevent free exercise of religion

What was Furman v. Georgia (1972)

First Death Penalty case examined by the court. Court rules the death penalty as violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantees against cruel and unusual punishment as it serves to "degrade the dignity of the individual". The court later ruled that states could impose the death penalty if it were clearly indicated under what circumstances it would be implemented (Gregg v. Georgia, 1976). Recent cases have looked at how the death penalty is administered to determine if they violate the Eighth Amendment.

What is Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)?

Found a "right to privacy" in the Constitution that would ban any state law against selling contraceptives

What are the formal powers of the president?

Found in Article II 1. Not a large number of explicit powers 2. Potential for power found in ambiguous clauses of the Constitution-e.g., power as commander in chief, duty to "take care that laws be faithfully executed"

What is the traditional middle class demographic?

Four years of college, suburban, church affiliated, pro business, conservative on social issues, Republican

What is soft money?

Funds solicited from individuals, corporations, and unions that are spent on party activities, such as voter-registration campaigns and voting drives, rather than on behalf of a particular candidate (for more info).

What was Craig v. Boren (1976)?

Gender discrimination can only be justified if it serves "important governmental objectives" and be "substantially related to those objectives"

What was Reed v. Reed (1971)?

Gender discrimination violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

What is one proposed solution to fix the non-voting in America, and why will it not work?

Get-out-the-vote drives But this will not help those who are not registered

What is the Freedom of Information Act (1966)?

Gives citizens the right to inspect all government records except those containing military, intelligence, trade secrets, or revealing private personnel actions.

What was equality of opportunity?

Giving people an equal chance to succeed

What is prior restraint?

Government censorship by forbidding publication of the information.

What are categorical grants?

Grants given by the federal government to state and local authorities for a specific purpose defined in a federal law.

Who were some leaders of the Federalists?

Hamilton, Madison, Washington, & Jay

Was it the Hamiltonian or Jeffersonian position espoused by Chief justice John Marshall?

Hamiltonian

What are some legal constraints on the bureaucracy?

Hatch Act 1940 Freedom of Information Act 1966 Environmental Policy Act 1969 Privacy Act 1974

What are civil rights?

He rights of people to be treated without unreasonable or unconstitutional differences

What was Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)

Held invalid state medical school admissions programs based on specific racial quotas. Universities could use race as a factor in creating diversity, however, they could not impose specific quotas.

What was INS v. Chadha (1983)

Held that a legislative veto to invalidate an act of the executive branch is unconstitutional as a violation of separation of powers. Struck down a law allowing one house of Congress to veto a decision of the INS and allow deportable aliens to remain in the US pending dispensation of their hearing.

What was Barron v. Baltimore (1824)?

Held that the Bill of Rights limited the powers of the national government, but not the states. In other words, the civil rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights were not applicable to cases involving citizens within their states.

What was US v. Nixon (1974)

Held the president's claim of executive privilege to preserve the confidentiality of his conversations with members of his staff or others does not justify withholding information bearing on a pending criminal trial (Watergate tapes).

What is compensatory action?

Helping disadvantaged people catch up, usually by giving them extra education, training, or services.

Who were some leaders of the Anti-Federalists?

Henry, Mason, Gerry

Describe the U.S. Supreme Court

Highest court in land -8 Associate Justices -1 Chief Justice -Judicial review -Decisions = final Original & Appellate jurisdiction

Describe party structure in the House?

House rules give leadership more power 1. Speaker of the House is leader of majority party; presides over House 2. Majority leader (floor leader) and minority leader 3. Party whip organizations 4. Committee assignments and legislative schedule set by each party 5. Democratic and Republican congressional campaign committees

What is debate in the American Judiciary System over?

How the Constitution should be interpreted 1. Strict constructionism: judges are bound by wording of Constitution 2. Activist (loose constructionism): judges should look to underlying principles of Constitution 3. Not a matter of liberal versus conservative a. A judge can be both conservative and activist, or liberal and strict constructionist b. Today: most activists tend to be liberal, most strict constructionists tend to be conservative

Who makes up the intergovernmental lobby?

Hundreds of state and local officials lobbying in Washington

What is partisanship?

Identification with a political party.

What was United States v. Leon (1984)?

Illegally obtained evidence may be used in a trial if it was gathered in good faith without violating the principles of the Mapp decision.

What is the exclusionary rule?

Improperly gathered evidence may not be introduced in a criminal trial

What was Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)?

In a blatant disregard for public opinion, the court ruled African-Americans were not citizens nor were they entitled to the same rights and privileges of citizenship. Ruled the 36' 30' line created by the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional, thus opening the possibility of the extension of slavery throughout the US and denying suffrage to African-Americans in national elections throughout the North.

What was Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)?

In a confused set of rival opinions, the decisive vote was cast by Justice Powell, who said that a quota like ban on Bakke's admission was unconstitutional but that "diversity" was a legitimate goal that could be pursued by taking race into account

Where lies the greatest source of presidential power?

In politics and public opinion: 1. Increase in broad statutory authority, especially since 1930s 2. Expectation of presidential leadership from the public

What is the Rules Committee?

In the House of Representatives, the committee that decides which bills come up for a vote, in what order, and under what restrictions on length of debate and on the right to offer amendments. The Senate Rules and Administration Committee, by contrast, possesses few powers.

What was Hustler Magazine v. Falwell (1988)

In upholding its previous position in NY Times v. Sullivan (1964). the court ruled that a public figure could not recover compensatory damages for emotional distress inflicted due to an unfavorable article.

What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Inability of Congress to - levy & collect taxes - Regulate interstate & foreign commerce Agreement of - 9 states for any action - All 13 for amending No Chief Executive No National Judiciary

What are Verba and Nie's six forms of participation?

Inactives, Voting specialists, Campaigners, Communalists, Parochial participants, Complete activists

Americans have a shared commitment to economic ________________

Individualism (1924 /1977 Poll on Personal Responsibility shows that high school students feel that we are personally responsible)

What are institutional interests?

Individuals or organizations representing other organizations.

Describe the degree of competition in radio and television

Intensely competitive, becoming more so

What are the different parts of political efficacy?

Internal efficacy and external efficacy

What is the intergovernmental lobby?

Lobbying activities by state and local officials who establish offices in Washington, D.C., to compete for federal funds.

What are federal-question cases?

Jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution on federal courts to hear all cases "arising under the Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties."

What are diversity cases?

Jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution on federal courts to hear cases involving citizens of different states. The matter, however, must involve more than $50,000, and even then the parties have the option of commencing the suit in state court.

What are the restraints on Judicial power?

Lack enforcement power Passive Pres. Appointment Congress -Confirmation -Impeachment -New Const. Amendments -Pass new legislation Public opinion

What was Roe v. Wade (1973)

Landmark abortion rights case. Court ruled that criminal laws prohibiting access to abortions except when a mother's life is in danger violate the Ninth Amendment's right to privacy and the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

What was Brown v. Board of Education (1954 & 1955)

Landmark school desegregation case extending the rulings in the Sweatt case to public school students in K-12 schools. Court held that separate but equal facilities are inherently unequal. One year later, court ruled it would assume control of the desegregation of schools "with due speed."

Does the Democrat formula reward large states or loyal ones?

Large states

What is the clear-and-present-danger test?

Law should not punish speech unless there was a clear and present danger of producing harmful actions

What is authorization legislation?

Legislation that originates in a legislative committee stating the maximum amount of money that an agency may spend on a given program.

What is the most important organizational feature of Congress?

Legislative committees: 1. Consider bills or legislative proposals Most bills sent to committees are never heard of again. One estimate calculates that only 6 percent of the bills introduced in Congress are ever reported by a committee for floor action. Committees are the graveyards of legislative proposals. 2. Maintain oversight of executive agencies 3. Conduct investigations

What are the four forms of speaking and writing that are not automatically granted full constitutional protection?

Libel, obscenity, symbolic speech, and false advertising

What is a closed rule?

Limitation imposed by the Rules Committee of the House of Representatives on the amount of debate time allotted to a bill and on the introduction of amendments from the floor (or of any amendments other than those from the sponsoring committee).

Describe the 'new class'

Linda Medcalf and Kenneth Dolbeare contend that the new class has evolved a distinctive ideology, one they call neoliberalism. Instead of assigning priority to equality and freedom, as in classical liberalism, this ideology focuses on producing new wealth through high technology. Neoliberalism uses public needs as a guide and relies on government incentives to encourage industrial development. Gary Hart / Bill Clinton / Al Gore endorses new liberal values.

What is the alleged problem that has arisen in America regarding non-voting?

Low turnout compared to Europeans (But this compares registered voters to eligible adult populations)

What is the constitutional court?

Lower federal courts created by Congress which exercise the judicial powers delineated in Article III of the Constitution. Its judges, therefore, enjoy two constitutional protections-they serve "during good behavior" and their salaries may not be reduced while in office.

Does the Republican formula reward large states or loyal states?

Loyal states

What is the Hatch Act (1939)?

Made it illegal for federal civil service employees to take an active part in political management or political campaigns by serving as party officers, soliciting campaign funds, running for partisan office, working in a partisan campaign, endorsing partisan candidates, taking voters to the polls, counting ballots, circulating nominating petitions, or being a delegate to a party convention.

What are some issues with mandates?

Many are difficult to implement and are costly

Did the Antifederalists believe that there should be more or less restrictions on strong national government?

Many more

While Americans support free enterprise, they see limits on what type of freedom?

Marketplace freedom

What is an example of primary voters being more extreme ideologically than average voters?

McGovern in 1972

What is a negative ad?

Media advertising meant to cast an unfavorable light on an opponent.

What are issue networks?

Members of Washington-based interest groups, congressional staffers, university faculty, experts participating in think tanks, and representatives of the mass media who regularly debate government policy on a certain subject. Such networks are replacing the iron triangles.

Who attended the Constitutional Convention?

Men of practical affairs, including Continental army veterans and Congress of the Confederation members

What is appropriation?

Money formally set aside for a specific use; issued by the House Appropriations Committee.

Does money make a difference in winning an election?

Money makes a difference in congressional races a. Challenger must spend to be recognized b. Jacobson: big spending challengers do better c. Big spending incumbents also do better

What is a trust fund in the government?

Money outside the regular government budget. These funds are beyond the control of congressional appropriations committees.

What are grants-in-aid?

Monies passed from the federal to state governments

Describe the relationship between the president and the bureaucracy

No single source of control Cabinet Rarely meets as one body Agency view Tension between White House staff Civil Servants Most are protected from Pres. Authority

What are some consistent attitudes regarding peoples' political ideologies?

Most citizens are moderates, yet many have strong political predispositions

Who sets the time and place for national conventions?

National committee issues call setting number of delegates for each state

What different 'powers' make up the structure of the American government?

National powers: - Expressed (written) • Article 1 section 8 - Implied (suggested) • Article 1 sect.8 clause 18 - Inherent Exclusive powers - Powers denied states State powers (reserved) National supremacy - Article VI Obligations of national govt. - Article IV sect. 4 - Article IV sect. 3 Obligations of state govts. - Article IV sect. 1 & 2 Concurrent powers - Shared—nat/ states

What was Hamilton's view of Federalism?

National supremacy since the Constitution is the supreme law of the land

What is the party press (newspaper)?

Newspapers created, sponsored, and controlled by political parties to further their interests. This form of press existed in the early years of the American republic. Circulation was chiefly among political and commercial elites.

What was Gideon v. Wainwright (1964)?

Persons charged with a crime have a right to an attorney even if they cannot afford one

What is the free exercise clause?

