AP GOV

Political socialization

The process by which a person builds their political orientation based on influences from parents, teachers, the media, and friends.

reapportionment

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years based on the results of the census.

Federalist 10

Topic = factions (interest groups); minority factions controlled by majority; majority faction controlled by greater size of USA + virtuous leaders

Importance of Mass Media Today

Traditional media are still pervasive, 70% of US adults follow local news, perceived as trusted information source, also has excellent outreach and amplification in social media

Elastic clause

Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution, which allows Congress to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers of the Constitution.

supremacy clause

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.

Explain how TV affected the political career of Richard Nixon

He lost the presidential election to JFK for looking sick and unenergetic during a presidential debate in 1960

politics

Method of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government (who gets what, when, and how)

grant-in-aid

Money provided by one level of government to another to be spent for a given purpose

Election of 1932

Great Depression leads to election of FDR. New democratic coalition: labor, south, urban and African Americans. Dominate until 1968

single-issue group

Groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics. These features distinguish them from traditional interest groups.

Political Action Committees

Groups that raise money from individuals and then distribute it in the form of contributions to candidates that the group supports. PACs must register with FEC and report their donations and contributions to it. Individual contributions to a PAC are limited to $5,000 per year and a PAC may give up to $5,000 to a candidate for each election

Secular

Non-religious

symbolic speech

Nonverbal Communication, such as burning a flag or wearing an armband. The Supreme Court has accorded some of this protection under the First Amendment.

Explain the reason primaries/caucuses are seen as being non representative

Not a lot of people vote until general election

Veto

The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two-thirds vote in each house can override a veto

Explain the difference between trustees, instructed delegates and politios

Trustees: Use their best judgement to make decisions to make policy in the interest of the people Instructed Delegates: mirror the preference of their delegates Politicos: 50-50

GS Rating

a schedule for federal employees, ranging from 1 to 18, by which salaries can be keyed to rating and experience.

nonrepresentative sample

a subgroup that differs in important ways from the larger group (or population) to which it belongs.

Supreme Court

has original and appellate jurisdiction,, majority of caseload is appellate, court of last resort, very few cases accepted - sets public agenda by deciding which cases to hear

Ligitimacy

have to represent people

Role of Polls

help politicians detect public preferences

Interest Groups as Linkage Instiutions

help to influence policy

Skokie v. National socialist party (1978)

members of the Nazi party that wanted to march through streets but were denied, Supreme Court said that went against 4th amendment

public opinion polling

method used to survey a small representative group of individuals, used to determine public opinion.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

ordered states to provide lawyers for those unable to afford them; Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments; Warren Court's judicial activism

public interest lobbies

organizations that seek a collective good which does not only benefit their membership

What is meant by a public interest lobby

organizations that seek to collective food, does not selectively or materialistic benefit membership or activities of organization

What is the most important consequence of the two-party system in the US

prevents extreamists or moderates from taking over

self-incrimination

The situation occurring when an individual accused of a crime is compelled to be a witness against himself or herself in court. The Fifth Amendment forbids self-incrimination.

Gideon v Wainwright

a landmark case in United States Supreme Court history. In the case, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that state courts are required under the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants unable to afford their own attorneys.

Continental Congress

(1774) - declaration of rights and grievances sent to George III b/c Parliament's authority no longer recognized; called for repressive legislation since 1763; no authority to levy taxes; Second in 1775 = results included Washington as chief, Congress assumed direction of war effort, and Olive Branch Petition affirmed American loyalty to George III and denied desire for independence

Shaw v. Reno

(1993) - The Court ruled that although it was a legitimate goal for state legislatures to take race into account when they draw electoral districts in order ot increase the voting strength of minorities, they may not make race the sole reason for drawing district lines.

Points of Access for Interest groups

- President: has 1,000's of advisers - Congress: 435 members and staff - Supreme Court: Amicus Curial brief

5th party system

- election of 1932 -FDR (democrat) over... -new coalition: labor, south, urban...

What are the many things that lobbyists do besides talk to legislators

- private meeting/ social events/ media event - testify before committee - assist in drafting legislation - different branches of government

Presidents Cabinet

- state (1789): foreign government and affairs - treasury (1789) - Defense (1947): consolidate war and navy - Justice (1870): attorney general (attorney for president)

Party in government

-party's elected members in congress and part that occupied presidentcy

House Characteristics

-Initiates all revenue bills, passes all articles of impeachment -435 members -2 year terms -smaller constituencies -more centralized power, stronger leadership -less prestige -more influential on budget, more specialized -smaller turnover -limited debate, limits on floor amendments allowed

3rd party system

-election of 1860 -Lincoln (republican) over several opponents -civil war

dealignment

-election of 1968 - Nixon defeats Humphrey -year of major upheaval and violence -era of divided government and party enlightenment

Explain the function of each of the following as they relate to the national party organizations

-National Convention - the supreme power, chooses a presidential ticket and writes the parties platform -National committee - keeps the party operating between conventions -National chairperson - responsible for day to day activities such as hiring staff, raising money, paying bills, and attending to daily duties of party

What are the 3 faces of a political party

-Party in electorate -party in government -party organization

What impact does ticket-splitting have on elections?

-a vote for candidates of different political parties on the same ballot -it creates divided government and can cause gridlock although it is likely to endure that the system of checks and balances is carried out effectively

What is Olson's law of large groups

-advanced by Mancur Olson -Principle stating that the "larger the group, the further it will fall short of providing an optimal amount of collective good

Two basic ways to contribute money to the dialogue of political campaigns in America

-campaign contributions - donations that are made directly to a candidate or a party and that must be reported to the FEC. As of 2014, individuals were allowed to donate up to $2,600 per election to a candidate and up to $32,400 to a political party -independent expenditures - expenses on behalf of a political message that are made by groups that are uncoordinated with any candidate's campagin

White House Staff

-closest advisors, no senate approval, investigate and analyze problems/issues (chief of staff - advises and directs operations protects president's time, Press Secretary - makes public statements - communicates positions on issues and answers questions, national secretary advisor) -today over 600 people most of whom the president never sees -wheel and spoke - all sides equal (JFK) -different presidents had different styles (ex: reagan v. George H. Bush)

Senate Characteristics

-confirms many presidential nominations, approves treaties, tries impeached officials -100 members -6 year terms -larger constituencies -less centralized power, weaker leadership -more prestige more influential on foreign affairs, less specialized -moderate turnover -seniority is less important in determine power -unlimited debate (filabuster)

disadvantages of Primary and caucus system

-disproportionate attention goes to the early caucuses and proprietaries -prominent politicians find it hard to take time out from their duties to run -money plays too big a role -participation in primaries and caucuses is low and unrepresentative -system gives to much power to media

1st party system

-election of 1800 -no party to switch from -Jefferson democratic republican

2nd party system

-election of 1828 (realignment) -Andrew Jackson (democrat) over john Quincy adams era of democratic dominace

Party in electorate

-individuals who claim an attachment to a political party, no formal membership needed

Realigning elections

-power shifts to other party and new coalitions usually form, caused by major events/crisis Characteristics -intense involvement by voters -changes in traditional voting patterns -formation of new voting groups

Informal Powers of President

-presidents access to media -precedents during previous administrations -public support "going public" -constitution

Party organization

-structural framework of the party -national convention, national committee, national chairperson

Describe two ways in which the power of the president has expanded from its constitutional base.

1. America has increased in prominence (technology) on the world stage 2. Presidents expand their responsibilities and political resources.

Explain the three heads of the political party as a "three-headed political giant"

-the party in the electorate -the party as an organization -the party in government

What are the two indicators of public support for the president?

1, approval in the polls 2. mandates in Presidential Elections the perception that the voters strongly support the presidents character and policies.

List the three options the president has once Congress passes a bill.

