Final Review
History of Political Parties (Phase 4)
Republican party emerges i 1854- First known as the Anti-slavery party, 1860 Abraham Lincoln is elected president as a republican. Radical republicanism died by 1880- Republicans still dominated congress and the presidency until 1908. *MAJOR EVENT* - Rise of the Republican and Democrats by the 1900s not many more real other party challenges (Industrial Revolution) Democrats- Pro government to correct disparities in society and economy and republicans took on ideology of older democrats - minimal government Realignment of political parties- 1930s African Americans abandon Republican parties and becomes mainly democratic. Democratic Civil Rights- Southern Democrats (White), upset over the push for civil right become republicans in 1970s
Roe v. Wade
Roe v. Wade January 1973 - Jane Roe a poor woman from Texas (A state that outlawed abortion) wanted to obtain an abortion. So she sued Texas and the Supreme court ruled that the unwritten constitutional right to privacy extended to a woman's control over her pregnancy. SC ruled 7-2 that women have unrestricted access to abortions within the first trimester, starting in the second trimester states could have some regulation to protect the health of the mother , in the final trimester when the fetus is most likely able to survive outside of the womb abortions are usually banned.
Harry Blackmon
SC Justice who drafted decision based on -right to privacy -the 14th amendment due process clause- denying a woman the right to an abortion is limiting a woman liberty factor. -Griswold v. Connecticut 1965 set the precedent reproductive decisions are left up to the individual woman.
Brown v. Topeka Board of Education
Segregation of Public Schools 9-0 unanimous vote- Chief Justice Earl Warren (Most Progressive) Linda Carol Brown a 7 year old girl, and her father Oliver Brown went to the NAACP- where Thurgood Marshall was appointed to their case in 1952. Marshall uses the 14th amendments equal protection clause to explain how segregation in public school violates the equal protection clause. resulted in a 10 page decision Brown v. Topeka Board of education put an end to segregation in PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Partially overturned Plessy v. Ferguson Brown II- Demanded immediate integration. Long and painful process which included civil rights marches, protests, etc eventually culminated in the 1964 Civil Rights Act
"Right to Privacy"
Separates private and public actions & decisions. How much can the government regulate "Private" decisions or actions. All things still have limited government regulation. Privacy is a vaguely defined constitutional liberty implied in the 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 14th amendments.
9th Amendment- most important in terms of the right to privacy
Simply states that the 10 amendments aren't an exhaustive list of liberties , there may be more unmentioned liberties an individual is entitled to.
Affirmative Action
Some would argue that affirmative action had negative connotations with the implementation of Quotas, lowering of standards, and busing systems.
Asian Americans (150-151) - Korematsu v. United States
Supreme Court upheld the internment arguing that the governments need to protect national security from Japanese espionage was compelling enough justification
Black Disenfranchisement
Thing implicated to keep African american men from voting without corrupting the laws. 1. Poll taxes- In order to vote you had to pay a tax . Justification for tax was to offset the expense of election. In theory everyone had to pay a poll tax. POll tax came to an end in the United States with the 24th Amendment in 1963. African Americans couldn't really afford to pay taxes which put them at a disadvantage 2. Literacy Tests - Ranged from reading passages out of the bible to extensive tests over American government and constitution. Many African Americans were very far behind in academics being that slave owners were against educating slaves which left them very ignorant. 3. Residency Requirements- A person had to live 2 years in a state and 1 year in congressional districts. Which many African American men were sharecroppers who relocated frequently. 4. Ku Klux Klan- Terrorist tactics and attacks that involved lynching, murder, and arson. Being afraid for their lives African Americans were prevented from voting. 5. "Grandfather Clause"- If your grandfather hadn't voted in an election before 1867 , you were not allowed to vote. Most devastating and effective in keeping Black men from voting. Louisiana was the first state to have a grandfather clause. In 1896 about 130,000 black men voted in Louisiana, in 1900 only about 5,000 were able to vote due to the grandfather clause. SC will strike down grandfather clause in the late 1930s.
26th amendment
Was most effected by world war II , Vietnam War caused the age or voting rights to go from age 21 to age 18 and older. This was due to the average soldier being 19, drafted into the army to fight for their country but not having any voting rights.