No state interference, similar to speech 1. Law may not impose special burdens on religion 2. But no religious exemptions from laws binding all 3. Some cases difficult to settle a) Conscientious objection to war, military service b) Refusal to work Saturdays; unemployment compensation c) Refusal to send children to school beyond eighth grade

Did the reform law limit independent political advertising-no consultation with candidate or campaign organization?

No. a. Typically done by ideologically oriented PACs b. Sometimes negative or attack advertising

What was Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger (2003)?

Numerical benefits cannot be sued to admit minorities into college, but race can be a "plus factor" in making those decisions

What was Miller v. California (1973)?

Obscenity defined as appealing to prurient interests of an average person with materials that lack literary, artistic, political, or scientific value

Describe the Civil Service Reform Act 1978

Office of Personnel Management Merit Systems Protection Board Competitive Service Other methods of recruitment: Name request or "Buddy System"

What is a swing bloc?

One of three groups of justices in the 1970s and 1980s that vacillated between liberal and conservative voting positions.

What are mugwumps (or progressives)?

One of two major factions largely within the Republican party who opposed the heavy emphasis on patronage and disliked the party machinery because it only permitted bland candidates to rise to the top, was fearful of immigrants, and wanted to see the party take unpopular stances on certain issues. They challenged the Old Guard from around 1896 to the 1930s.

What is the Old Guard?

One of two major factions largely within the Republican party, composed of the party regulars and professional politicians. They were preoccupied with building up the party machinery, developing party loyalty, and acquiring and dispensing patronage. They were challenged by progressives from around 1896 to the 1930s.

What is a pocket veto?

One of two ways for a president to disapprove a bill sent to him by Congress. If the president does not sign the bill within ten days of receiving it, and Congress has adjourned within that time, the bill does not become law.

What might the future evolution of Congress include?

Ongoing tensions between centralization and decentralization

How frequently do presidents serve two terms?

Only fourteen of forty-one presidents have served two terms

What is civil disobedience?

Opposing a law one considers unjust by peacefully disobeying it and accepting the resultant punishment

Define a republic

Originally, any form of government not headed by an hereditary monarch. In modern American usage, the term usually refers more specifically to a form of government (a.k.a. "representative democracy") in which ultimate political power is theoretically vested in the people but in which popular control is exercised only intermittently and indirectly through the popular election of government officials and/or delegates to a legislative assembly rather than directly through frequent mass assemblies or legislation by referendum.

What is a coalition?

Part of a theory espoused by James Madison that hypothesized that different interests must come together to form an alliance in order for republican government to work. He believed that alliances formed in a large republic, unlike in small ones, would be moderate due to the greater variety of interests that must be accommodated.

What were the consequence of reforms made regarding the national convention?

Parties represent different sets of upper-middle class voters: a. Republicans represent traditional middle class-more conservative b. Democrats represent new class-more liberal c. Democrats hurt since traditional middle class closer in opinions to most citizens

What are one-issue parties?

Parties seeking a single policy, usually revealed by their names, and avoiding other issues. An example would be the Free Soil party (see chart on page 187).

What are factional parties?

Parties that are created by a split in a major party, usually over the identity and philosophy of the major party's presidential candidate. An example would be the "Bull Moose" Progressive party (see chart on page 187).

What are economic protest parties?

Parties, usually based in a particular region, especially involving farmers, that protest against depressed economic conditions. These tend to disappear as conditions improve. An example would be the Greenback party (see chart on page 187).

Other than money spent on campaigns, what affects who is elected?

Party, incumbency, and issues also have a role

What was NY Times v. US (1971)

Pentagon Papers case. Like the near case, that any prior restraint of the freedom of expression carries with it a presumption of unconstitutionality. Government had not shown a sufficient national security interest to censor documents.

What was New York Times v. United States (1971)?

Pentagon Papers case. Like the near case, that any prior restraint of the freedom of expression carries with it a presumption of unconstitutionality. Government had not shown a sufficient national security interest to censor documents.

What is freedom of religion?

People shall be free to exercise their religion, and government not establish a religion

What are registered voters?

People who are eligible to vote in an election and who have signed up with the government to vote.

What is the new class?

People whose advantages stem not so much from their connections with business as from the growth of government.

Who are the elite?

People with a disproportionate amount of a valued resource.

What is selective attention?

Perceiving only what one wants to perceive from television or radio reporting.

What are critical or realigning periods?

Periods during which a sharp, lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties. The issues that separate the two parties change, so the kinds of voters supporting each party change (see Key's Theory of Critical Elections).

What is the White House Office?

Personal assistants to the president with offices in the White House. These aides oversee the political and policy interests of the president and do not require Senate confirmation for appointment. They can be removed at the discretion of the president.

What was Madison's response to the Antifederalist's views?

Personal liberty safest in large (extended) republics a. Coalitions likely more moderate b. Government should be somewhat distant to be insulated from passions

What were the six phases of congressional evolution?

Phase one: The powerful House Phase two: A divided House (1820s) Phase three: Rise of a powerful speaker Phase four: The revolt against the speaker Phase five: The empowerment of individual members Phase six: The return of leadership

What were some Jim Crow Laws?

Poll tax White Primaries Literacy Tests Grandfather Clause

What is some evidence of the increase in mistrust of the government since the mid-1960s?

Polls showed people believed a. "Quite a few" crooks in government b. Government run for a "few big interests" c. "Lots" of tax money wasted d. Government does right only "some of the time" Additionally, Jimmy Carter's speech in 1979 on American malaise

What is the liberal middle class (or new class) demographic?

Postgraduate education, urban, critical of business, liberal on social issues, Democrat Emergence of new class creates strain in Democratic party

What is political power?

Power used to determine who will hold government office and how the government will behave.

What are inherent powers?

Powers not specified in the Constitution which the president claims. These powers are asserted by virtue of office.

What are the sources of campaign money?

Presidential primaries: part private, part public money

What are rescissions?

Presidential recommendations to cut parts of appropriations bills; a 1996 law allows the president's rescissions to go into effect unless they are overridden by a two-thirds vote in Congress.

Describe the popularity and influence of the president

Presidents usually enjoy a temporary surge in popularity following a national crisis, even disasters like the Bay of Pigs (President Kennedy), the hostage rescue mission in Iran (President Carter) and Sept. 11 (President G.W. Bush). This phenomenon is known as the rally-round-the-flag syndrome. However, recent scholarship has identified numerous exceptions to this rule. 1. Presidents try to transform popularity into congressional support for their programs 2. Members of Congress believe it is politically risky to challenge a popular president 3. Little effect of presidential coattails

What is affirmative action?

Programs designed to increase minority participation in some institution (businesses, schools, labor unions, or government agencies) by taking positive steps to appoint more minority-group members

What demographic supported the Federalist cause?

Property owners, creditors, merchants

What was Lee v. Weisman (1992)?

Public schools may not have clergy lead prayers at graduation ceremonies

What is de jure segregation?

Racial segregation that is required by law

What is de facto segregation?

Racial segregation that occurs in schools, not as a result of the law, but as a result of patterns of residential settlement

What Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)?

Reaffirmed Roe v. Wade but upheld certain limits on its use

What is probable cause?

Reasonable cause for issuing a search warrant or making an arrest; more than mere suspicion

What is confidentiality?

Reporters' keeping sources of their stories secret. Most states and the federal government allow courts to decide whether the need of a journalist to protect sources outweighs the interests of the government in gathering evidence in a criminal investigation.

What are mandates?

Requirements imposed upon state and local governments to perform. The requirements may have nothing to do with the receipt of federal funds (unfunded) and may originate from court orders.

Americans prefer equality of opportunity over equality of what?

Result or output

Who did not attend the Constitutional Convention?

Rhode Island was the sole state that refused to send any delegates to the convention.

What is freedom of expression?

Right of people to speak, publish, and assemble

What is a cloture rule?

Rule 22 of the Senate, providing for the end of debate on a bill if three fifths of the members agree. A cloture motion is brought to the floor if sixteen senators sign a petition. The purpose is typically to terminate a filibuster and to force a vote on a bill.

Schecter v. United States (1935)

Ruled price controls and production output restrictions imposed by the National Industrial Recovery Act and Agricultural Adjustment Act violated state control of intrastate commerce. Led to FDR's court-packing scheme.

What was W.VA Board of Ed. V. Barnette (1943)

Ruled state violated freedom of religion of Jehovah's Witnesses by mandating students salute the American flag.

What was Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)?

Ruled that congressional control over interstate commerce includes navigation of waters (Commerce Clause-Art. 1, Sect. 8). Invalidated a monopoly issued by the state of New York to a steamboat operator (Ogden) in New York waters.

What was Sweatt v. Painter (1950)

Ruled that the separate law school created for people of color at the University of Texas was not equal to that for whites. Access to material, reputation of staff, availability of internships all contributed to a different outcome for the students attending the colored Law School. The separate Graduate facilities were seen by the courts as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.

What is civil law?

Rules defining relationships among private citizens.

How are congressional candidates selected?

Run in a primary election, with little party control: a. Vote is for the candidate, not the party b. Result is a body of independent representatives c. Members do not choose president d. Principal work is representation and action e. Party discipline is limited, not enduring (104th Congress, 1995) f. Great deal of power, high pay

What was Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

Said that separate public schools are inherently unequal thus starting racial desegreation

Why might some people choose to not vote?

Seen as only one way to participate Forms of Participation - Voting (most common form) - Protest demonstration (least common form)

What is selective incorporation?

Selective incorporation is a constitutional doctrine that ensures states cannot enact laws that take away the constitutional rights of American citizens that are enshrined in the Bill of Rights.

What is a steering committee?

Selects democratic members to the different standing committees

What is efficacy?

Self esteem, competence or mastery.

What are "spots"?

Short ads on behalf of a candidate on television. Such ads may convey a substantial amount of information

What is popular press?

Self-supporting daily newspapers aimed at a mass readership.

What are congressional campaign committees?

Separate committees in Congress for each political party to help members who are running for reelection or would-be members running for an open seat or challenging a candidate from the opposition party.

Describe the Influence & Importance of the bureaucracy

Shape policy Initiate bills in Congress Provide expert advice Handle day to day operations of govt.

What demographic supported the Anti-Federalist cause?

Small farmers, frontiersmen, debtors, shopkeepers

What produces groups that rely on purposive incentives?

Social movements

What is an incentive?

Something of value offered by mass-membership organizations to get people to join; it is a benefit exclusive to members.

What is a material incentive?

Something tangible, such as money or services, which attracts people to join mass-membership organizations. membership interests - A type of interest group that represents the interest of its members.

What is honoraria?

Speaking fees accepted by members of Congress. In 1991, the House forbade members to accept honoraria, while the Senate limited such income.

What was Schneck v. United States (1919)?

Speech may be punished if it creates a clear-and-present-danger test of illegal acts

What is the dual court system?

State courts are the real workhorses in the dual court system. In the early 1990s, state courts averaged about 90 million cases annually, compared with 270,000 in federal courts. 1. One state, one federal 2. Federal cases listed in Article III and Eleventh Amendment of Constitution a. Federal-question cases: involving U.S. Constitution, federal law, treaties b. Diversity cases: involving different states, or citizens of different states 3. Some cases can be tried in either court a. Example: if both federal and state laws have been broken (dual sovereignty) b. Justified: each government has right to enact laws and neither can block prosecution out of sympathy for the accused 4. State cases sometimes can be appealed to Supreme Court

What was Lawrence v. Texas (2003)?

State law may not ban sexual relations between same-sex partners

What was Roe v. Wade (1973)?

State laws against abortion were unconstitutional

What was United States v. Virginia (1996)?