1, sign it, making it a law 2. veto it, sending it back to Congress with the reasons for rejecting it 3.let it become law after 10 working days by not doing anything

Powers of President

1. "to make treaties" 2. " to grant pardons and reprieves" 3. vetoes 4. "state of the union" 5. to be commander in chief of armed forces

Executive office of the president

1. 1939 by FDR help carry out major duties 2. office of management and budget (OMB) - helps the president prepare the budget and the oversee the execution of the budget 3. Council of economic advisors (CEA) - 3 members appointed by president to advise him on economic matters 4. national security council (NSC) - committee w/ foreign and military advisors (formal and informal)

Give two examples of candidate's blunters when they are on a national state for the first time

1. 1967, George Romney saw his promising bid for republican nomination after changing stance on Vietnam war 2. 2012, Texas gov. Rick Perry said he would eliminate three federal cabinet departments but couldn't name them

List 4 elections which might be considered "critical"

1. Andrew Jackson founded modern american political party (democratic) 2. Abraham Lincoln started the civil war, leading to a 60 year strive for republicans in government 3. FDR created new deal coalition, democratic party gained support from people that were involved with new deal plan 4. Nixon created republican dominance house of representatives has a republican majority now

What are five criticisms of the primary and caucus system of nomination?

1. Disproportionate attention goes to the early caucuses and primaries 2. prominent politicians find it hard to take time out from their duties to run 3. money plays too big a role in caucuses and primaries 4. participation in primaries and caucuses is low and unrepresentative 5. the system gives too much power to the media

What are the "two presidencies?

1. Domestic Policy 2. National security Policey

Bias in Reporting

1. Ideological - seen as having liberal bias. Today, somewhat more balanced Rupert Murdoch/ Fox News. 2. Structural - Agenda setting: media decides what is news. Framing: media influenced how issues are interpreted. Priming - prepare public to take a certain view of an event. Time space limits lead to "sound bites" or brief info.

Name and explain the two ways in which aging affects political behavior

1. Increases political participation 2. Strengthens party attachment

Name two factors that make interest groups different from political parties

1. Interest groups do not run candidates like political parties 2. Interest groups are set by their policy they have to endorce

List the three elements needed for success in the nomination game

1. Money 2. Media attention 3. Momentum

Name two important organizations involved in promoting equality and summarize their major goals

1. NAACP - minorities given equal education and employment opportunists (National association for advancement of colored people) 2. NOW - (national organization of Women) - equal rights under the law not abridges by sex

List the constitutional powers of the president and explain how these powers have expanded.

1. National Security Powers 2. Legislative Powers 3. Administrative Powers 4. Judicial Powers

List and explain the function of three major policymaking bodies of the Executive Office.

1. National security council-that committee that links the presidents key foreign and military policy advisors. 2, Council of Economic Advisors- three member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy. 3. Office of Management and Budget- composed of handful of political appointed and more than 600 career officers and its major responsibility is to prepare the presidents budget.

Explain the three great waves of immigration to the United States

1. Northwest Europe 1800 - 1860 2. South and East Europe 1860 - 1940 3. Hispanic and Asian 1940 - Present

List 5 items in the policy entrepreneurs' "arsenal of weapons"

1. Press releases 2. Press Conferences 3. Convincing reporters to tell their side 4. Trading on personal contacts 5. Staging dramatic events

What two clear patterns regarding party identification have been evident in recent elections

1. Republicans have started to outnumber democrats 2. Most frequent response to party identification has been the independent option

Standard Operating Procedures

1. Rule of 4 2. Justices grant "cert" 3. case is given a docket number 4. legal briefs are filed 5. oral arguments 6. decision is reached 7. per curiam opinions 8. judicial implementation

What are the two contradictory expectations that Americans have about the presidency?

1. They want to believe in a powerful president who can do good 2. They dislike concentration of power-no increase in authority to meet new expectations.

presidential succession

1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House 3. President Pro-Tempore of the Senate 4. Secretary of State 5. Secretary of Treasury. 25 amendment

List five activities of conventional political participation, place a star next to the most common activity

1. Voting 2. Petitioning 3. Running for office 4. Contacting government officials 5. Working campaigns

List 5 advantages incumbents have over their opponents in congressional elections

1. advertising 2. credit claiming 3. position taking 4. weak opponents 5. campaign spending

Congress and the courts

1. appropriations 2. overturn decision/rewrite constitutional amendment 3. rewrite old laws or add new ones

What were the three main provisions of the McCain-Feingold Act (2002)

1. banned soft money contribution 2. increased the amount that individuals could give to candidates to $2,000 and indexed the amount to rise with inflation 3.barred groups from running "issue ads" withing 60 days of a general election if they refer to a federal candidate and are not funded through a PAC

Give two reasons why the congressional parties have become more ideologically polarized

1. boundaries drawn by political parties 2. liberals and conservatives sorted into democrats and republicans

Identify and explain two basic ways to giver money to campaigns

1. campaign contributions 2. independent expenditures

What are three effects campaigns can have on voters?

1. can reinforce voters' preference for candidates 2. they can activate voters, getting them to contribute money or become active in campaigns 3. they can convert by changing voters' minds

In what three ways can congress frustrate the activities of lobbyists

1. congress strengthens public disclosure requirements concerning lobbyists actively and funding 2. More restrictions on gifts and travel for members of congress and staff 3. mandatory disclosure of earmarks in expenditure bills

List and explain the functions of three congressional staff agencies

1. congressional research service (CRS): provides members with nonpartisan information 2. General Accounting Office (GAO): watches white house, accounting and legal matters 3. Congressional Budget Office (CBO): deals with budget and economy

What were the 5 main features of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974

1. created the federal election commission (FEC) 2. Provided public financing for presidential primaries and general elections 3. limited presidential campaign spending 4. required discloser 5. limited contributions

List and explain six demographic factors that are related to voter turnout

1. education 2. age 3. gender 4. race 5. marital status 6. union membership

What are four strategies used by interest groups to shape public policy

1. electioneering - direct group involvement in election process 2. Litigation - get a specific ruling of policy 3. going public 4. lobbying - communication by someone other than a citizen acting on his own behalf, directed to a governmental decision maker with the hope of influencing his decsion

List three issues that trade and product associations seek when lobbying Capitol Hill

1. fight regulation that would reduce profits 2. seek preferential tax treatment 3. seek out government subsidies and controls

Explain two consequences of private control of the media in the US

1. getting the biggest possible audience 2. Media covers less international news and more domestic news (keeping us unaware of what happens overseas)

Explain two reasons why the electoral college is important to presidential elections

1. has been part of US's history and tradition 2. favors small states because they are over represented

What are the 7 perks that members of congress receive

1. high salary 2. retirement benefits 3. office space in Washington and constituencies 4. congress staff 5. travel allowance/ free travel 6. franking privileges - free mail system 7. small privileges - like free flowers

List the ten things a president must usually win in order to hope for final passage of his or her proposed legislation

1. house subcommittee 2. full house subcommittee 3. house rules committee 4. house floor 5. senate subcommittee 6. full senate committee 7. senate floor 8. conference committee 9. house floor (final passage) 10. senate floor (final passage)

Cite three major reasons why people might vote

1. if they believe that the policies of one party will bring more benefits than the policies of another party 2. if they have a high sense of political efficacy 3. they may feel compelled by civic duty

List four important ways lobbyists can help a member of congress

1. important source of infor 2. help with strategy for getting legislation through 2. help with strategy for getting legislation through 3. formulate campaign and get groups behind politician 4. source of innovation and ideas

What are three criticism of public opinion polling

1. inaccuracy of results/ conclusions/ random 2. people get tricked by wording 3. discouraged people from voting

What are the three most important dimensions of candidate image

1. integrity 2. reliability 3. competence

3 types of third parties

1. issue oriented (single party) 2. ideological - support particular political doctrine (socialist, communist) 3. splinter - split from major party over issue or candiate

President and the Courts

1. judicial implementations 2.judicial appointments 3. state executive checks

Explain three criticisms of the proposal of term limitations for members of Congress

1. loss of experienced legislators 2. loss of american people's ability to vote for whom they please 3. Constitution wold have to change

What three factors tend to weaken campaigns' impacts on voters

1. most people pay relatively little attention to campaigns in the first place they pay attention to things they already agree with and interpreting events 2. factors such as party identification through less important than they used to be, still influence voting behavior regardless of what happen in the campaign 3. incumbents state with a substantial advantage in terms of name recognition and en established track record