Voting eligibility
*Must be 18 years of age *U.S citizen *Must be registered to vote
Restrictions on Voting
*Residency in a state 30 days or less *If you're imprisoned *If you have committed a felony one's voting right can be banned from years to months and depending on the severity there can be lifetime ban. *If you are found guilty of voter fraud *if you are found to have "Diminished Capacity", if an individual doesn't have the mental and emotional capacity to vote effectively.
History of Political Parties (Phase 1)
1. 1790s emergence of 1st political parties established by Alexander Hamilton "Federalist" - strong national government, restraints on robust democracy, diverse economy, based on industry trade and agricultural. Self-reliant . Thomas Jefferson "Democrat- Republicans"- minimal national government, protector of civil liberties, agrarian economy. Both shared a strong sense of Ideology War of 1812 killed off the Federalist party , in 1824 the Democrat-Republicans died out due to lack of competition, causing chaos among the political group.
Who votes in the US- factors for voter turnout
1. Age - the older you are the more likely you are to vote . 65-70% of voters are 65+ 2. Education- The more education attained the more likely you are to vote. College student out vote high school dropouts 2 to 9 3. Higher Income- the more money you make the more likely you will vote 4. Gender- Women tend to out vote men 5. Race- Whites out vote African American there is only a slim marginal difference. Native American are the most disenfranchised which makes them least likely to vote. 6. Religion- Not a factor in electoral voting 7. Party Affiliation- If you belong to a political party you are more likely to vote than those who don't identify with a specified political party 8. Sense of competition/ Differences among candidates EX. 2004 Bush v. Kerry low voter turn out candidates were to closely related in their views. 2008 Obama v. McCain very high voter turnout rates due to the difference in views, ideology, and character.
Voting Rights Act of 1965 (138-139)
1. Empowered the federal government to supervise voting in states and localities to guarantee voting rights to African Americans 2. Quickly increased African American voting participation increasing the percentage from 38% in 1965 to 65% by 1969. 3. Expanded in the 1980s and 1990s to require states draw legislative districts with more African American and Latinos.
1964 Civil Rights Act
1. Ended discrimination based on color,race, gender, ethnicity, national origin , and religion. 2. Outlawed arbitrary discrimination in voter registration 3. Ended discrimination in public facilities (Government and Private) 4. Allowed government to withhold federal funding for institutions that did not comply which sped up integration in public schools. 5. Government could sue institutions that refused to integrate schools, everyone had tp provide equal opportunities. 6. Employment- Establishment of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Reasons against Abortions
1. Every individual is unique- should it be considered murder. 2. What about the rights of the baby, when does life begin if not at the time of conception. 3. Abortion is really a form of birth control supporting sexual irresponsibility in a hyper sexual society. 4. Inconsistency in laws women can terminate a pregnancy but it wouldn't be considered murder. If a person other than the women bearing the child ends the same pregnancy it would be considered murder. 5. Right of the father- the father has zero rights to the unborn fetus, this causes further breakdown of the family structure. 6.Few abortions less than 1% are for rape or life of the mother (Personal Well being). Abortions are a tool for inconvenience and caters to selfishness. 7. Abortions can lead to fertility issues among women 8. Eugenics- 90% of down syndrome pregnancies end in abortion. Targets certain types of individuals and groups to rid the population of the undesirables. 9. The easy access to other options like adoption.
14th Amendment
1. If you are a natural born citizen of the US you have the same rights as any other citizen regardless of color and ethnicity- Led to rapid assimilation in the US. *Native Americans were the only exception to the 14th amendment.The five tribes of Oklahoma gained rights with statehood in 1902, while other native american didn't obtain rights until 1924. 2. No state can limit or infringe upon your rights as a US citizen. 3. Due process clause- cannot impose on one's right to life, liberty, and property without due process (States) 4. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW
Why are there just 2 political parties?