State may not finance an all-male military school

What are police powers?

State power to effect laws promoting health, safety, and morals

What was Zorauch v. Clauson (1952)?

States may allow students to be released from public schools to attend religious intruction

What was Stenberg v. Carhart (2000)?

States may not ban partial birth abortions if they fail to allow an exception to protect the health of the mother

What was Jefferson's view of Federalism?

States' rights with the people as ultimate sovereign

Describe the Judicial ability to interpret the law

Statutes & Constitution broadly worded Make law

What are the types of laws?

Statutory Common -Precedent -Stare decisis Criminal Civil -Writ of Mandamus, injunction, class action Judicial power = passive

What was Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Struck down a state law prohibiting married couples from receiving counseling on the use of contraceptives as an invasion of privacy (First and Ninth Amendments).

What was Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000)?

Students may not lead prayers before the start of a football game at a public school

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding limits beset on campaign spending?

Supreme Court ruled that limits could not beset on campaign spending. The majority opinion of the Supreme Court held that campaign spending limits where no federal funds are received violated the free speech provision of the First Amendment. a. But set limit of $50,000 on out-of-pocket spending by a presidential candidate who accepted federal financing

What was Palko v. Connecticut (1937)?

Supreme Court says that states must observe all "fundamental liberties"

What was Gitlow v. New York (1925)?

Supreme Court says the First Amendment applies to states

What was Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US (1964)

Supreme Court upheld a ban on racial discrimination in places of public accommodation as applied to hotels and motels as a violation of the Commerce Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment.

What was the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?

Tenth Amendment was added as an afterthought to clarify limits of national government's power

What was Rasul v. Bush, 03-334 (2004)?

Terrorist detainees must have access to a neutral court if to decide if they are legally held

When was the 'devolution revolution'?

The 104th Congress (1995-1996)

What is the Twenty-third Amendment?

The 1961 constitutional amendment permitting residents of Washington, D.C., to vote in presidential elections.

What is the Twenty-sixth Amendment?

The 1971 constitutional amendment that lowered the voting age in both state and federal elections to eighteen. Congress had attempted to achieve this goal through legislation, but the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government had no authority to do so with respect to state elections.

What is the elastic (necessary and proper) clause?

The Congress shall have Power ... To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. See implied powers and article I, section 8, clause 18 in U.S. Constitution.

What is the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995?

The Congressional Accountability Act (CAA), enacted in 1995, currently applies thirteen civil rights, labor, and workplace safety and health laws to the United States Congress and its Legislative Branch agencies.

How can an amendment to the constitution be proposed?

The Constitution provides that an amendment may be proposed either by the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures.

What is the Fourteenth Amendment?

The Fourteenth Amendment (Amendment XIV) to the United States Constitution was adopted on July 9, 1868, as one of the Reconstruction Amendments. The amendment addresses citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws, and was proposed in response to issues related to former slaves following the American Civil War.

What is the Legislative Reorganization Act?

The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (Pub.L. 91-510) was an act of the United States Congress to "improve the operation of the legislative branch of the Federal Government, and for other purposes."

What was Dickerson v. United States (2000)?

The Mapp decision is based on the Constitution and it cannot be altered by Congress passing a law

What was Collin v. Smith (1978)?

The Nazi Party may march through a largely Jewish neighborhood

What is the franking privilege?

The ability of members of Congress to mail letters to their constituents free of charge by substituting their facsimile signature (frank) for postage.

How does region affect public opinion?

The South is the least liberal of the four regions, with the Midwest somewhat more liberal and the East and West most liberal. The South became, and long remained, part of the Democratic coalition because southerners were fairly liberal on economic issues. However, the rise of racial and social issues (on which the South is quite conservative) ended southern attachment to the Democratic Party. 1. Southerners more conservative than northerners regarding military and civil rights issues, but difference fading among whites 2. Southerners more accommodating of business

What is a War Powers Resolution?

The War Powers Resolution (also known as the War Powers Resolution of 1973 or the War Powers Act) (50 U.S.C. 1541-1548) is a federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress.

What is discretionary authority?

The ability of a bureaucracy to choose courses of action and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws.

What was the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?

The agreement that prevented the collapse of the Constitutional Convention because of friction between large and small states. It reconciled their interests by awarding states representation in the Senate on a basis of equality and in the House of Representatives in proportion to each state's population.

What is formal method of changing the Constitution?

The amendment process

What is mental tune-out?

The attitude of a person who ignores or is irritated by messages from radio or television which do not agree with his or her existing beliefs.

What is civic duty?

The belief that citizens have an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs.

What is external efficacy?

The belief that the political system will respond to citizens. This belief has declined in recent years because of public sentiment that the government has become too big to be responsive.

What is the electoral college?

The body that formally selects the president. Each state is allotted electoral votes equal to the number of its representatives and senators in Congress. It can decide how its electors are to be chosen and under what method they cast their votes for president. The candidate for the presidency who receives a majority of these votes wins. If no candidate obtains a majority, the House of Representatives chooses from the top three in electoral votes.

What are presidential coattails?

The charismatic power of a president which enables congressional candidates of the same party to ride into office on the strength of his popularity. This influence has declined in recent elections.

What is an iron triangle?

The closed, mutually supportive relationships that often prevail in the United States between the government agencies, the special interest lobbying organizations, and the legislative committees or subcommittees with jurisdiction over a particular functional area of government policy. As long as they hang together, the members of these small groups of movers and shakers tend to dominate all policy-making in their respective specialized areas of concern, and they tend to present a united front against "outsiders" who attempt to invade their turf and alter established policies that have been worked out by years of private negotiations among the "insiders." The middle-level bureaucrats who run the agencies may use their special friends in Congress to block the efforts of a new President or a new Congressional majority leadership bent on reforming or reducing the size of their agencies. The Congressmen and Senators on the oversight committees can count upon their friends in the agencies to continue "pet" programs and pork-barrel projects important to their local constituencies or even to do special favors for their political supporters and financial backers. Lobbying organizations provide useful information to the committees and the agencies, provide campaign support for the relevant Congressmen, and often help to mobilize public opinion in favor of larger appropriations and expanded programs for "their" part of the government bureaucracy.

What is the Fifteenth Amendment?

The constitutional amendment that guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, color, or pervious condition of slavery.

What is the Speaker of the House?

The constitutionally mandated presiding officer of the House of Representatives. The Speaker is chosen in the caucus of the majority party and is empowered to recognize members to speak on the floor, to rule whether a motion is germane, to assign bills to committee, to appoint House members to select and joint committees, and to appoint the majority members of the Rules Committee.

What is a courts of appeals?

The federal courts that have the authority to review decisions by federal district courts, regulatory commissions, and certain other federal courts. Such courts have no original jurisdiction; they can hear only appeals.

What is the Supreme Court of the United States?

The highest court in the federal judiciary specifically created by the Constitution. It is composed of nine justices and has appellate jurisdiction over lower federal courts and the highest state courts. It also possesses a limited original jurisdiction.

What was Gutter v. Bollinger (2003)

The court ruled that, "When race-based action is necessary to further a compelling government interest, such action does not violate the constitutional guarantee of equal protection so long as the narrow-tailoring requirement is also satisfied." The U-M law school's goal of attaining a critical mass of underrepresented minority students does not transform its program into a quota especially since its normal admissions standards disproportionately exclude blacks and other minorities.

What is attack journalism?

The current era of media coverage that seizes upon any bit of information or rumor that might call into question the qualifications or character of a public official.

What is sampling error?

The difference between the results from two different samples of the same population. This difference in answers is not significant and its likely size can be computed mathematically. In general, the bigger the sample and the bigger the differences between the percentage of people giving one answer and the percentage giving another, the smaller the error.

What is the separate-but-equal doctrine?

The doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) that African Americans could constitutionally be kept in separate but equal facilities

What is devolution (as in the context of federalism)?

The effort on the part of the national government to pass responsibility for functions and responsibilities previously held by the national government on to the state governments.

What is a white primary?

The exclusion of blacks from voting in the primary elections of political parties. Such primaries were employed largely in the South where the Democratic party won almost all general elections. In effect, winning the Democratic primary meant winning the election. The Supreme Court voided the use of white primaries.

What is the Voting Rights Act of 1965?

The federal law that suspended the use of literacy tests in elections and authorized federal examiners to order the registration of blacks in states and counties where fewer than 50 percent of the voting-age population were registered or had voted in the last presidential election.

What is a primary election?

The first election in a campaign; it determines a party's nominee for an office.

What is a prime minister?

The head of government in a parliamentary system. Chosen by the legislature, this official selects the other ministers of government from among the members of parliament and remains in power as long as his or her party has a majority of seats in the legislature, as long as the assembled coalition holds together, or until the next scheduled election.

When did the party structure diverge?

The late 1960s

What are district courts?

The lowest federal courts where federal cases begin. They are the only federal courts where trials are held.

What is plaintiff?

The party that initiates a suit in law

What is the voting-age population?

The percentage of people in a country who are eligible to vote because they satisfy the minimum age requirement.

What are standing committees?

The permanent committees of each house with the power to report bills.

What is an incumbent?

The person currently in office.

What is the national chairman?

The person responsible for managing the day-to-day work of a national political party. The person is given a full-time, paid position and is elected by the national committee.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

The political/legal principle that all legitimate political authority within a society derives ultimately from the will or, at least, from the generalized consent of the subject population. Government of, by, and for the people.

What is a line-item veto?

The power of an executive to veto some provisions in an appropriations bill while approving others. The president does not have the right to exercise a line-item veto and must approve or reject an entire appropriations bill.

Define Judicial Review

The power of the federal courts to overturn or limit the enforcement of Federal or state laws or regulations that the judges determine have violated the Federal constitution. The term also covers the power of the Federal courts to overturn or limit the enforcement of state laws or regulations that the judges determine are in direct conflict with Federal laws or regulations regarding a specific subject matter where the Federal constitution gives primary jurisdiction to the Federal government. Also the power of state courts to overturn or limit the enforcement of state laws or regulations that the judges determine have violated either the Federal constitution or the constitution of their own state. (see Marbury v. Madison 1803).

What are checks and balances?

The power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to block some acts by the other two branches.

What is annual authorization?

The practice of a legislative committee determining the amount an agency can spend on a yearly basis. This practice is a recent one and curtails the power of the appropriations committees.

What is a multiple referral?

The practice of referring a bill to several committees. Following 1995 reforms, these can only be done sequentially (one committee acting after another's deliberations have finished) or by assigning distinct portions of the bill to different committees. These reforms applied only to the House; the Senate has had few difficulties with multiple referrals.

How do presidents put together a program?

The preparation of a presidential program was not institutionalized until the administration of Franklin Roosevelt. When Eisenhower assumed office, he failed to submit a program in the belief that initiating legislation was a congressional responsibility. Congress finally requested the president to forward his policies for action. 1. President can try to have a policy on everything (Carter) 2. President can concentrate on a small number of initiatives (Reagan) 3. Constraints a. Public and congressional reaction may be adverse b. Limited time and attention span of the president c. Unexpected crises d. Programs can be changed only marginally

What is Political Socialization?

The process through which an individual acquires his/her particular political views, knowledge, and evaluations.

What is the commerce clause?

The provision of the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8, paragraph 3) that gives Congress the authority to regulate trade with foreign nations and among the states (interstate).

What is the real problem behind the increase in non-voting in America?

The real problem is low registration rates

What is judicial review?

The right of federal courts to declare laws of Congress and acts of the executive branch void and unenforceable if they are judged to be in conflict with the Constitution.