List and explain the five functions of political parties as effective linkage insitutions

1. nominating function - selection of candidates 2. the informer simulator function - campaign for their candidates 3. the boding agent function - endures good performance of candidates 4. governmental function - government is a government party 5. the watchdog function - parties watchdog over conduct of public's business

What are five most common answers from PAC directors as to why they give money to certain candidates

1. on a committee that is important to their intrests 2. very supportive of issues important to them 3. from district/ state where they have facilities 4. helping them with exec and regulatory agencies 5. leadership positions that enabled them to influence issues

List 4 findings of the Columbia University's Project for Excellence in journalism on cable news programming

1. only 11% of the time is taken up with written and edited stories 2. coverage is spotty 3.the main job of the reporter is to speak extemporaneously 4. stories are often repeated with no new information

List the seven principles of news management as practiced by the Reagan White House

1. plan ahead 2. stay on offensive 3. control the flow of information 4. limit reporters access to the president 5. talk about the issues you want to talk about 6. speak in one voice 7. repeat the same message many times

What are the four formal powers of the speaker of the house

1. preside over the house when in session 2. appoint the party's leadership 3. control which bills go to which committee 4. committee assignments

Explain two media techniques as used most effective by President FDR

1. press conferences - meeting of public officials with reporters 2. investigate journalism - use of in depth reporting to unearth scandals, scams, and schemes, at times putting reporters in adversarial relationship with political leader

Explain the 3 ways in which the federal communications commission has regulated the airwaves

1. prevent monopolies from controlling the broadcast market (limits number of stations one company can own) 2. Periodic examination of the goals and performance of stations 3. Fair treatment rules

Types of interest groups

1. public interest group - collective good 2. economic interest groups - cell phones, planes 3. government units - state, country, local 4. PAC - federal election campaign act 1974 - gives no money to politicaian

Cite two ways in which third parties impact American Politics

1. put issues on the agenda 2. keep major parties honest

What are the two basic types of lobbyists

1. regular, paid, employees of corporations, union, or association 2. available for hire on temporary basis

role of interest groups

1. representation - represent constituents before government 2. participation - facilitate and stimulate peoples participation in politics 3. education - educate, inform members, public and government officials 4. agenda building - bring new issues into public lime light 5. program monitoring - keep track of government programs (checks and balances)

What are two basic tasks that elections accomplish according to democratic theory

1. select policymakers 2. shape public policy

Explain what the four types of congressional committees are

1. standing: handle bills in diverse policy areas 2. joint: deal with few policy areas like the economy and taxation 3. confreence: are established when senate and houes come up with two forms of same bill - figure out differences and make it into one 4. Select - created only for specific purposes

Explain three primary primary functions of the national party conventions

1. to choose the presidential candidate 2. to choose this VP 3. to decide on the party platform

What are the four conditions necessary for true policy voting to take place

1. voters must have a clear view of their own policy positions 2. voters must know where the candidates stand on issues 3. they must see differences between candidates on these issues 4. actually cast vote for candidate

Cite ten things canadiates must do to effectively organize their campaigns

1.get a campaign manager who organizes everything 2. get a fundraiser 3. get a campaign counsel 4. assemble a campaign staff 5. plan the logistics 6. get a research staff and policy advisers 7. hire a poster 8. get a food press secretary 9. establish a good press secretary 10. hire media and campaign councel to tell you how to look and dress

Courts of Appeal

13 circuits (11, 1 international, 1 DC), has only appellate jurisdiction, panel of judges (no juries)

Declaration of Independence

1776 document written by Thomas Jefferson outlining reasons for the colonies to break ties with England

Dartmouth College v Woodward

1819 case that enforced contract clause in US and stated that states cannot interfere with private parties' contract rights.

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)

1857 Supreme Court decision that stated that slaves were not citizens; that living in a free state or territory, even for many years, did not free slaves; and declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitutional

Pendleton Act

1883 law that created a Civil Service Commission and stated that federal employees could not be required to contribute to campaign funds nor be fired for political reasons

Lee V. Weisman

1st amendment establishment clause denies inclusion of prayer at start of public school and graduation ceremony

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

1st amendment protect campaign spending, legislatures can limit contributions, but not how much one spends of his own money on campaigns

Grutter v. Bollinger

2003 - can use race as a "plus" narrowly tailored and individualistic. 2006 - voters ban affirmative action in college admissions and government agencies

Gratz v. Bollinger

2003 - unconstitutional to add points to undergrad application based on race. Quota outlaws in Bakke

Protection against cruel and unusual punishment

8th amendment - punishment that is too severe for the crime committed

Schenck v. United States (1919)

A 1919 decision upholding the conviction of a socialist who had urged young men to resist the draft during World War I. Justice Holmes declared that government can limit speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

Texas v. Johnson

A 1989 case in which the Supreme Court struck down a law banning the burning of the American flag on the grounds that such action was symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

A 1992 case in which the Supreme Court loosened its standard for evaluating restrictions on abortion. States may regulate abortion as long as there is "no undue burden" on the mother; did not overturn Roe v. Wade but gave states more leeway in regulating abortion (parental consent for minors, 24 hour waiting period). 14th amendment

free exercise clause

A First Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.

Schenck v. U.S.

A United States Supreme Court decision concerning the question of whether the defendant possessed a First Amendment right to free speech against the draft during World War I. Ultimately, the case served as the founding of the "clear and present danger" rule.

Liberalism

A belief that government can and should achieve justice and equality of opportunity. A political ideology that emphasizes rule of law, representative democracy, rights of citizens, and the protection of private property. This ideology, derived from the Enlightenment, was especially popular among the property-owning middle classes.

Conservatism

A belief that limited government insures order competitive markets and personal opportunity. A set of beliefs that includes a limited role for the national government in helping individuals, support for traditional values and lifestyles, and a cautious response to change.

Lemon v. Kurtzman (1974)

A case argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. The court ruled unanimously in an 8-0 decision that Pennsylvania's Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Education Act (represented through David Kurtzman) from 1968 transgressed the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. reimbursing parents for bussing of private school kids.

buckley v valeo

A case in which the Supreme Court of the United States upheld federal limits on campaign contributions and ruled that spending money to influence elections is a form of constitutionally protected free speech. The court also stated candidates can give unlimited amounts of money to their own campaigns.c

Legitimacy

A characterization of elections by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selecting political leaders.

party identification

A citizen's self-proclaimed preference for one party or the other

privileges and immunities

A clause in Article IV, Section 2, of the Constitution according citizens of each state most of the privileges of citizens of other states.

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution in detail.

Political Action Committees (PACS)

A committee set up by a corporation or interest group to raise and funnels money to political candidates. Donation amounts to PACs are limited by FECA rules (hard money).

Political Questions

A doctrine developed by the federal courts and used as a means to avoid deciding some cases, principally those involving conflicts between the president and Congress.

republic

A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.

bill of rights

A formal statement of the fundamental rights of the people of the United States, incorporated in the Constitution as Amendments 1-10, and in all state constitutions.

Government Corporations

A government agency that operates like a business corporation, created to secure greater freedom of action and flexibility for a particular program.

Coalition government

A government controlled by a temporary alliance of several political parties

Prior Restraint

A government preventing material from being published. This is a common method of limiting the press in some nations, but it is usually unconstitutional in the United States, according to the First Amendment and as confirmed in the 1931 Supreme Court case of Near v. Minnesota.

matching funds requirement

A grant requirement that obligates the government receiving the grant to spend some of its own money to match a specified percentage of the grant money provided

political party

A group of people wishing to control the government by getting elected to office.

cabinet

A group of presidential advisers not mentioned in the Constitution, although every president has had one. Today the cabinet is composed of 14 secretaries, the attorney general, and others designated by the presidnet

factions

A group that seeks to promote its own special interests often at the expense of the common good

Federal Election Campaign Act 1974

A law passed in 1974 for reforming campaign finances. The act created the Federal Election commission and provided for limits on and disclosure of campaign contributions

revenue sharing

A law providing for the distribution of a fixed amount or share of federal tax revenues to the states for spending on almost any government purpose.