1. In a nation of 318 million people there is tremendous diversity 2. 228 years ago US government were established without political parties in mind. 3. Federal and state laws do not support a multi-party system. 4. Fear of the "Wasted" voting cycle. Government wants viable candidates, reinforces the two party system 5. Commonality- Shared heritage identity despite differences. 6.1824 Democrats and 1854 Republicans- well established recognizable political parties, broadly based name brands, establishing a third political party is difficult. 7.Winner takes all system 8. Heritage and Family- If a family identifies with a certain political party, an individual from that family are more likely to have the same views. Shared family values influences political party identification decision
Harry Truman & Civil Rights
1. Integration of the armed forces- military would be the first place to allow equal opportunity. 25% of armed forces were blacks. 2. Truman was the 1st president to address the NAACP which is the oldest civil rights groups 3. Truman ended segregation in federal employment 4. Establishment of the civil rights commission which eventually led to the 1964 Civil Rights Act
Functions of Political Parties
1. Political parties select candidates to run for political offices. The US and State constitutions gave no guidelines on how to select candidates for office. Someone would just decide to run, but running for office was very complicated an there was a need for support money which is where political parties fill the void. It's important to find candidates that have broad appeal , few skeletons, can withstand extreme scrutiny and invasion of privacy, who can also be a gracious loser. 2. Fundraising- political parties fund candidates allowing more people to run for office 3. Campaigning- Helps candidates with ads, appearances, and debates 4. Allow more people to participate in the political process 5. Platform- Where does a party stand on issues, gives voters a choice. 6. If a candidate wins they're responsible for help shaping policy 7. If a candidate lose they help provide an opposition which is need for a healthy political system 8. Educating citizens about political, social, economic, and legislative issues.
Equality
1. Privileges and rights- Equal opportunity 2. Social equality- No fixed legal social classes: upward social mobility 3.Political equality- Everyone should have the right to vote 4. Equal Outcomes- Required a great deal of social engineering
14th amendment - Confederate
1.Overturned 3/5 compromise which increased southern representation. 2. No compensation for save owners- 5th amendment has been invoked 3. No high ranking confederate official could serve in congress until the ban was lifted in 1870. 4. If the confederacy owed you money your debt would never be paid.
15th Amendment
13th amendment abolished slavery in 1865 14th amendment safeguarded African American rights in 1868 15th Amendment is the first voting rights amendment where the federal government will attempt to guarantee and protect a certain minority groups right to vote. No state can deny anyone (African American Men) the right to vote based on race, color, and previous servitude. Southern States were required to ratify the 15th amendment in order to get back into the union.
Plessy v. Ferguson 1896- court decision
7-1 decision upheld the idea that segregation did not imply someone was inferior. The constitution could not erase natural differences among the races. SC ruled as long as "Separate but Equal" facilities are provided then segregation is legal.
Voting Rights Act of 1965 (138-139)
A federal law that significantly curtailed disenfranchisement of racial and ethnic minorities by banning literacy tests and requiring federal supervision of jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination.
Affirmative Action - Bakke v. University of CA, Davis 1977
Alan Bakke a white Vietnam veteran wants to attend medical school. He applied twice and was denied even though he was qualified. There had been quotas in place that diminished his opportunity there were only 100 slots open at the school land 16 were exclusively reserved for ethnic and racial minorities. Bakke sued for reverse discrimination , he used the 1964 Civil Rights Act (Title VI - Can't have racial preferences) and the 14th Amendment equal protection clause to argue his case. In a 5-4 Decision The SC ruled that no quotas should be in place and that race can not be the sole deciding factor , but SC upheld overall validity of Affirmative Action programs.
Asian Americans (150-151) Civil Rights Act 1964 and Voting Rights Act 1965
Also applied to Asian Americans these laws protected their civil liberties as well as guaranteed their rights to vote.
Political Party
An organization of like minded people who with to influence and participate in the political processes. 1st Example arose with the ratification of the United States Constitution. The federalist and Anti-federalist bring the possibility of political opposition and point of views.
History of Political Parties (Phase 2 )
Andrew Jackson "Democrat" 1824- 1st modern political party - Has organization, a strong platform, fundraising, actively campaigning , uses policies of Jefferson- wanted westward expansion
Third Political Parties
Any party that is not Republican or Democrat Local elections are where third parties have the most electoral success and influence . Success has been limited but has had a huge impact on outcomes of key elections and races 1. Many third parties cater to non-mainstream ideology or they are concerned with one major issue or just a few 2. Cater to fringes (Non extreme groups) 3. Federal and state laws don't support 3rd parties 4. Centered around one person- If that person isn't a success (Especially presidential races) the party collapses. Ex "Bull Moose" party of 1912 led by Teddy Roosevelt 5. Lack of fundraising and funds 6. Brand name recognition - Presidential races where 3rd parties had an impact
Harry Truman & Civil rights
Becomes president 1945-1952. Truman is from Missouri born to parents and grandparents whom were sympathetic to the confederate.