Define the term gatekeeper

The role played by the media in influencing what subjects become national political issues and for how long.

What is a watchdog?

The role played by the national media in investigating political personalities and exposing scandals.

What is a scorekeeper?

The role played by the national media in keeping track of and helping make political reputations.

What is the "rule of four"?

The rule of four is a Supreme Court of the United States practice that permits four of the nine justices to grant a writ of certiorari. This is done specifically to prevent a majority of the Court from controlling the Court's docket.

At what point did grants-in-aid increase dramatically?

The scope of the 20th century

What is the national party convention?

The ultimate authority in both major political parties in the United States. The conventions are held every four years to nominate each party's candidate for the presidency.

What is the general election?

The second election in a campaign (primary is first). It determines which party's nominee will win office.

What is a second party system?

The second party structure in the nation's history that emerged when Andrew Jackson first ran for the presidency in 1824. The system was built from the bottom up as political participation became a mass phenomenon.

What is political efficacy?

The sense that citizens have the capacity to understand and influence political events.

What is competitive service?

The set of civil servants appointed on the basis of a written exam administered by the Office of Personnel Management or by meeting certain selection criteria.

What was the shift in grants-in-aid in the 1960s?

The shift was from what states demanded to what federal officials found important as national needs.

What is electoral realignment?

The situation when a new issue of utmost importance to voters cuts across existing party divisions and replaces old issues that formed the basis of party identification (see Key's Theory of Critical Elections).

What is sovereignty?

The supreme or ultimate political authority. A sovereign government is one that is legally and politically independent of any other government.

What is adversarial press?

The suspicious nature of the national press toward public officials.

What are coattails (political)?

The tendency of lesser-known or weaker candidates to profit in an election by the presence of a more popular candidate on the ticket.

What is class consciousness?

The tendency to think of oneself as a worker whose interests are in opposition to those of management and vice versa.

What is the representational view of representation?

The theory of congressional voting behavior that assumes that members make voting decisions based on their perception of constituents' wishes to ensure their own reelection. A correlation between district attitudes and members' votes has been found on issues of importance to constituents (e.g., civil rights and social welfare) but not on issues of remote concern to constituents (foreign policy).

What is an attitudinal view of representation?

The theory of congressional voting behavior which assumes that members vote on the basis of their own beliefs because the array of conflicting pressures on members cancel out one another.

What is the solicitor general?

The third-ranking officer in the Justice Department, who decides what cases the federal government will appeal from lower courts and personally approves every case the government presents to the Supreme Court.

What is senatorial courtesy?

The tradition by which the Senate will not confirm a district court judge if the senator who is from that state and of the president's party objects.

What is senatorial courtesy?

The tradition observed in the Senate in which that body refuses to confirm an appointment to a federal office when the candidate is personally obnoxious to either senator from the candidate's state.

Why does occupation have a weaker association with political opinions than it did in the 1950s?

The traditional gap-manual workers were more liberal than business or professional persons in their attitudes toward the economy and social welfare legislation-has narrowed. This is not necessarily because class no longer matters but rather because a new elite whose status is based on education and technical skills, the new class, has arisen over the past generation. This new class is situated not in traditional, capitalist business enterprise but in government, academia, think tanks, and the media. This class has strained the Democratic party; it is younger, urban, and more liberal on economic and social issues than the traditional middle class, which is conservative and blue-collar. Gary Hart appealed to this new class in the primary campaigns of 1984, as did Paul Tsongas in 1992.

What is religious tradition?

The values associated with the major religious denominations in America: Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish. In general, Catholic families are somewhat more liberal on economic issues than white Protestant ones, while Jewish families are much more liberal on both economic and social issues than families of either Christian religion.

What is the social contract theory?

The view that persons' moral and/or political obligations are dependent upon a contract or agreement among them to form the society in which they live. See Hobbes and Locke documents

What is Marxism?

The view that the government is merely a reflection of underlying economic forces. Marx believed that there are two fundamental economic classes; proletariat (laborers) and bourgeoise (those who own the capital)

What was Everson v. Board of Education (1947)?

The wall-of-separation principle is announced

Do campaigns tend to put more emphasis on themes or details

Themes: a. True throughout American history b. What has changed is importance of primary elections c. Gives more influence to single-issue groups

What was Texas v. Johnson (1989)?

There may not be a law to ban flag-burning

What was Engel v. Vitale (1962)?

There may not be a prayer, even a nondenominational one, in public schools

From where did the RNC get money used to provide services to candidate?

They used computerized mailing lists to raise money. DNC adopted same techniques, with some success.

What are implied powers?

Those powers of the national government that are not described in the Constitution but are suggested by those powers that are described; see expressed powers.

What was Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971)?

Three tests are described for deciding whether the government is improperly involved with religion

What is the purpose of the intergovernmental lobby?

To get more federal money with fewer strings

What was New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)?

To libel a public figure, there must be "actual malice"

What is the purpose of Federalism?

To protect personal liberty

What was Schenck v. US (1919)

Upheld a conviction for distributing material urging men to resist conscription for WWI. Court's majority held this infringement on the First Amendment was justified in view of the wartime emergency. Justice Holmes' dissenting opinion established the conditions under which free speech could be abridged creating the "clear and present danger" doctrine; i.e. language must show that it will bring about "substantive evil".

What are the different opinions in the Supreme Court?

Unanimous Majority Dissenting Concurring

What was Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)

Upheld a Missouri law prohibiting public employees and facilities from being used to perform non-emergency abortions.

What was Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)?

Upheld separate-but-equal facilities for white and black people on railroad cars

What was McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Upheld the implied power of the Federal government to establish a bank ("necessary & proper") and denied states the right to tax federal offices or institutions. Furthermore, established the supremacy of the national government over subordinate governments, thus affirming the Supremacy Clause (Art. VI, ¶ 2).

What was McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003)?

Upholds 2002 campaign finance reform law

What is one consistent piece of evidence demonstrating America's political culture?

Use of terms "Americanism," "un-American"

What is reverse discrimination?

Using race or sex to give preferential treatment to some people

Describe the initial state constitution of Pennsylvania

Very democratic constitution, but trampled minority rights

What were areas of disagreement among those who attended the Constitutional Convention?

Virginia Plan vs. NJ Plan • Rep. W/ in Legislature • Rep. & taxation of slaves • Election of President

Describe the gap between votes and seats for Republicans

Vote higher than number of seats won: a . One explanation: Democratic legislatures redraw district lines to favor Democratic candidates b. But research does not support; Republicans run best in high-turnout districts, Democrats in low-turnout ones c. Gap closed in 1994 d. Another explanation: incumbent advantage increasing e. But not the reason; Democrats field better candidates whose positions are closer to those of voters, able to build winning district level coalitions

What is the common explanation for non-voting in America?

Voter apathy on election day

What is straight-ticket voting?

Voting for candidates who are all of the same party; for example, voting for the Republican candidates for senator, representative, and president.

What is an important factor to consider when regarding the increase in non-voting in America?

Voting is not the only way of participating

What is prospective voting?

Voting on the basis of a person's views of candidates' positions on the issues.

What is retrospective voting?

Voting on the basis of how things have gone in the recent past and, if the voter approves of the current administration's performance, voting for the party in the White House or voting against that party if the voter disapproves.

What was Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639 (2000)?

Voucher plan to pay school bills is upheld

Describe attempts to reorganize the executive branch

When Congress rebuffed President Nixon's proposal to streamline executive departments, Nixon attempted to institute the reorganization by establishing a few "superdepartments" and having certain secretaries assume supervision over several departments. Watergate intervened. 1. Reasons for reorganizing a. Large number of agencies b. Easier to change policy through reorganization 2. Reorganization outside the White House staff must be by law

What is fast tracking?

When the President gets a bill right onto the floor, either bypassing the committee or getting a quick approval without a hearing. He is hoping to avoid getting amendments tacked on to the bill and is moving for a quick passage. Essentially he is trying to sneak one in the back door.

What is deep background?

When what an official (politician) says can be printed, but it may not be attributed to him or her by name.

What is off the record?

When what the official (politician) says cannot be printed.

What is revolving door influence?

Where a government official leaves an important job in the federal government to take more lucrative positions in private industry.

What is the revolving door?

Where a government official leaves an important job in the federal government to take more lucrative positions in private industry.

What is on the record?

Where an official (politician) is quoted by name.

What is the difference between categorical grants and revenue sharing?

Whereas categorical grants are for specific purposes; often require local matching funds, revenue sharing requires no matching funds and give the recipient complete freedom on how to spend the funds. (Block grants are devoted to general purposes with few restrictions).

Do certain committees tend to attract particular types of legislators?

Yes: a. Policy-oriented members vs. b. Constituency-oriented members

What is the executive privilege?

Wide variations exist in the use of executive privilege. President Eisenhower asserted the claim forty-four times, whereas Kennedy and Johnson did so only twice each. Nixon cited privledge in refusing to hand over the Watergate tapes and recently the Supreme Court ruled against Bill Clinton. Clinton has claimed that he did not have to go before a Federal Grand Jury while sitting as President. 1. Confidential communications between president and advisers 2. Justification a. Separation of powers b. Need for candid advice 3. U.S. v. Nixon (1973) rejected claim of absolute executive privilege

Describe the results of Watergate and illegal donations

a. From corporations and unions b. Brought about the 1974 federal campaign reform law and Federal Election Commission (FEC)

What are some examples of congress reducing state prerogatives regarding voting regulations?

a . 1842 law: House members elected by district b. Suffrage to women c. Suffrage to blacks d. Suffrage to eighteen- to twenty-year-olds e. Direct popular election of U.S. senators

What are some examples of how insider stories raise questions of informant's motives in providing confidential information?

a. From official background briefings of the past... b. To critical inside stories of post-Watergate era

How are cases accepted in the Supreme Court?

Writ of Certiorari Appeal Rule of 4

What is libel?

Written statement defaming another by false statement a) Oral statement: slander b) Variable jury awards c) Malice needed for public figures

Do the beliefs and interests of members of Congress affect policy?

Yes

Describe the effects of personal attributes-social class, education, political beliefs on bureaucrats

a . Allegations of critics: (1) Higher civil servants are elitist (2) Officials are ideologically biased b. Results of survey of bureaucrats show that they (1) Are somewhat more liberal than the average (2) But they do not take extreme positions c. Correlation between type of agency and attitudes of employees (1) Activist agency bureaucrats more liberal (FTC, EPA, FDA) (2) Traditional agency bureaucrats less liberal (Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury) d. Bureaucrats' policy views reflect the type of their work e. Do bureaucrats sabotage their political bosses? (1) Most bureaucrats try to carry out policy, even those they disagree with (2) But bureaucrats do have obstructive powers-Whistleblower Protection Act (1989) (3) Most civil servants: Highly structured roles make them relatively immune from personal attitudes (4) Professionals' loosely structured roles may be influenced by personal attitudes-Professional values help explain how power is used

What were some loopholes of the Finance Reform Law?

a . Allows soft money-money for local party activities, e.g., getting out the vote b. Allows money for general voter registration campaigns; Alan Cranston and Charles Keating scandal c. Allows bundling

What are the responsibilities of the Speaker of the House?

a . Decides whom to recognize to speak on the floor b. Rules on germaneness of motions c. Decides to which committee bills go d. Influences which bills are brought up for a vote e. Appoints members of special and select committees f. Has some patronage power

Why are constraints much greater on government agencies than on private bureaucracies?

a . Hiring, firing, pay, procedures, etc., established by law, not by market b. General constraints (1) Administrative Procedure Act (1946) (2) Freedom of Information Act (1966) (3) National Environmental Policy Act (1969) (4) Privacy Act (1974) (5) Open Meeting Law (1976) (6) Several agencies often assigned to a single policy c. Effects of constraints (1) Government moves slowly (2) Government sometimes acts inconsistently (3) Easier to block action than take action (4) Reluctant decision making by lower-ranking employees (5) Red tape

What are some strategies and themes used when running for president?

a . Incumbents defend their record; challengers attack incumbents b. Setting the tone (positive or negative) c. Developing a theme: "trust," "confidence," etc. d. Judging the timing (early momentum vs. reserving resources for later) e . Choosing a target voter: who's the audience?