Bill of attainder

A law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trial or a fair hearing in court

Ex post facto laws

A law which punishes people for a crime that was not a crime when it was committed. Congress cannot pass these laws.

Confederation

A league of independent states and a political system in which a weak central government has limited authority, and the states have ultimate power.

Extradition

A legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed.

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature divided into two houses, Congress and all state legislatures except Nebraska are bicameral

margin of error

A measure of the accuracy of a public opinion poll

Political Ideology

A more or less consistent set of beliefs about what policies government ought to pursue. A cohesive set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and the role of government.

Iron Triangles

A mutually dependent relationship between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees. They dominate some areas of domestic policymaking.

Constitution

A nation's basic and supreme law. It determine's distribution of powers, creates political institutions, and often protects rights of citizens. It supersedes ordinary law, even when the law is supported by a majority.

national convention

A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules.

National Party Convention

A national meeting of delegates elected in primaries, caucuses, or state conventions who assemble once every four years to nominate candidates for president and vice president, ratify the party platform, elect officers, and adopt rules. Day 1: keynote speech; Day 2: approve party platform; Day 3: nominate and vote on candidate; Day 4: nominees acceptance speech

Tragedy of the Commons

A parable that illustrates why common resources are used more than is desirable from the standpoint of society as a whole

delegate

A person appointed or elected to represent others

Street-level bureaucrats

A phrase coined by Michael Lipsky, referring to those bureaucrats who are in constant contact with the public and have considerable administrative discretion.

Deregulation

A policy promoting cutbacks in the amount of Federal regulation in specific areas of economic activity.

Majoritarianism

A political theory holding that in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.

High-tech Politics

A politics in which the behavior of citizens and policymakers and the political agenda itself are increasingly shaped by technology.

rational-choice theory

A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians. It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives.

Solicitor General

A presidential appointee and the third-ranking office in the Department of Justice. The solicitor general is in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government.

Initiative

A procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment.

Recall

A procedure for submitting to popular vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term.

Cloture

A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate.

Regional Primaries

A proposal by critics of the caucuses and presidential primaries to replace these electoral methods with a series of primaries held in each geographic region.

Bill

A proposed law, drafted in legal language. Anyone can draft a bill, but only a member of the house of representatives or the senate can formally submit a bill for condiseration

sample

A relatively small proportion of people who are chosen in a survey so as to be representative of the whole.

Justiciable Disputes

A requirement that to be heard a case must be capable of being settled as a matter of law rather than on other grounds as is commonly the case in legislative bodies.

random sampling

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion; the key to accuracy in opinion polls

Talking Head

A shot of a person's face talking directly to the camera. Because this is visually unappealing, the major commercial networks rarely show a politician talking one-on-one for very long.

Seniority System

A simple rule for picking committee chairs, in effect until the 1970s. The member who had served on the committee the longest and whose party controlled the chamber became chair, regardless of party loyalty, mental state or competence

Federal Election Commission

A six-member bipartisan agency created by the federal election campaign act of 1974. The federal election commission administers and enforces campaign finance laws

Referendum

A state-level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment.

lobbying

A strategy by which organized interests seek to influence the passage of legislation by exerting direct pressure on members of the legislature.

Filibuster

A strategy unique to the senate whereby opponents of a piece of legislation use their right to unlimited debate to prevent the senate from ever voting on a bill. Sixty members present and voting can halt a filibuster

Madisonian model

A structure of government proposed by James Madison in which the powers of the government are separated into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

Dual federalism

A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.

representative democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives, or leaders, to make decisions about the laws for all the people.

Cooperative federalism

A system of government in which powers and policy assignments are shared between states and the national government. They may also share costs, administration, and even blame for programs that work poorly.

Civil Service

A system of hiring and promotion based on the merit principle and the desire to create a nonpartisan government service.

Caucus

A system of members of congress sharing some interest or characteristic. Many are composed of members from both parties and from both houses

Checks and balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

random-digit dialing

A technique used by pollsters to place telephone calls randomly to both listed and unlisted numbers when conducting a survey.

gender gap

A term that refers to the regular pattern by which women are more likely to support Democratic candidates. Women tend to be significantly less conservative than men and are more likely to support spending on social services and to oppose higher levels of military spending.

Federalists

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

Elitism

A theory of government and politics contending that an upper-class elite will hold most of the power and thus in effect run the government.

Pluralism

A theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group.

stratified sampling

A type of probability sampling in which the population is divided into groups with a common attribute and a random sample is chosen within each group

Pocket Veto

A type of veto occurring when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president and the president simply lets the bill die by neither signing nor vetoing it

census

A valuable tool for understanding demographic changes. The US Constitution requires that the government conduct an "actual enumeration" of the population every 10 years.

responsible party model

A view favored by some political scientists about how parties should work. According to the model, parties should offer clear choices to the voters, who can then use those choices as cues to their own preferences of candidates. Once in office, parties would carry out their campaign promises.

Original Intent

A view that the Constitution should be interpreted according to the original intent of the framers. Many conservatives support this view.

Legislative Veto

A vote in Congress to override a presidential decision. Although the War Powers Resolution asserts this authority, there is reason to believe that, if challenged, the Supreme Court would find the legislative veto in violation of the doctrine of separation of powers

State of the Union Address

A yearly report by the president to Congress required by Constitution describing the nation's condition and recommending programs and policies (bully pulpit to set legislative agenda )

13th amendment

Abolished Slavery

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Abortion rights fall within the privacy implied in the 14th amendment decision holding that a state ban on all abortion was unconstitutional.

Casework

Activities of members of congress that help consiuents as individuals, particularly by cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get people what they thing they have a right to get

electioneering

Activity that seeks to influence the outcome of an election. Independent electioneering (SuperPacs & 527s) is protected free speech and so cannot be limited by government.

Olson's law of large groups

Advanced by Mancur Olson, a principle stating that "the larger the group, the further it will fall short of providing an optimal amount of a collective good.

Connecticut Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention that Congress should be composed of a Senate, in which States would be represented equally, and a House, in which representation would be based on a State's population.

three-fifths compromise

Agreement that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House for representation and taxation purposes (negated by the 13th amendment)

Senate Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Appropriations, Armed Services; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Budget; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Energy and Natural Resources; Environment and Public Works; Finance; Foreign Relations; Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Judiciary; Rules and Administration; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Veterans' Affairs

House Committees

Agriculture; Appropriations; Armed Services; Budget; Education and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Ethics; Financial Services; Foreign Affairs; Homeland Security; House Administration; Judiciary; Natural Resources; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Science and Technology; Small Business; Transportation and Infrastructure; Veterans' Affairs; Ways and Means

Wallace v. Jaffree

Alabama law allowed teachers to conduct regular religious services at school. Jaffree's three children attended public school in Mobile. Result: The law directly violated the Establishment clause and in fact endorsed religion = unconstitutional. Incorporation of 1st A. - affirmative endorsement of religion.

What reforms did the McGovern-Fraser commission bring to the Democratic Party

All delegate election procedures must be open

political participation

All the activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue. Includes voting, protest, and civil disobedience.

Constitution Article 5

Amendment Process

Tenth Amendment

Amendment stating that the powers not delegated to the federal gov. are reserved to the states

22nd amendment

Amendment that created a 2 term limit on presidents.

24th Amendment

Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1964) eliminated the poll tax as a prerequisite to vote in national elections.

24th amendment

Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1964) eliminated the poll tax as a prerequisite to vote in national elections.

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Amish people refused to send their children to school past the 8th grade when the state required public schooling for all children until age16. Result: This law is in conflict with the Free Exercise clause. The statute is in direct conflict with Amish beliefs. The Amish may teach themselves.