1964 Civil Rights Act
Most important piece of social legislation in US history outside social security. President Truman, Lyndon Johnson, And Martin Luther King Jr as well as other civil rights leaders helped obtain the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
19th Amendment 1920
Gave Women the right to vote . The Seneca 1849 convention in New York, women came together trying to make the issue of Women having the right to vote a priority. Western States had already granted women the right to vote prior to the 19th amendment . Wyoming Territory 1870 was the first to offer women voting right. Montana in 1916 was the first to have a CONGRESSWOMAN Jeanette Rankin. Carrie Chapman Catt- A feminist advocate wanted a state by state approach to obtain women's voting rights Alice Paul- A feminist advocate who felt that a constitutional amendment was needed to secure women's rights to vote, argued that a constitutional amendment was less disposable. Fought for equal opportunity voting on a federal level. World War II intervenes- Women played big roles on American home front, many agreed that women earned their right to vote for their contribution to an american victory. The 19th Amendment ultimately came down to Tennessee ratifying the amendment. If they hadn't the 19th amendment wouldn't gone back through the ratification process or would have been eliminated in whole.
Abortion: Race and Religion (121-122)
Griswold v. Connecticut 1965 - Supreme court overturned a law banning the dissemination of birth control because it violated an unwritten constitutional right to privacy that allows couples to access birth control.
Asian Americans (150-151) - McCarran-Walter Immigration Act 1952
Increased Asian immigration quotas as well as awarded the opportunity to become naturalized citizens.
Asian Americans (150-151) - Naturalization Act of 1790
Made it impossible for Asian immigrants to become citizens being that only free white immigrants were allowed to become citizens.
Asian Americans (150-151) - Executive Order 9066
The most severe example of discrimination against Asian Americans occurred during WWII after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. Feb 1942 President Roosevelt issued the executive order 9066, which gave military power to relocate all Japanese Americans to internment camps which were stark, inhospitable prison camps in the middle of the desert. Executive Order 9066 also allowed the US government to seize Japanese American property.
Who votes in the US
There is a 50-55% voter participation throughout the states the age group 18-25 has the lowest voting turnout rate at 20%
Whigs (409-410)
A political party founded in the 1830's to oppose the politics and policies of President Andrew Jackson The Whigs and democrats competed for national, state, and local political positions throughout the 1840's thus reestablishing a two party system During the 1850's internal disagreements over salvery permanently destroyed the Whigs party. In 1854 the Whigs unaligned abolitionists and even some anti slavery northern democrats formed the republican party.
Asian Americans (150-151)
A racial minority group with origins in southern and eastern Asia including Korea, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent
Margaret Sanger
Developed planned parenthood 1 million abortions take place per year and planned parenthood is responsible for at least 400,000 of them.
History of Political Parties (Phase 3)
Emergence from federalist party comes the WHIG party. They shared the same ideology as Alexander Hamilton- The party hated Jackson- The WHIG party collapses in 1854 due to not having a successful President out of the 3 from their party. William Henry Harrison- Died 1 month in office John Tyler- Described one of the worst Presidents i history Zachary Taylor- Only served two years as president
Asian Americans (150-151) - California Alien Land Act 1913
Expressly prohibited aliens- mainly Asians, from owning land or leasing it for more than three years.
14th Amendment
July 1868, 3rd of the reconstruction amendments protects the rights and liberties of newly freed slaves. 14th amendment also greatly enhanced federal authority.
Plessy v. Ferguson 1896
Landmark SC case. Homer Plessy was an "Octroom" from New Orleans. Louisiana had passed Separate Cars Act for all passenger trains. Black and whites were to be segregated by cars. Plessy Although, only 1/8 black was African American by law. A committee of citizens decided to challenge the law. Plessy boarded a train car designated "White Only" and was promptly arrested by a police officer who was tipped off. The whole ordeal was staged as well. Plessy was fined $25.00. But sued arguing his rights under the 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause) had been violated. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court.
Asian Americans (150-151) - Chinese Exclusion Act 1882
The american Federal government passed this act to virtually eliminate Chinese immigration based on the premise that the Chinese would endanger the good of certain localities.
"Right to Privacy"
The biggest issue within the right to privacy is abortion- a deliberate termination of a pregnancy not by nature or miscarriage. SC ruled there will be no restrictions on abortions in the first three months of pregnancy or the 1st trimester. This is known as "Abortion on Demand"
Affirmative Action
a policy in education and employment that gives special consideration to traditionally disadvantaged minority groups in an effort to overcome the effects of past discrimination. Civil rights legislation leads to affirmative action programs