Describe how the media is composed mostly of locally owned and managed enterprises, unlike Europe

a . Orientation to local market b. Limitations by FCC-widespread ownership created c. Telecommunications Act of 1996 may effect some changes

Describe the gap between running a campaign and running the government?

a . Party leaders had to worry about reelection so campaigning and government linked b. Today's consultants don't participate in governing

What are two theories regarding the debate of declining percentages in voting turnout?

a . Real decline as popular interest and party competition decreases b. Apparent decline, induced in part by more honest ballot counts of today

What were the finance reform laws?

a . Set limit on individual donations ($1,000 per election) b. Reaffirmed ban on corporate and union donations ... c. . . . but allowed them to raise money through PACs d. PACs in turn raised money from members or employees e . Set limit on PAC donations ($5,000 per election per candidate) f . Primary and general election counted separately

What were reasons for absence of bill of rights in the initial new constitution?

a . Several guarantees in Constitution already (1) Habeas corpus (2) No bill of attainder (3) No ex post facto law (4) Trial by jury (5) Privileges and immunities (6) No religious tests for political office (7) Obligation of contracts b. Most states had bills of rights c. Intent to limit federal government to specific powers with constitution

Describe recruitment and retention of bureaucrats

a . The competitive service: most bureaucrats compete for jobs through OPM (1) Appointment by merit based on written exam b. The excepted service: most are appointed by other agencies on the basis of qualifications approved by OPM c. Competitive service becoming more decentralized-increasing numbers recruited by agency-specific procedures d. Workers less often blue-collar; increasing diversity of white-collar occupations e. Still some presidential patronage-presidential appointments, Schedule C jobs, non-career executive assignments (1) Pendleton Act (1883): transferred basis of government jobs from patronage to merit (2) Merit system protects president from pressure and protects patronage appointees from new presidents (blanketing in) f. The buddy system (1) Name-request job: filled by a person whom an agency has already identified for middle- and upper-level jobs (2) Job description may be tailored for person (3) Circumvents usual search process but also encourages issue networks based on shared policy views g. Firing a bureaucrat (1) Most bureaucrats cannot be fired, although there are informal methods of discipline (2) Senior Executive Service (SES) can more easily be fired or transferred (3) SES managers receive cash bonuses for good performance (4) But very few SES members have actually been fired or even transferred, and cash bonuses not influential h. The agencies' point of view (1) Agencies are dominated by lifetime bureaucrats who have worked for no other agency (2) Assures continuity and expertise but also gives subordinates power over new bosses: can work behind boss's back through sabotage, delaying, etc.

What are the procedures for voting in the House?

a. Voice vote b. Division (standing) vote c. Teller vote d. Roll-call vote Senate voting is the same except no teller vote

What is a super pac?

a type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

What are examples of Supreme Court interpretation of the "wall of separation"?

a) 1947 New Jersey case (reimbursements) (1) Court: First Amendment applies to the states (2) Court: State must be neutral toward religion b) School decisions struck down (1) School prayers (voluntary, nonsectarian, delivered by a rabbi or minister or student elected by other students) (2) Teaching of creationism (3) In-school released time programs c) Public aid to parochial schools particularly controversial (1) Allowed: aid for construction of buildings, textbook loans, tax-exempt status, state deductions for tuition, computers, and sign language interpreters (2) Disallowed: teacher salary supplements, tuition reimbursements, various school services, money to purchase instructional materials, special districts (3) Though the Court can (and does) change its mind d) Development of a three-part test for constitutional aid (1) It has a strictly secular purpose (2) It neither advanced nor inhibits religion (3) It involved no excessive government entanglement e) Failure of the Court's test to create certainty in our law (1) Nativity scenes, menorahs, and Christmas trees (2) Seeming anomalies: Prayer in Congress, chaplains in the armed services, "In God We Trust" on currency (3) Deep division / confusion among members of the Court

What were the five bills passed, 1957-1968, regarding civil rights?

a) 1957, 1960, 1965: voting rights laws b) 1968: housing discrimination law

What is symbolic speech?

a) Acts that convey a political message: flag burning, draft card burning b) Not generally protected c) Exception is flag burning: restriction of free speech

Describe desegregation v. integration

a) Ambiguities of Brown (1) Unrestricted choice or integrated schools? (2) De jure of de facto segregation? b) 1968 rejection of "freedom of choice" plan settles matter; mixing c) Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 1971 (1) Proof of intent to discriminate (2) One-race school created presumption of intent (3) Remedies can include quotas, busing, redrawn lines (4) Every school not requires to reflect racial composition of school system d) Some extensions to intercity busing e) Busing remains controversial (1) Some presidents oppose but still implement it (2) Congress torn in two directions f) 1992 decision allows busing to end if segregation caused by shifting housing patterns

What of an arrest while driving (in terms of search and seizure)?

a) Answer changes almost yearly b) Court attempts to protect a "reasonable expectation of privacy" c) Privacy in body and home but not from government supervisor

What of an arrest while driving (search and seizure)?

a) Answer changes almost yearly b) Court attempts to protect a "reasonable expectation of privacy" c) Privacy in body and home but not from government supervisor

What were the four developments broke the deadlock on civil rights?

a) Change of public opinion b) Violent white reactions of segregationists became media focus c) Kennedy assassination d) 1964 Democratic landslide

How are courts divided on the issue of targets v. quotas?

a) Court of Appeals for Fifth Circuit ruled race to be used in admissions decisions for law school b) Supreme Court ruled that racial classifications subject to strict scrutiny

What was the rationale of the Supreme Court behind Brown v. Board of Education?

a) Detriment to pupils by creating sense of inferiority b) Social science used because intent of Fourteenth Amendment unclear; needed unanimous decision

What are the effects since 1964 of civil rights?

a) Dramatic ride in black voting b) Mood of Congress shifted to pro-civil rights; 1988 overturn of Reagan veto of bill that extended federal ban on discrimination in education

Describe searches and seizures for testing for drugs and AIDS?

a) Mandatory AIDS testing called for, not yet in place b) Government drug testing now in courts but private testing OK c) Supreme Court: some testing is permissible (1) Law enforcement and railroad employees (2) Random sobriety checks on drivers (3) Key: concern for public safety or national security (4) High school athletes

What are the laws regarding testing for drugs and AIDS?

a) Mandatory AIDS testing called for, not yet in place b) Government drug testing now in courts but private testing OK c) Supreme Court: some testing is permissible (1) Law enforcement and railroad employees (2) Random sobriety checks on drivers (3) Key: concern for public safety or national security (4) High school athletes

What are the emerging standards for quotas and preference systems?

a) Must me "compelling" justification b) Must correct pattern of discrimination c) Must involve practices that discriminate d) Federal quotas are to be given deference e) Voluntary preference systems are easier to justify f) Not likely to apply who gets laid off Congressional efforts to defend affirmative action not yet successful

What are some issues fought out in court regarding targets v. quotas?

a) No clear direction in Supreme Court decisions b) Court is deeply divided; Affected by conservative Reagan appointees c) Law is complex and confusing (1) Bakke : numerical minority quotas not permissible (2) But Court rule otherwise in later cases

What is the difference between "Compensatory action" (helping minorities catch up) versus "preferential treatment" (giving minorities preference, applying quotas)?

a) Public supports former but not latter b) On line with American political culture (1) Support for individualism (2) Support for needy

What were opponents' defensive positions in legislature on civil rights?

a) Senate Judiciary Committee controlled by southern Democrats b) House rules Committee controlled by Howard Smith c) Senate filibuster threat d) President Kennedy deadlock

What is the U.S. Patriot Act?

a) Telephone and internet taps, voice mail seizure b) Grand jury information exchange c) Detainment of non-citizens and deportation of aliens d) Money laundering e) Crime and punishments

What is the US Patriot Act?

a) Telephone and internet taps, voice mail seizure b) Grand jury information exchange c) Detainment of non-citizens and deportation of aliens d) Money laundering e) Crime and punishments

What can police search incident to an arrest?

a) The individual being arrested b) Things in plain view c) Things under the immediate control of the individual

What is Executive order for use of military courts?

a) Trial before commission of military officers, may be secret b) two-thirds vote for conviction, appeal to secretary of defense and the president

Describe the Executive order for use of military courts

a) Trial before commission of military officers, may be secret b) two-thirds vote for conviction, appeal to secretary of defense and the president Intensified investigations and concerns of civil liberties organizations

What is obscenity?

a) Twelve years of decisions; no lasting definition b) 1973 definition: patently offensive by community standards of average person c) Balancing competing claims remains a problem d) Localities decide whether to tolerate pornography but must comply with strict rules e) Protection extended: nude dancing only marginally protected f) Indianapolis statute: pornography degrading but court disagreed g) Zoning ordinances upheld h) Regulation of electronic Internet (child pornography)

When can "reasonable" searched of individuals be made?

a) With a properly obtained search warrant with probable cause b) Incident to an arrest

What are the clearest cases of party realignment?

a. 1860: slavery b. 1896: economics c. 1932: depression

What type of organization is needed to run for Presidency?

a. A large (paid) staff b. Volunteers c. Advisers on issues: position papers

What are block-grant entitlements?

a. AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children)and Medicaid had operated as entitlements-federal funds a fixed proportion of state spending on these programs b. Republicans in 104th Congress proposed making these and other programs block grants c. AFDC did become a block grant d. Devolution became part of the national political agenda

Describe the allies of bureaucratic agencies

a. Agencies often seek alliances with congressional committees or interest groups Harold Seidman estimates that cabinet secretaries spend about 10 percent of their time attending to departmental business and 40 percent of their time testifying before congressional committees. (1) Iron triangle-client politics b. Far less common today, politics has become too complicated (1) More interest groups, more congressional subcommittees (2) Far more competing forces than ever given access by courts c. Issue networks: groups that regularly debate government policy on certain issues (1) Contentious, split along partisan, ideological, economic lines (2) New president often recruits from networks

What emerged from the Constitutional Convention?

a. An entirely new constitution, though authorized only to revise Articles b. The new constitution had Lockean influence c.From the convention arose doubts that popular consent alone could guarantee liberty d. The resulting conclusion: "a delicate problem"; need strong government for order but not threaten liberty

What is the the balancing act in the presidential election?

a. Being conservative or liberal enough to get nominated b. Move to center to get elected c. Apparent contradiction means neither candidate is appealing

Describe external efficacy

a. Belief that system will respond to citizens b. Not shaped by particular events c. Declined steadily through 1960s and 1970s d. Government becoming too big to respond to individual

Who makes up the Democratic coalition?

a. Blacks most loyal b. Jews slipping somewhat c. Hispanics somewhat mixed (1) Political power does not yet match numbers (2) Turnout will increase as more become citizens (3) See box in text regarding the Hispanic vote d. Catholics, southerners, unionists departing the coalition lately

Why is the role of vice president "a rather empty job"?

a. Candidates still pursue it b. Vice president presides over Senate and votes in case of tie c. Leadership powers in Senate are weak

What are some examples of mandates?

a. Civil rights b. Environmental protection

Describe internal efficacy

a. Confidence in one's ability to understand and influence events b. About the same as in 1950s

How has the power of presidential coattails has declined?

a. Congressional elections have become largely independent of presidential election b. Reduces meaning (and importance) of party

Why are there so many constraints on bureaucrats?

a. Constraints come from citizens: agencies' responses to demands for openness, honesty, fairness, etc.