Simpson-Mazzoli Act

An act requiring employers to document the citizenship of their employees. It's goal was to eventually stop illegal immigration from Mexico.

gallup polls

An assessment of public opinion by the questioning of a statistically representative sample

proportional representation

An election system in which each party running receives the proportion of legislative seats corresponding to its proportion of the vote.

critical election

An election that signals a party realignment through voter polarization around new issues. Happened in 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932, 1968

McCulloch v Maryland

An important decision of the Supreme Court in 1819 that established the key concepts of implied powers, broad construction of the Constitution, and supremacy of the national government

Explain the main function of the House Rules Committee

An institution unique to house of representatives that reviews all bills coming from a house committee before they go to full house

Speaker of the House

An office mandated by the constitution. The speaker is chosen in practice by the majority party, has formal and informal powers, and is second in line to succeed the presidency should that office become vacant

political culture

An overall set of values widely shared within a society

What makes new reporting on the Internet particularly different from news reporting on TV

Anyone can write anything on the internet without it being true. People only see news they want to see. On TV people see news they do and don't want to see

Warren Court

Appointed Earl Warren as Chief Justice and William Brennan as Associate Justice ---> liberal activist judges. ALSO criticized and praised for being judicial activists (creating law rather than interpreting law) SUMMARY - expanded rights of individual Americans

Patronage

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

Narrowcasting

As opposed to the traditional "broadcasting," the appeal to a narrow, particular audience by channels such as ESPN, MTV, and C-SPAN, which focus on a narrow particular interest.

judicial review

Authority given the courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature; est. in Marbury v. Madison

Appellate Jurisdiction

Authority of court to review a decision of a lower court or administrative agency.

Division of power

Basic principle of federalism; the constitutional provisions by which governmental powers are divided on a geographic basis (in the United States, between the National Government and the States).

Explain how the news media tend to by biased

Biased toward stories that will draw a bigger audience and biases from major corporations that own the networks (commercials)

Marshall Court

Chief Justice John Marshall; established the power of the federal government over the states; supremacy clause; supported by McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden

Administrative function

Chief executive -make sure laws are "faithfully executed" (may involve sending troops - little rock" -oversee executive branch

Soft Money

Campaign contributions unregulated by federal or state law, usually given to parties and party committees to help fund general party activities.

How does the media act as a "watchdog"

Can write stories about waste and corruption at all levels of government

Explain the difference between casework and pork barrel

Casework: activities of members of congress that help constituents as individuals; cutting through bureaucratic tied tape to gt people what they think they have the right to Pork barrel: list of federal projects, grants and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions available in congressional district

Establishment Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.

Constitution Article 4

Concerning the States - 1. full faith and credit, privileges and communities 2. extradition 3. new states incorporated as part of the US 4. "Republican government" and protection from invasion

Legislative Oversight

Congress's monitoring of the bureaucracy and its administration of policy, performed mainly through hearings

Select Committees

Congressional committees appointed for a specific purpose, such as the Watergate investigation

Conference Committees

Congressional committees formed when the senate and house pass a particular bill in different forms. Party leadership appoints members from each house to iron out the differences and bring back a single bill

Joint Committees

Congressional committees on a few subject matter areas with membership drawn from both houses

Full faith and credit

Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

separation of powers

Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law

national supremacy

Constitutional doctrine that whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the federal government prevail.

What are the main criticisms of PACs

Could potentially buy members votes, especially because PACs make contributions after elections, also contribute to a candidate who will most likely win

Bush v. Gore (2000)

Court rules that manual recounts of presidential ballots in the nov 2000 election could not proceed because inconsistent evaluation standards in different counties violates the equal protection clause led to bush winning election

Rehnquist Court

Court under William Rehnquist, 16th Chief Justice, the court was known for judicial restraint and conservative tendencies

What is most of the bill of rights about?

Criminal court procedures and protections (rights of the accused)

What is the role of the presidents press secretary?

Dealing directly with the press (info from the White House to press)

Who (doesn't) vote

DOES: people committed to political party, wealthy people vote the most, political efficacy/civil duty DOES NOT: 18-21 year old vote the least, less political efficacy, less sense of civic duty

chief executive

Decides how the laws of the US are to be enforced and choosing officials and advisors to help run the Executive Branch

Roth v. United States (1957)

Decision ruling that "obscenity is not within the area of constitutionally protected speech or press" First Amendment (Free Speech

national committee

Delegates who run party affairs between national conventions

Explain the difference between descriptive and substantive representation

Descriptive: representing constituents by mirroring their personal politically relevant characteristics Substantive: Speak for groups of which they are not members of (wealthy congressman champion interests of poor)

Sectarian

Devoted to a particular religious sect, particularly when referring to religious involvement in politics

elements of interest group success

Direct: Lobbying, rate legislators votes on issues, campaign, us the courts, political action committee Indict: create public pressure, climate control, 527 groups

What is the largest impact of declining trust in government since the 1960s

Drained public support for policies that address problems of poverty and racial ineqality

White House Office

EOP group that includes the President's most trusted personal advisors (led by White House Chief of Staff); members do not need senate confirmation

Election of 1828

Election of Andrew Jackson over John Quincy Adams (National Republican). Rise of "common man". Era of Democratic Dominance: Party then splits over sectional difference

Presidential Primaries

Elections in which a state's voters go to the polls to express their preference for a party's nominee for president. Most delegates to the national party conventions are chosen this way

closed primaries

Elections to select party nominees in which only people who have registered in advance with the party can vote for that party's candidates, thus encouraging greater party loyalty

open primaries

Elections to select party nominees in which voters can decide on Election Day whether they want to participate in the Democratic or Republican contests.

third parties

Electoral contenders other than the two major parties. American third parties are not unusual, but they rarely win elections.

EEOC

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Enforces laws to prevent unfair treatment on the job due to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or age.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established all lower federal courts and attorney general. Congress has power to create new federal courts and decide on number of judges

Senior Executive Service

Established by Congress in 1978 as a flexible, mobile corps of senior career executives who worked closely with presidential appointees to manage government.

Marbury v. Madison

Established judicial review

Media Event

Events purposely staged for the media that nonetheless look spontaneous. In keeping with politics as theater, media events can be staged by individuals, groups, and government officials, especially presidents.

Constitution Article 2

Executive Branch - 1. offices of president, vice president, and electoral college 2. power of president and presidents cabinet 3. misc duties of president 4. impeachment

Explain the significance of each of the following as sourced for political learning: Family, Mass Media, schools

Family - Role in socialization is central because of the time and emotional commitments of the family. The majority of young people vote like their parents Mass Media - TV now displaces parents as main source of info to kids older people may pay more attention to the news than younger people Schools - Governments use schools to promote loyalty to country and support

The Second Treatise of Government

Famous writing by John Locke which influenced American political leaders. Stressed natural rights, consent of the governed, and limited government. The sole purpose of the government is to protect natural rights of all people. Governments must provide standing laws so that people know in advance if their actions are acceptable, and "the preservation of property was the end of the government".

Block grant

Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services

Categorical grant

Federal grants that can be used only for specific purposes or "categories," of state and local spending. They come with strings attached, such as nondiscrimination provisions.

Pork Barrel

Federal projects, grants, and contracts available to state and local governments, businesses, colleges and other insitututions in a congressional district

Hatch Act

Federal statute barring Federal employees from active participation in certain kinds of politics and protecting them from being fired on partisan grounds.

Explain the significance of the "yellow journalism" era to the print media

Focused on violence corruption, wards and gossip often with a less-than-scrupulous rear from the truth

Explain the purpose of a media event

For the media to show coverage of n event, if the media wasn't involved, the event is not likely to take placed.

Fill in the following table concerning political ideology

Foreign Policy: Liberals - Believe we should spend less Conservatives - Believe we should maintain peace through strength Social Policy : Liberals - Support "freedom of choice (abortion)". Opposed to prayer in schools. Favor affirmative action. Conservatives - Support right to life. Supportive of prayer in schools. Oppose affirmative action. Economic: Liberal - View government as a regulator in public interests. Want to tax rich more. Send more on poor. Conservative - Favor free market solutions. Keep taxes low. Keep spending low. Crime: Liberals - Solve problems that cause crimes. Guard defendants rights carefully. Conservative - Stop "coddling" criminals. Stop letting criminals hide behind laws

Executive Orders

Formal orders issued by the president to direct action by the federal bureaucracy.

natural law

God's or nature's law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law

Election of 1860

Golden Age of parties (1860-1932). Election of Lincoln over several opponents - Republican Party. Results in civil war. Republican dominance: associated with big business

What is the difference between the president as head of state and head of government?

Head of state: a role that symbolizes and represents the people, both nationally and international and may or may not have any real policy making power Head of government: deals with the everyday tasks of running the state and usually directs the activities of other members of the executive branch.

What is the difference between a hierarchical organization and a wheel and spokes system of White House management?

Hierarchical: chief of staff at the top,whose job and that the presidents time and interests are protected. Wheel and Spokes: Many asides have equal status and are balanced against one another in the process of decision making.

party eras

Historical periods in which a majority of voters cling to the party in power, which tends to win a majority of the elections.

Judicial Implementation

How and whether court decisions are translated into actual policy, thereby affecting the behavior of others. The courts rely on other units of government to enforce their decisions.

Agents of Socialization

How we develop (absorb) opinions & beliefs.Some formal - high school or college classes (very small %). Most informal - Family (most important); TV/media (growing in importance); friends/peers; school (formal socialization).

Fill in the following table using the classification of American Voters according to the study of The American Voter

Ideologues - Could connect their opinions and beliefs with broad policy position taken by parties or candidates (12% of people) Group Benefit - people thought of politics mainly in terms of groups they liked or disliked (42% of people) Nature of times - weather times seemed good or bad to them, link party in power to countries fortunes or misfortunes (24%of people) No Issue Content - No issue content in making political evaluations (22% of people)

How have the following demographic changes affected political changes: Immigration, regional shifts, aging population

Immigration - People bring individual political beliefs. More diversity of public opinion beyond white males. Also illegal immigrants. Regional Shifts - Reappointment: occurs every 10 years following census, gains and losses of states congressional representation Aging population - Lots of policy on social security

Outline the procedure for removing a president from office.

Impeachment -House of Representatives can impeach by majority vote on "treason , bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors" Senate has impeachment hearing.

Wallace v. Jaffree (1985)

In 1981, An Alabama law authorized teachers to set aside one minute at the start of each day for a moment for "meditation or voluntary prayer." Optional prayer activities led by state employees in schools is prohibited by the First Amendment.

Regulatory Agencies

Independent agencies governed by an appointed and confirmed commission. Examples include the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Explain the Citizens United Ruling

Individuals, corporations and unions could donate unlimited amounts of money to groups that make independent political expenditures

What is the difference between the information society" and the "informed society"

Information society has the means to get educated, but aren't truly informed. An informed society is actually politically educated

Federal Questions

Involves constitutional, treaty, and/or federal law

What is meant by a "sound bite" and what does it tell us about news coverage

It is a short 10 sec or less video. Dont cover whole story, only important parts or news

Election of 1800

Jefferson (Democratic Republican) v Adams (Federalist). First Party election

Barron v. Baltimore (1833)

John ____ tried to sue the mayor of ___ for damages, and he lost. The Supreme Court held in 1833 that the Bill of Rights restrained only the national government, not the states and the cities. It was later overturned by Gitlow v. New York. It came to this decision through the Fifth Amendment's guarantee that government takings of private property for public use require just compensation, are restrictions on the federal government alone.

Constitution Article 3

Judaical Branch - 1. supreme court and terms of service 2. jurisdiction of supreme court 3. crime of treason

Class Action Suits

Lawsuits permitting a small number of people to sue on behalf of all other people similarly situated.

Impact of Watergate

Left the public distrusting of the gov, also caused the federal election campaign act amendments, freedom of information act amendments, and the government in the sunshine act

Civil Liberties

Legal and constitutional rights that protect citizens from government action

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Legal briefs submitted by a "friend of the court" for the purpose of raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties. These briefs attempt to influence a court's decision.

Constitution Article 6

Legal status of constitution - supreme law of US

Constitution Article 1

Legislative Branch - 1. congress: 1st of 3 branches of government 2. house of reps 3. senate 4. congress is elected; how often they meet 5. establishes procedural rules of congress 6. congress will be paid for their service 7. legislative process (bill to laws) 8. powers of congress (enumerated) 9. legal limitations of congress' power 10. specific powers denied to states

Stare Decisis

Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Man arrested for writing manifesto for socialism(criminal anarchy law); no force used, did not say to overthrow govt; He won bc New York violated freedom of speech/14th amend. Ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution had extended the reach of certain limitations on federal government authority set forth in the First Amendment.

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Married couple wanted to get contraceptives; struck down a Connecticut law prohibiting the sale of contraceptives; established the right of privacy through the 4th and 9th amendment

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Maryland had attempted to impede operation of a branch of the Second Bank of the United States by imposing a tax on all notes of banks not chartered in Maryland. the Supreme Court ruled that Congress had implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause

Election of 1896

McKinley (Republican) vs. Bryan (Democrat). Republican gain middle class, northern farmers and wealthy. Democrat south and western farmers and laborers.

Mass Media

Means of communication such as newspapers, radio, television, and the Internet that can reach large, widely dispersed audiences.

"Fourth Branch of Government"

Media is called this because of its power to select, interpret, and transmit information that can influence government and the voters

Constitutional Convention

Meeting in 1787 of the elected representatives of the thirteen original states to write the Constitution of the United States.

Press Confrences

Meetings of public officials with reporters.

Where does most of the power exist in the political party organization? why?

National convention - nominates candidates for president and vice president

What impact has cable TV had on news reporting

News as it happens and narrow casting to small targeted audiences

According to a study by Page, Shapiro and Dempsey, who has the strongest impact on public opinion changes

News commentators

Reporting News

News is anything going on that people need to be aware of or know about.

Print Media

Newspapers and magazines, as compared with broadcast media.

Lee v. Weisman (1992)

Officially approved, clergy-led prayer at public school graduations led to subtle religious coercion, and violated the Establishment Clause.

"Gray Power"

Older Americans banding together to increase their political clout

Interest Group examples

PETA - People for the Ethnical treatment of Animals NAACP - National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NRA - National Rifle Association

What conclusions can be made concerning the Downs Model on parties and voters' preferences?

Parties will moderate policies in an effort to win the support of the median voter

Whips

Party leaders who work with the majority leader or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to a bill favored b the party

What effect did TV have on the war in Vietnam

People got to see what exactly going on

How does the seniority system work in congress

People who have served on a comittee the longest and have their party in charge automatically become head of their committee

What is the difference between the personal staff and the committee staff

Personal staff deal directly with the congress person of whom they are employees with. The committee staff deal only with committees to keep members up to date on issues.

Explain the technique of random digit dialing

Places calls to random listed and unlisted numbers when conducting a survey

Unconventional Participation

Political activity that, although legal, is not considered appropriate by many people; it includes demonstrations, boycotts, and protests.

Soft Money

Political contributions earmarked for party-building expenses at the grassroots level or for generic party advertising. For a time, such contributions were unlimited, until they were banned by McCain-Feingold Act

Hard Money

Political contributions given to a party, candidate, or interest group that are limited in amount and fully disclosed.

Conventional Participation

Political participation in activities deemed appropriate by most; includes voting, donating to a campaign, and writing letters to officeholders.

Unwritten constitution

Political practices that are followed, but are not part of the actual Constitution. Examples include political parties, judicial review, and the Presidential Cabinet.

exit polls

Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected voters. Critics say they discourage many people from voting.

Explain the difference between a potential group and an actual group

Potential - all the people who might be interest group members because they share some common interest, almost always larger than actual Actual - members who actually join

Commander in Chief

Power: the president is the head of the arms forces Checks: congress declares war appropriates Act War Powers Act

implied powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution, derived from the elastic clause

enumerated powers

Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution; including the power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war.