What are some characteristics of news broadcasts ("visuals")?

a. Cost little b. May have greater credibility with voters c. Rely on having television camera crew around d. May actually be less informative than spots

What are some committee assignments in the Senate?

a. Democratic Steering Committee b. Republican Committee on Committees c. Emphasizes ideological and regional balance d. Other factors: popularity, effectiveness on television, favors owed

Why didn't block grants or revenue sharing achieve the goal of giving states more freedom in spending?

a. Did not grow as fast as categorical grants b. Number of strings increased

Why does what works in a general election not always work in a primary election?

a. Different voters, workers, media attention b. Must mobilize activists with money and motivation to win nomination

What are two explanations of well-off individuals who are liberals?

a. Directly benefit from government b. Liberal ideology infusing postgraduate education

Why was 1980 not a realignment?

a. Dissatisfaction with Carter led to Reagan's victory b. Also left Congress Democratic

What are some problems that arise from majority-minority districts?

a. Districts drawn to make it easier to elect minority representatives b. Shaw v. Reno: Supreme Court states race can be a factor in congressional redistricting only if there is a "compelling state interest"-standard yet to be defined c. Majority-minority districts raise debate about descriptive versus substantive representation d. Liberal white Congressmen represent black interests as strongly as black members

Describe the culture and careers of bureaucrats

a. Each agency has its own culture b. Jobs with an agency can be career enhancing or not c. Strong agency culture motivates employees (1) But it makes agencies resistant to change

How has the federal system decentralized parties in the U.S.?

a. Early on, most people with political jobs worked for state and local government b. National parties were then coalitions of local parties. c. As political power becomes more centralized, parties did not do the same

What are three useful categories that emerge from the studies of the labels of liberalism and conservatism?

a. Economic policy: liberals favor jobs for all, subsidized medical care and education, taxation of rich b. Civil rights: liberals prefer desegregation, strict enforcement of civil rights law c. Public and political conduct: liberals tolerant of demonstrations, legalization of marijuana, etc.

What are some positive views of Federalism?

a. Elazar: strength, flexibility fosters individual liberty b. Different political groups with different political purposes come to power in different places c. Increased political activity d. Most obvious effect of federalism facilitates mobilization of political activity e. Federalism lowers the cost of political organization at the local level

What are some examples of how presidents and legislature often work at cross-purposes?

a. Even when one party controls both branches b. A consequence of separation of powers, which fosters conflict between the branches c. Only Roosevelt and Johnson had constructive relations with Congress

What are some examples of broad economic developments create new interest groups?

a. Farmers produce cash crops b. Mass-production industries begin

Why might grants-in-aid be attractive to state officials?

a. Federal budget surpluses (nineteenth century) b. Federal income tax increased revenues c. Federal control of money supply d. Appeared as "free" money for state officials

What were some debates on the meaning of federalism (other than McCulloch v. Maryland)?

a. Federal taxes on state, local bond interest b . "Nullification" doctrine decided by Civil War: states cannot declare acts of Congress unconstitutional

Describe the major change in 1972-1988: shift in presidential voting patterns in the South

a. Fewer Democrats, more Republicans, more independents b. Independents vote Republican c. Now close to fifty-fifty Democratic, Republican d. Party de-alignment, not realignment, because party labels lost meaning for so many voters

Describe the development of black voting rights

a. Fifteenth Amendment gutted by Supreme Court as not conferring a right to vote b. Southern states then used evasive stratagems (1) Literacy test (2) Poll tax (3) White primaries (4) Grandfather clauses (5) Intimidation of black voters c. Most of these stratagems ruled out by Supreme Court d. Major change with 1965 Voting Rights Act; black vote increases

What are some results of the risk of slips of the tongue on visuals and debates?

a. Forces candidates to rely on stock speeches--campaign themes b. Sell yourself as much or more than ideas

What roles do the national media play?

a. Gatekeeper: what subjects become national political issues, for how long b. Scorekeeper: track political reputations and candidacies (1) Elections covered like horse races c. Watchdog: investigate personalities and expose scandals

Describe the process of being nominated to be a candidate in an election

a. Getting your name on the ballot b. An individual effort (versus organizational effort in Europe) c. U.S. parties now stress label more than organization d. Parties used to play a major role

What were some abuses of political machines?

a. Gradually controlled by reforms b. Machines continued until voter demographics and federal programs changed

What are the Iowa caucuses?

a. Held in February of presidential election year b. Candidates must do well or be disadvantaged in media attention, contributor interest c. Winners tend to be most liberal Democrat, most conservative Republican

What are ways of looking at various groups of voters?

a. How loyal, or percentage voting for party b. How important, or number voting for party

What are some crucial questions about Constitution

a. How well has it worked in history? b. How well has it worked in comparison with others?

What happens when there are differences in Senate and House versions of a bill?

a. If a minor, last house to act merely sends bill to the other house, which accepts the changes b. If major, a conference committee is appointed (1) Decisions are by a majority of each delegation; Senate version favored About 10 to 15 percent of bills end up in a conference committee. Which houses version is most likely to prevail in the dispute? Successive studies by Richard Fenno, Stephen Horn, and David Vogler indicate that the Senate is the most likely victor about 60 percent of the time, the House in only about a third of the cases. (2) Conference reports back to each house for acceptance or rejection (3) Report can only be accepted or rejected-not amended (4) Report accepted, usually

What were some new rules set by Democrats regarding the National Convention?

a. In 1970s, rules changed to weaken local party leaders and increase influence of women, youth, and minorities b. Hunt Commission in 1981 increases influence of elected officials and makes convention more deliberative

To become more competitive, Democrats adopted what rule changes regarding the National Convention?

a. In 1988, number of superdelegates increased while special interest caucuses decreased b. In 1992, three rules: (1) Winner-reward system of delegate distribution banned (2) Proportional representation implemented (3) States that violate rules penalized

What are some arenas of politics in which parties exist?

a. In minds of the voters as label b. Organization recruiting and campaigning for candidates c. Set of leaders in government

How are presidential campaigns financed?

a. Individuals can give $1,000, PACs can give $5,000 in each election to each candidate b. Candidates must raise $5,000 in twenty states in individual contributions of $250 or less to qualify for matching grants to pay for primary

Retrospective voting practiced by most voters, so decides most elections. Describe those who vote retrospectively?

a. Judge the incumbent's performance and vote accordingly b. Have things gotten better or worse, especially economically? c. Examples: presidential campaigns of 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992 d. Usually helps incumbent ... unless economy has gotten worse e. Midterm elections: voters turn against president's party

What are two consequences of electing congressional candidates via primary?

a. Legislators closely tied to local concerns b. Party leaders have little influence

How has decentralization increased influence of individual members?

a. Less control by chairs b. More amendments proposed and adopted c. Democratic leaders began to use restrictive rules, proxy votes d. These practices provoked 1995 Republican reforms

What are different kinds of party realignments?

a. Major party disappears and new party emerges (1800,1860) b. Voters shift from one party to another (1896, 1932)

What effect has the computer had on presidential campaigns?

a. Makes possible direct-mail campaigns b. Allows candidates to address specific voters via direct mail c. Importance of mailing lists d. Campaign Web Sites immediate information

What are three ways in which the culture war differs from political disputes?

a. Money is not at stake b. Compromises are almost impossible c. Conflict is more profound

What are two reasons why the current culture war has special historical importance?

a. More people consider themselves progressives than previously b. Rise of technology makes it easier to mobilize people

What indicates that a high degree of class consciousness was absent during the early period of America's history?

a. Most people consider themselves middle class b. Even unemployed do not oppose management c. Message of Horatio Alger stories is still popular

What are some studies on effects of journalistic opinions?

a. Nuclear power: antinuclear slant b. School busing: pro-busing c. Media spin almost inevitable.

Describe the degree of competition in newspapers

a. Number of newspapers has not declined b. Number of cities with multiple papers has declined (1) Sixty present of cities had competing newspapers in 1900 (2) Four percent in 1972

Occupation had a more important association with political opinions in 1950's on social welfare and foreign policy and a less important one in the 1960's on poverty programs, health insurance, Vietnam, government - created jobs. Why the change?

a. Occupation depends more on schooling, so upper-class exposed to liberalism b. Non economic issues now define liberal and conservative

Who attends caucuses?

a. Only most dedicated partisans attend b. Often choose most ideological candidate: Jackson, Robertson in 1988

Why did Antifederalists believe that liberty could be secure only in small republics?

a. Otherwise national government would be distant from people, becoming tyrannical b. Strong national government would use powers to annihilate state functions

How is the party system affected by the political culture of the American people?

a. Parties unimportant in life; Americans do not join or pay dues b. Parties separate from other aspects of life

Who makes up the Republican coalition?

a. Party of business and professional people b. Very loyal, defecting only in 1964 c. Usually wins vote of poor due to retired, elderly voters

Describe how the House evolved from mid-1940s to early 1960s

a. Powerful committee chairs, mostly from the South b. Long apprenticeships for new members c. Small congressional staffs so members dealt face-to-face

How do congressional candidates campaign against Washington?

a. President is held accountable b. But local candidates suffer when their party's economic policies fail

What happens when a bill, in final form, goes to the president?

a. President may sign it b. If president vetoes it, it returns to house of origin (1) Either house may override president by vote of two-thirds of those present (2) If both override, bill becomes law without president's signature The president's veto is typically sustained. Historically, presidents' vetoes have prevailed 96 percent of the time. Even the threat of a veto can force change or compromise.

In what ways are presidential races are more competitive than House races?

a. Presidential winner rarely gets more than 55 percent of vote b. Most House incumbents are reelected (over 90 percent)

In what ways did Progressives push measures to curtail parties?

a. Primary elections b. Nonpartisan elections at city and (sometimes) state level c. No party-business alliances-potential for corruption d. Strict voter registration requirements e. Civil service reform f. Initiative and referendum

What are some characteristics of paid advertising (spots)?

a. Probably less effect on general than primary elections b. Most voters rely on many sources for information

How much time is usually set aside to run in a presidential election?

a. Reagan: six years; Mondale: four years b. May have to resign from office first (Dole in 1996)

How does absence of an established national religion affected Americans' political culture?

a. Religious diversity a source of cleavage b. Absence of established religion has facilitated the absence of political orthodoxy c. Puritan heritage (dominant tradition) stress on personal achievement d. Miniature political systems produced by churches' congregational organization, so civic and political skills could develop

What are different types of political news stories?

a. Routine stories: public events, regularly covered (1) Reported similarly by all media; opinions of journalists have least effect (2) Can be miss-reported b. Feature stories: public but not routinely covered so requires reporter initiative (1) Selection involves perception of what is important (2) Liberal and conservative papers do different stories (3) Increasing in number; reflect views of press more than experts or public c. Insider stories: investigative reporting or leaks

Studies on media impact on elections are generally inconclusive, because of citizens' . . .

a. Selective attention According to Doris Graber, newspaper readers are highly selective. The average person reads only about 20 percent of newspaper stories in full. b. Mental tune-out

Describe the development of womens' voting rights

a. Several western states permitted women to vote by 1915 b. Nineteenth Amendment ratified 1920 c. No dramatic changes in outcomes

Describe how the House evolved from early 1970s to early 1980s

a. Spurred by civil rights efforts of younger, mostly northern members b. Growth in size of staffs c. Committees became more democratic d. Electronic voting meant members more often on record e. Focus on reelection--sophomore surge f. More amendments and filibusters

Describe how the House evolved from early 1980s to present

a. Strengthening and centralizing party leadership b. Became apparent under Jim Wright c. Return to more accommodating style under Tom Foley d. Newt Gingrich more assertive

Why do elites, or activists, display greater ideological consistency than others?

a. They have more information than most people b. Their peers reinforce consistency

According to V. 0. Key: most voters who switch parties do so in their own interests. Why?

a. They know what issues affect them personally b. They have strong principles about certain issues (abortion, etc.)