Chief Jurist

Powers: appoints a federal judge issues pardons and amnesty-pardon to a large group of people Check: can reject or approve a federal judge "hold" -like a pigeonhole, put it away everything but impeachment

Chief Executive-

Powers: enforces laws, treaties and court decisions appoints officials to office an can fire them issues executive orders, which have the force of laws to carry out laws. Checks: senate can reject appointments/treaties supreme court can strike down executive order impeachment trial by senate and brought up by House congress controls the money(purse)

Constitutional Roles: Chief Legislator -

Powers: proposes legislation vetoes legislation calls special sessions of congress makes a sate of the union address to congress Checks: congress can override congress can reject legislature

Chief Diplomat

Powers: sets overall foreign policy appoints and receives ambassadors negotiates both treaties and executive agreements give diplomatic recognition to foreign governments Checks: senates rejects or approves ambassadors power of purse (money)

presidential pardons

Presidential can ensure that anyone accused of a crime will not be prosecuted under federal law.

Issue Network

Relationships among interest groups, congressional committees and subcommittees, and the government agencies that share a common policy concern.

Percentage of voters in different elections

Primaries: 25%, Caucus: 20%, General: 60%

Development of Mass Media

Printing Press → Radio → Television → Internet

Epperson v. Arkansas (1968)

Prohibited states from banning the teaching of evolution.

List three items environmental groups have promoted and three items they have opposed

Promoted: 1. pollution control policies 2. wilderness protection 3. population control Opposed: 1. strip-mining 2. supersonic air craft 3. Alaskan pipelime

Political Checks

Public opinion media attention popularity(senators & reps etc like him)

Sound Bites

Quote or "snippet" from politician's speech used by media to represent whole speech. Used by candidates to spread message (slogan); Used by media to avoid serious (boring) discussion of issues. 10 seconds.

What is the key to the accuracy of opinion polls

Random Sampling

Process of Public Opinion Polls

Random sampling - everyone should have an equal chance of being selected for the sample. Stratified sample - researchers divide population into several regions.

Give an example of civil disobedience

Refusing to pay taxes

What are the main provisions of the War Powers Resolution?

Required presidents to consult with congress ,when possible before using a military force, and it mandated the withdrawal of forces after 60 days unless congress declared war or granted an extension (congress could at any time pass a concurrent resolution ending participation)

House, Senate, or both? Revenue Bill Franking Foreign Affairs Rules Filabuster Have Committees Speaker Whips Mostly Protestant Based on Population Seniority is key

Revenue Bill - House Franking - both Foreign Affairs - Senate Rules - House Filabuster - Senate Have Committees - Both Speaker - House Whips - Both Mostly Protestant - Both Based on Population - House Seniority is key - House

Standing Committees

Separate subject-matter committees in each house of congress that handle bills in different policy areas four types - authorizing, appropriations (some kind of spending), taxing, budget (coordinate expenditures and revenues - congressional budget office (CBO) developed recently)

Federalist 51

Separation of powers & checks & balances protects against tyranny

Constitution Article 7

Signatures

Slander

Spoken defamation

Precedents

Standards or guides based on prior decisions that serve as a rule for settling similar disputes

right-to-work laws

State laws that provide that unions cannot impose a requirement that workers join the union as a condition of their employment.

Tinker v. Des Moines

Students decided to protest the Vietnam War by wearing black armbands to their schools during Christmas holiday season. The principals told them to remove them or face suspension, In 1969 Supreme Court ststed that The First Amendment, as applied through the Fourteenth, did not permit a public school to punish a student for wearing a black armband as an anti-war protest, absent any evidence that the rule was necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or the rights of others.

Final interpreter of our civil liberties

Supreme Court

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

Supreme Court held that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police.

Broadcast Media

Television and radio, as compared with print media.

United States v. Nixon

The 1974 case in which the Supreme Court unanimously held that the doctrine of executive privilege was implicit in the Constitution but could not be extended to protect documents relevant to criminal prosecutions

New York Times v. United States (1971)

The Court decides that Nixon's efforts to stop information of America's activity in Vietnam from being published in the newspaper due to "security purposes" is prior restraint and thus unconstitutional due to the 1st Amendment

Everson v. Board (1947)

The Court ruled that the New Jersey law (allowing the state to pay for busing students to parochial schools) was constitutional; the law benefited students rather than aided a religion directly.

party chief

The President is the head of their political party.

Confirmation of Judges

The Senate confirms judges

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

The Supreme Court held that the New York law granting navigation privileges to two men was found invalid because the Commerce Clause of the Constitution designated power to Congress to regulate interstate commerce and that the broad definition of commerce included navigation. Article I Section 8 Clause 3 was applied to the ruling.

Articles of Confederation

The US first constitution , A document that created the first central government for the United States. In 1781 it was replaced by the Constitution. It's major weaknesses were a weak central government, inability to tax, and needing unanimous agreement to get laws passed.

Administrative Discretion

The ability of an agency to determine how it will execute (carry out) laws. Major source of independent power for agencies. (Ex. The FDA decides how to determine safety of food & drugs, the U.S. Attorneys decide whether or not to prosecute suspects)

What is the "paradox of mass politics" according to Russell Neuman

The american political system works as well as it does given the discomforting lack of public knowledge about politics

party competition

The battle of the parties for control of public offices. One of the most important elements in American politics

linkage institutions

The channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the government's policy agenda. Includes elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media.

Commerce clause

The clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.

executive office

The cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities. Currently the office includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers, and several other units.

House Rules Committee

The committee in the house of representatives that reviews most bills coming from a house committee before they go to the full house

National Security Powers

The committee that links the president's foreign and military policy advisers. Its formal members are the president, vice president, secretary of state, and secretary of defense, and it is managed by the president's national security assistant

sampling error

The difference between a sample result and the true result if the entire population had been interviewed.

party realignment

The displacement of the majority party by the minority party, usually during a critical election period.

public opinion

The distribution of the population's beliefs about politics and policy issues.

US Constitution

The document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of US government and the tasks these institutions perform. It replaced the Articles of Confederation.

Minority Majority

The emergence of a non-Caucasian majority, as compared with a White, generally Anglo-Saxon majority. It is predicted that by about 2050, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans together will outnumber White Americans.

Watergate

The events and scandal surrounding a breakin at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and the subsequent cover-up of the White House involvement, leading to the eventual resignation of President Nixon under the threat of impeachment

Cabinet Departments

The fifteen largest and most influential agencies of the federal bureaucracy (e.g., Department of State, Treasury, Justice...) Headed by Secretary or Attorney General (Department of Justice)

Independent Executive Agencies

The government not accounted for by cabinet departments, independent regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Its administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. NASA is an example.

Independent Executive agencies

The government not accounted for by cabinet departments, independent regulatory agencies, and government corporations. Its administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. NASA is an example.

chief of staff

The head of the White House staff. Head of the White House staff, who has continuous, direct contact with the president.

limited government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizen.

Merit Principle

The idea that hiring should be based on entrance exams and promotion ratings to produce administration by people with talent and skill.

Descriptive Representation

The idea that politicians can only represent people like them (ex. only women can represent women, blacks represent blacks, etc.)

mandate theory of elections

The idea that the winning candidate has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and politics. Politicians like the theory better than political scientists do.

Lynch v. Donnelly

The inclusion of the nativity scene was not an effort to advance a particular religious message. It could have been seen as historical. If the court ruled against it they would also have to rule against federal holiday

Statutory Construction

The judicial interpretation of an act of Congress. In some cases where statutory construction is an issue, Congress passes new legislation to clarify existing laws.

Issue Networks

The loose and informal relationships that exist among a large number of actors who work in broad policy areas

Campaign Strategy

The master game plan candidates lay out to guide their electoral campaign

melting pot

The mixing of cultures, ideas, and peoples that has changed America. The US is often referred to as a melting pot because of its long history of immigration.

Committee Chairs

The most important influences of the congressional agenda. They play dominant roles in scheduling hearings, hiring staff, appointing subcommittees, and managing committee bills when they are brought before the full house

Office of Personnel Management

The office in charge of hiring for most agencies of the federal government, using elaborate rules in the process.

Invisible primary

The period before any votes are cast when candidates compete to win early support for the elite of the party and to create a positive first impression of their leadership skills

impeachment

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution. The House of Representatives may impeach the president by a majority vote for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

tyranny of the majority

The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority rights and interests.