How do campaigns make a difference in who wins the election?

a. They reawaken voters' partisan loyalties b. They let voters see how candidates handle pressure c. They let voters judge candidates' characters

Prospective voting is used by relatively few voters. Who are they?

a. Those voters know the issues and vote accordingly b. Most common among activists and special interest groups

Why do fewer people vote in congressional elections than presidential ones?

a. Unless it coincides with a presidential election b. Gives greater importance to partisan voters

Describe ideas for reform of campaign financing laws

a. Unlikely: Congress won't agree since incumbent has advantage b. The "constitutional right to campaign" involved c. Public financing of congressional races would give incumbents even more of a advantage d. Abolishing PAC money might allow fat cats to reemerge as a major force e. Shorter campaigns might help incumbents

How does someone who wants to run for president get mentioned as being presidential caliber?

a. Using reporters, trips, speeches b. Sponsoring legislation, governor of large state

What are some characteristics of debates?

a. Usually an advantage only to the challenger b. Reagan in 1980: reassured voters c. 1988 primary debates with little impact

Describe how electoral convulsions alter membership, as in 1994

a. Voters opposed incumbents due to budget deficits, various policies, legislative-executive bickering, scandal b. Other factors were 1990 redistricting and southern shift to voting Republican (replacing conservative coalition) legislation

Describe the development of youths' voting rights

a. Voting Rights Act of 1970 b. Twenty-sixth Amendment ratified 1971 c. Lower turnout; no particular party

What are some examples of government policy itself creating new interest groups?

a. Wars create veterans, who demand benefits b. Encouraged formation of American Farm Bureau Federation, professional associations 3. Emergence of strong leaders, usually at certain times 4. Expanding role of government

What is the significance of the national media?

a. Washington officials follow it closely b. National reporters and editors distinctive from local press (1) Better paid (2) From more prestigious universities (3) More liberal outlook (4) Do investigative or interpretive stories

Describe the complex history of liberal and conservative labels

a. early 1800's: liberal-support personal, economic liberty; conservative-restore power of state, church, aristocracy b. Roosevelt and New Deal: liberalism = activist government c. Conservative reaction to activism (Goldwater): free market, states' rights, individual choice in economics d. Today's meanings are imprecise and changing

How are congressional elections financed?

all private money a. From individuals, political action committees, and parties b. Most from individual small donors ($100-$200 a person) c. $1,000 maximum for individual donors d. Benefit performances by rock stars, etc. e. $5,000 limit for PACs ... f. ...but most give only a few hundred dollars g. Tremendous PAC advantage to incumbents: backing the winner h. Challengers have to pay their own way

To investigate voting behavior, one must know how a legislator voted bill itself, but also how they voted on what?

amendments to the bill

What are some characteristics of federal matching funds?

b. Only match contributions of small donors: less than $250 c. Gives incentive to raise money from small donors d. Government also gives lump-sum grants to parties to cover convention costs

Describe the structure of the RNC

bureaucratic structure; a well-financed party devoted to electing its candidates that now tries to help state and local organizations

Divided government is common in U.S. but Americans dislike it for what reason?

creating gridlock 1. But divided government passes as many important laws, conducts as many investigations, and ratifies as many treaties as a unified government 2. Unclear whether gridlock is always bad; it is a necessary consequence of representative democracy

Define the Madisonian view

cultivation of virtue would require a government too strong, too dangerous; self-interest should be freely pursued within limits

What is a proportional representation (voting) system?

describes an electoral system in which like-minded groupings of voters will win legislative seats in better proportion to their share of the popular vote than in winner-take-all elections. This system gives minor parties the more of an incentive to organize because their party is guaranteed representation in government based on the percentage of the popular vote.

What is the committee on committees?

determines which republican members will be on the various standing committees

What are the two phases of presidential and congressional campaigns?

getting nominated and getting elected

United States vs. Reese 1876

gutted the 15th amendment (said that the amendment did not bestow suffrage rights upon all people)

Grants-in-aid show how political realities modify ________

legal authority

Did block grants or revenue sharing achieve the goal of giving states more freedom in spending?

no

Whereas the separation of powers enables each branch to check others, Federalism enables _________

one level of government to act as a check on the other

What is canned news?

packaged Press releases

What are the two contrary forces influencing a parties decision when picking a candidate?

party's desire to win motivates it to seek an appealing candidate, but its desire to keep dissidents in party forces a compromise with more extreme views

What was Palko v. Conn. (1937)?

ruled that the double jeopardy provision of the Fifth Amendment does not apply to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment. This case was later overturned extending the Fifth Amendment protections to individuals in state criminal cases in Benton v. Maryland (1969).

How do the DNC and RNC sidestep federal spending limits?

send money to state parties

What is Calendar Wednesday?

the Wednesday of each week that committees of the U.S. House of Representatives may bring unprivileged bills before that house.

What was the 1964 civil rights bill?

the high point- employment, public accommodations a) Broad in scope, strong enforcement mechanisms b) Johnson moves after Kennedy assassinated c) Discharge petition, cloture invokes

What are the origins of the parties?

• Federalist #10 • Constitutional Convention • Became necessity • Functions - Primary-win elections

What powers are denied to the states?

• Levy tariffs • Coin money • Maintain an army • Regulate interstate trade • No agreements w/other states or nations w/out consent of Congress

What were some basic principles of the new constitution?

• Limited Govt. • Representative govt. • Separation of Powers • Checks & Balances • Judicial Review - Marbury v. Madison 1803 • Federalism

What are some advantages of incumbency, in fundraising?

• One estimate calculates incumbency as providing an automatic 9 percent vote advantage. a. Can provide services to constituency b. Can use Franking Privilege for mailings. c. Can get free publicity through legislation and investigations

What have been some historical barriers to voting?

• Property requirement • Age (26th Amendment (1971)) • Race • Gender • Language (States w/high % of immigrants more likely to provide voting materials in other languages) • Frequency of Elections • # of Elected Offices • # of Items on Ballot (initiatives, referendi) • Weak Political Parties • Sense that elections don't matter • Registration(varies from state to state)

What are some examples of concurrent powers?

• Taxation • Borrow $ • Make laws • Est. courts • Est. police

What is federalism?

The division of power between a national government and regional (state) governments.

The constitution does not contain word "democracy" but rather what term?

"republican form of government"

What are majoritarian politics?

(1) A political system in which leaders are constrained to follow closely the wishes of the people. (2) Political activity in which the costs and benefits of a proposed course of action are widely distributed. The president and his advisers play the dominant role, with debate expressed in ideological terms. The outcome of the debate is often the institutionalization of a new worldview. The ideological nature of the policy diminishes once the policy is adopted and proves popular. The populist view. This is what most tend to view our democracy as but it is often simplistic. Really, it is a very democratic notion, but how good is this as a form of government...

Define democracy

-A word used to describe at least three different political systems that each embody the principle of popular rule, if only in the interests of the people. See democratic centralism, direct democracy, representative democracy.

Describe characteristics of the colonial mind

1. Belief that British politicians were corrupt and thus English constitution inadequate to protect citizens' liberty 2. Belief in a higher law of natural rights a. Life b. Liberty c. Property (Jefferson notwithstanding) 3. A war of ideology, not economics 4. Specific complaints against George III for violating inalienable rights

What are three recommendations for reclaiming participatory democracy?

1. Community control 2. Citizen participation in program development 3. Do we want a push-button Democracy or one that is has a "mind of its own?"

What were weaknesses of the confederation?

1. Could not levy taxes or regulate commerce 2. Sovereignty, independence retained by states 3. One vote in Congress for each state 4. Nine of thirteen votes in Congress required for any measure 5. Delegates to Congress picked, paid for by state legislatures 6. Little money coined by Congress 7. Army small; dependent on state militias 8. Territorial disputes between states led to open hostilities 9. No national judicial system 10. All thirteen states' consent necessary for any amendments

What were the objectives of the Framers?

1. Limited federal powers 2. Constitution: a list of dos, not don'ts 3. Bill of Rights: specific don'ts a) Not intended to affect states b) A limitation on popular rule

What were some lessons of experience in forming the constitution?

1. State Constitutions 2.Shays's Rebellion brought fear that states about to collapse 3. The rule of England

What was the "real" revolution?

1. The radical change in belief about what made authority legitimate and liberties secure 2. Government by consent, not by prerogative 3. Direct grant of power in a written constitution 4. Human liberty prior to government 5. Legislative superior to executive branch because legislature directly represented the people

Describe phase three of congressional evolution: Rise of a powerful speaker

1. Thomas B. Reed (R-ME), Speaker, 1889-1899, produced party unity 2. Joseph G. Cannon (R-IL), Speaker, 1899-1910, more conservative than many House Republicans

What are the two great questions about politics?

1. Who governs: those who govern will affect us 2. To what ends: tells how government affects our lives

What is an appropriations bill?

A (proposed) formal action by a legislative assembly (such as the U.S. Congress or a state legislature) that specifies exact amounts of the government's money that the Treasury may legally pay out (through new hiring, contracts for purchases, findings of individuals' eligibility for income transfer payments, etc.) for each of a list of particular pre-authorized programs carried out by governmental agencies over a specific period of time (normally one year).

Who is Weber, Max A?

A German historian and sociologist who criticized the theories of Karl Marx, arguing that all institutions have fallen under the control of large bureaucracies whose expertise is essential to the management of contemporary affairs.

What is the difference between a delegate and a trustee?

Doing what district wants (delegate) versus using independent judgment (trustees)

What is natural law?

A body of law or a specific principle held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society in the absence of or in addition to positive law (see Hobbes and Locke)

What is a quorum call?

A calling of the roll in either house of Congress to see whether the number of representatives in attendance meets the minimum number required to conduct official business.

What is an amendment (constitutional)?

A change in, or addition to, a constitution. Amendments are proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by Congress at the request of two-thirds of the state legislatures and ratified by approval of three-fourths of the states.

What is an iron triangle?

A close relationship between a government agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs (agency), the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs (congressional committee), and Veterans groups such as the American Legion

What are marginal districts?

A congressional district in which the winner of the general election gets less than 55 percent of the vote. Such districts could easily switch to the other party in the next election.

What is democratic centralism?

A form of democracy in which the true interests of the masses were discovered through discussion within the Communist party, and then decisions were made under central leadership to serve those interests.

What is a Bill of Attainder?

A law that declares a person, without trial, to be guilty of a crime. The state legislatures and Congress are forbidden to pass such acts, Article 1, Sections 9 and 10, of the Constitution.

What is double-tracking?

A method to keep the Senate going during a filibuster, whereby a disputed bill is temporarily shelved so that the Senate can go on with other business.

What is a rider?

A nongermane amendment to an important bill. It is added so the measure will "ride" to passage through the Congress. When a bill has lots of riders, it is called a Christmas tree bill.

What is the president pro tempore?

A position created in the Constitution to serve as presiding officer of the Senate in the absence of the vice president.

What is logrolling?

A practice common in the U.S. Congress and in many other legislative assemblies in which two (or more) legislators agree for each to trade his vote on one bill he cares little about in exchange for the other's vote on a bill that is personally much more important to him. Logrolling is especially common when the legislators are relatively free of control by their national party leaders and are trying to secure votes for bills that will concentrate sizable benefits on their own home districts while spreading most of the costs out over taxpayers in the rest of the country. Local projects such as Federally funded dams, bridges, highways, housing projects, VA hospitals, job-training centers, military bases and the like are often pushed through by logrolling.

What is a discharge petition?

A procedure for removing legislation from the control of a committee and bringing it to the floor for immediate consideration. In the House, the petition must contain the names of 218 members to succeed. In the Senate, any member may move to discharge a bill from committee, but the petition requires a majority vote to succeed.

What is a filibuster?

A prolonged speech or series of speeches made to delay action on legislation in the Senate. The purpose is to kill the measure by talking it to death.

What is a legitimacy barrier?

A shared public belief that limits access to the political agenda, depending on whether an issue is considered an appropriate subject for government action. This barrier has collapsed as politics has become involved in nearly everything.

What is substantive representation?

A term coined by Hannah Pitkin to refer to the correspondence between representatives' opinions and those of their constituents.

What is descriptive representation?

A term coined by Hannah Pitkin to refer to the statistical correspondence of the demographic characteristics of representatives with those of their constituents.

What is the Bureaucratic view?

A theory developed by Max Weber that bureaucrats make the key governing decisions. According to this theory the influence of government bureaucracies has become so great that elected officials are almost powerless to affect policy.

What is the Power Elite view?

A view founded by Wright Mills: government is dominated by power elites composed of key corporate leaders, military leaders, and political leaders. ie; Military Industrial Complex

What is a conservative coalition?

A vote in Congress in which conservative Democrats join with Republicans.

What is a representative democracy or elitist theory of democracy?

Acquisition of power by leaders via competitive elections

What was Reynolds v. Sims (1964)?

After establishing the court's jurisdiction to rule on apportionment issues (Baker v. Carr, 1962), the court ruled that the principle of "one man one vote" required congressional districts to have approximately equal residents, regardless of geographical size.

What is an elite?

An identifiable group of persons who possess a disproportionate share of some valued resource

What is pork-barrel legislation?

Appropriations of public funds by Congress (or other legislative assemblies) for projects that do not serve the interests of any large portion of the country's citizenry but are nevertheless vigorously promoted by a small group of legislators because they will pump outside taxpayers' money and resources into the local districts these legislators represent. Successful promotion of such pork-barrel legislation (often through skillful logrolling) is very likely to get the legislator re-elected by his constituents. Classic examples of such pork-barrel legislation include Federal appropriations bills for dams, river and harbor improvements, bridge and highway construction, and job-training centers, as well as legislation designed to prevent closure of obsolete or unneeded military installations, prisons, VA hospitals and the like.

What are majority-minority districts?

Congressional districts designed to make it easier for minority citizens to elect minority representatives. These districts are drawn so that the majority of their voters are minorities.

What is an open rule?

Consent from the Rules Committee of the House of Representatives which permits amendments from the floor on a particular piece of legislation.

What is a restrictive rule?

Consent from the Rules Committee of the House of Representatives which permits certain amendments to a piece of legislation but not others.

Describe the structure of the DNC

Democrats move to a factionalized structure to redistribute power

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing congressional district lines in a bizarre or unusual shape to make it easy for a candidate of one party to win elections in that district.

What was the Warren court?

Earl Warren (1891-1974) was a prominent 20th century leader of American politics and law. Elected California governor in 1942, Warren secured major reform legislation during his three terms in office. After failing to claim the Republican nomination for the presidency, he was appointed the 14th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1953. The landmark case of his tenure was Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), in which the Court unanimously determined the segregation of schools to be unconstitutional. The Warren Court also sought electoral reforms, equality in criminal justice and the defense of human rights before its chief justice retired in 1969.

What are grants-in-aid?

Federal funds given to state and local governments for a specified purpose; See block grant.

What was INS v. Chadha (1983)?

Held that a legislative veto to invalidate an act of the executive branch is unconstitutional as a violation of separation of powers. Struck down a law allowing one house of Congress to veto a decision of the INS and allow deportable aliens to remain in the US pending dispensation of their hearing.

What is a legislative veto?

In administrative law, a provision that allows a congressional resolution (passed by a majority of congress, but not signed by the President) to nullify a rulemaking or other action taken by an executive agency.

Define bureaucracy

In ordinary usage, "bureaucracy" refers to a complex, specialized organization (especially a governmental organization) composed of non-elected, highly trained professional administrators and clerks hired on a full-time basis to perform administrative services and tasks. Bureaucratic organizations are broken up into specialized departments or ministries, to each of which is assigned responsibility for pursuing a limited number of the government's many official goals and policies -- those falling within a single relatively narrow functional domain. The departments or ministries are subdivided into divisions that are each assigned even more specialized responsibilities for accomplishing various portions or aspects of the department's overall tasks, and these divisions are in turn composed of multiple agencies or bureaus with even more minutely specialized functions (and their own subdivisions). Bureaucratic organizations always rely heavily on the principle of hierarchy and rank, which requires a clear, unambiguous chain of command through which "higher" officials supervise the "lower" officials, who of course supervise their own subordinate administrators within the various subdivisions and sub-subdivisions of the organization.

What are natural rights?

Inalienable rights, inherent with humanity which cannot be taken away by government.

What is one thing that a representative democracy requires in order to be successful?

Leadership competition

What is a private bill?

Legislation that pertains to a particular individual, such as a person pressing a financial claim against the government or seeking special permission to become a naturalized citizen.

What is a public bill?

Legislation that pertains to affairs generally.

Describe the initial state constitution of Massachusetts

Less democratic than that of Pennsylvania, but suffered Shays's Rebellion

Why do controversial mandates result from court decisions?

Local citizens use federal courts to change local practices

What is a party caucus?

Members of each major party in the United States Congress meet regularly in closed sessions known as party conferences (Republicans) or party caucuses (Democrats). Participants set legislative agendas, select committee members and chairs, and hold elections to choose various Floor leaders.

Who were the Antifederalists?

Opponents to the ratification of the Constitution who valued liberty above all else and believed it could be protected only in a small republic. They emphasized states' rights and worried that the new central government was too strong (see Centinel I; Brutus I)

What is a republic?

Originally, any form of government not headed by an hereditary monarch. In modern American usage, the term usually refers more specifically to a form of government (a.k.a. "representative democracy") in which ultimate political power is theoretically vested in the people but in which popular control is exercised only intermittently and indirectly through the popular election of government officials and/or delegates to a legislative assembly rather than directly through frequent mass assemblies or legislation by referendum.

What are client politics?

Political activity in which the benefits of a policy are concentrated on a small, easily organized group while the costs are widely distributed among the public at large. These factors make the policy low in visibility and limit the role played by political parties. Such policies have become less common as more organized interests act on behalf of the public and as courts intervene more often in public policy disputes.

What are entrepreneurial politics?

Political activity in which the benefits of a policy are widely distributed but the costs are concentrated on a small group. The public is usually indifferent to such policies and must be mobilized through skilled leadership and the media. Emotional appeals using compelling symbols are frequently employed for this purpose. Government agencies created as a result of the policy are vulnerable to capture, with courts likely to intervene.

What are interest group politics?

Political activity in which the costs of a policy are concentrated on a small group while the benefits are concentrated on a different but equally small group. Such policy proposals are generated by changing economic and social cleavages in society which force interests to organize. Political parties are usually divided and play no role in the resolution of the matter. The dispute over the policy will persist even after its passage or defeat, but in the bureaucratic or judicial arenas. Neither the president nor public opinion is a significant factor.

What is a "mark-up" session?

Revisions and additions to legislation made by committees and subcommittees. These changes are not part of a bill unless approved by the house of which the committee is a part.

What is elitism?

Rule by identifiable group of persons who possess a disproportionate share of political power

What are examples political action being taken with only self interest as a motive?

Support of "Big Tobacco" and NRA.

What is power?

The ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first person's intentions

What is malapportionment?

The creation of congressional districts in a state which are of unequal size. The Supreme Court in 1964 eliminated the practice by requiring that all districts in a state contain about the same number of people.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The document establishing a "league of friendship" among the American states in 1781. The government proved too weak to rule effectively and was replaced by the current Constitution.

What is a party vote?

The extent to which members of a party vote together in the House and Senate. By any measure, the extent of such voting has fluctuated and is lower now than at the turn of the century, although a slow but steady increase has developed since 1972.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution, containing a list of individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press (see readings)

What is a minority leader?

The head of the minority party in each house of Congress chosen by the caucus of the minority party. This person formulates the minority party's strategy and program

What is a majority leader?

The legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate.

What is legitimacy?

The principle that indicates the acceptance of the decisions of government leaders and officials by (most of) the public on the grounds that these leaders' acquisition and exercise of power has been in accordance with the society's generally accepted procedures and political or moral values. Legitimacy may be conferred upon power holders in a variety of ways in different societies, usually involving solemn formal rituals of a religious or quasi-religious nature -- royal birth and coronation in monarchies, popular election and "swearing in" in democracies and so on.

What is authority?

The right to use power; not all who exercise political power have it

What is the Pluralist view?

The theoretical point of view which holds that American politics is best understood through the generalization that power is relatively broadly (though unequally) distributed among many more or less organized interest groups in society that compete with one another to control public policy, with some groups tending to dominate in one or two issue areas or arenas of struggle while other groups and interests tend to dominate in other issue areas or arenas of struggle. There is no single, unified "power elite," but rather there are many competing power elites with differing backgrounds, values and bases of support in the broader society. Government tends to be depicted as a mechanism for mediating and compromising a constantly shifting balance between group interests rather than as an active innovator or imposer of policies upon society.

What is the elitist theory?

The theoretical view held by many social scientists which holds that American politics is best understood through the generalization that nearly all political power is held by a relatively small and wealthy group of people sharing similar values and interests and mostly coming from relatively similar privileged backgrounds. Elite theorists emphasize the degree to which interlocking corporate and foundation directorates, old school ties and frequent social interaction tend to link together and facilitate coordination between the top leaders in business, government, civic organizations, educational and cultural establishments and the mass media. This "power elite" can effectively dictate the main goals (if not always the practical means and details) for all really important government policy making (as well as dominate the activities of the major mass media and educational/cultural organizations in society) by virtue of their control over the economic resources of the major business and financial organizations in the country.

What is an organizational view of representation

The theory of congressional voting behavior which assumes that members make voting decisions to please fellow members and obtain their goodwill. Such behavior is possible since constituents seldom know how their representatives vote. Members vote by following cues provided by colleagues.

What was Miller v. Johnson (1995)

United States Supreme Court case concerning "affirmative gerrymandering/racial gerrymandering", where racial minority-majority electoral districts are created during redistricting to increase minority Congressional representation. Districts were declared unconstitutional

What are examples political action being taken with motives other than self interest?

a. AFL-CIO supported civil rights in 1960s, without personal or organizational gain b. Civil Aeronautics Board employees in 1970s, worked for deregulation.

What are justifications for a representative democracy?

a. Direct democracy is impractical for reasons of time, expertise, etc. b. The people make unwise decisions based on fleeting emotions

What are four theories on distribution of politicl power and political elites?

a. Marxism b. Power Elite c. Bureaucratic d. Pluralist