Selection of Judges

The president nominates, the senate confirms by majority vote

Majority Leader

The principle partisan ally of the speaker of the house, or the party manager i the senate. the majority leaders is responsive for scheduling bills, influencing committee assignments, and rounding up votes on behalf of the party legislative positions

What is the relationship between party promises and party performance

The promises influence who joins the party's coalition nearly 3/4 ths of the promises result in policy actions

Frontloading

The recent tendency of states to hold primaries early in the calendar in order to capitalize on media attention

head of state

The role of the president as ceremonial head of the government.

commander in chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into federal service

chief legislator

The role of the president in influencing the making of laws.

demography

The science of population changes.

Command-and-control policy

The typical system of regulation whereby government tells business how to reach certain goals, checks that these commands are followed, and punishes offenders

party image

The voter's perception of what the Republicans or Democrats stand for, such as conservatism or liberalism

intergovernmental relations

The workings of the federal system- the entire set of interactions among national, state, and local governments

Substantive Representation

Theory of representation that says that anyone can represent any group (ex. a rich white guy can represent the interests of poor black people). Compare to Descriptive Representation.

sub governments

These are the network of groups within the American political system which exercise a great deal of control over specific policy areas. They are also known as Iron triangles due to their three way interaction between key interest group leaders, government agencies and congressional committees.

presidential coattails

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president's party because they support the president. Recent studies show that few races are won this way.

In the experiments by Shanto Iyengar and Donald Kinder, what effect did manipulating TV stories have viewers

They could significantly effect the importance of people attached to a given problem by splicing a few stories about it into the news over the course of a week

Anti-Federalists

They opposed the Constitution's powerful centralized government, arguing that the Constitution gave too much political, economic, and military control. They instead advocated a decentralized governmental structure that granted most power to the states and a Bill of Rights

Marbury v Madison

This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review

Gibbons v Ogden

This case involved New York trying to grant a monopoly on waterborne trade between New York and New Jersey. Judge Marshall, of the Supreme Court, sternly reminded the state of New York that the Constitution gives Congress alone the control of interstate commerce by the supremacy clause.

Incumbents

Those already holding office. In Congressional elections, incumbents usually win.

How does minority group status affect political participation

Those with poor education and low income levels and minorities tend to participated less. However, when Blacks, Hispanics and whites of equal incomes and education levels are compared the minorities tend to participate more

What was the goal of the Simpson-Mazzoli Act?

To curb employment of illegal aliens by forcing employers to document citizenship of the employee

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Supreme Court of the United States held that ONLY the Supreme Court of the United States has the power to declare laws unconstitutional. Established judicial review.

Types of Speech

Unprotected: incitement, seditious, hate, fighting words, slander/libel, obscenity Otherwise: symbolic and commerical

Briefly explain how the National Party Convention operated until the late 1960's

Vast majority of delegates were the political elite - elected officials and heads of the local party organization

What is the difference between a veto, a pocket veto, and a line-item veto?

Veto: the constitutional power of the president to sense a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. a 2/3 vote in each house can override a veto. Pocket veto: when congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simp;y lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it Line-item veto: when you can veto certain parts of a bill, most governors have it, unlike the president.

ticket splitting

Voting with one party for one office and with another party for other offices. It has become the norm in American voting behavior.

Burger Court

Warren Burger was appointed by Richard Nixon in 1969 as the 15th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Court he presided over was more conservative than the Warren Court, handing over more power to the states through the Court's decisions

Nature of Public Opinion Polls

Ways to study and measure public opinion. Polls are snapshot in time (peoples opinion change). Scientific way to measure public sentiment (statistically reliable). Critical in gathering data sample

What is the public's general attitude about the scope of government

We want more control for ourselves and less for the government

Explain the effect of legislative oversight

When in congress, through hearings, monitor the executive branch, along with its actions and policies

What is politics?

Who gets what, when, how (who-can get involved, when-time, how-involvement)

Libel

Written defamation

NY Times v. U.S.

[1971] overturned Justice Department's order to restrict free press in interests of national security (when they attempted to stop the publication of the so called Pentagon Papers) - firmly protected freedom of press

Motor Voter Act of 1993

a 1993 act that requires states to permit people to register to vote when they apply for a driver's license, increased voter registration but not voter turnout

McGovern-Fraser Commission

a commission formed at the 1968 democratic convention in response to demands for reform by minority groups and others who sought better representation

union shop

a provision found in some collective bargaining agreements requiring all employees of a business to join the union within a short period, usually 30 days, and to remain members as a condition of employment

protest

a form of political participation designed to achieve policy change through dramatic and unconventional tactics.

civil disobedience

a form of political participation that reflects a conscious decision to break a law believed to be immoral and to suffer the consequences.

Independent Regulatory Agency

a government agency responsible for some sector of the economy, making and enforcing rules to protect the public interest. It also judges disputes over these rules.

coalition

a group of individuals with a common interest on which every political party depends

What is the cabinet and what does it do?

a group of presidential advisors not mentioned in the constitution that provide advice to their area of expertise.

Advisory system

a judicial system in which opposing lawyers present their strongest case for the judge

Direct Mail

a method of raising money for a political cause or candidate, in which information and requests for money are sent to people whose names appear on lists of those who have supported similar views or candidates in the past

What is an executive agreement and how does it differ from a treaty?

a pact by the president directly with the head of a foreign state or subordinate -does not require senate senate approval-

Party Platform

a political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years. The platform is drafted prior to the party convention by a committee whose members are chosen in rough proportion to each candidate's strength. It is the best formal statement of a party's beliefs.

National Primaries

a proposal by critics of the caucuses and presidential primaries system...held early in the election year

Voter Registration

a system adopted by the states that requires voters to register prior to voting. Some states require citizens to register as much as 30 days in advance, whereas others permit election day registration

Caucus

a system for electing convention delegates used in about a dozen states in which voter must attend an open meeting to express their presidential preference

Bureaucracy

a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives

elite theory

a theory of american democracy contending that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy, regardless of the formal governmental organization

hyper pluralist theory

a theory of american democracy contending that groups are so strong that government, which gives in to the many different groups, is thereby weakened

pluralist theory

a theory of american democracy emphasizing that the policy making process is very open to participation of all groups with shared interest, with no single group usually dominating. Pluralists tend to believe that as a results, public interest generally prevails

Explain the relationship between the party machine and patronage

a type of political party organization that relies heavily on material inducements, such as patronage, to win votes

Electoral College

a unique american institution created by the constitution, provided for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties. Although the electoral college cote usually reflects a popular majority, less populated states are over represented and the winner-take-all rule concentrates campaigns on close states

Unitary government

a way of organizing a nation so that all power resides in the central government.

Given an example of a single-issue group

abortion issue group

potential group

all the people who might be interest groups members because they share some common interest

Presidential Debates

allows you to see the differences between candidates, candidates agree on the number and location of debates before hand, candidates have a big impact on the debates

How the Constitution was radified

amendments - article 5 of constitution - Formal Changes: 1. Proposal: either 2/3 vote in congress (all 27) or 2/3 states petition for constitutional convention (none) 2. Ratify: 3/4 vote in state legislator (26) or 3/4 vote in state conventions (1)

Trial Balloons

an intentional news leak for the purpose of assessing the political reaction

interest group

an organization of people with shared policy goals entering the policy process at several points to try to achieve those goals. Interest groups pursue their goals in many areanas

Presidents and the bureaucracy

appoint agency heads, executive orders - regulations from president, increase or decrease budget request

Federal Judges

appointed by president(can be impeached) for life, life appointment meant to keep them free from political pressure, approved by senate (checks and balances)

Abington v. Schempp

bible reading in public schools violated first amendment

Policy Enrepreneurs

business entrepreneur who seeks to gain profit through subsidies, protectionism, government contracts, or other such favorable arrangements with government(s) through political influence (also known as corporate welfare).

Exercise Clause

citizens are free to exercise their choice of religion freely

Diversity of Citizenship

civil suit between citizens of 2 different states and the amount is over $75,000

What is meant by "permanent campaign"

condition that prevails the new american democracy when the next election campaign begins as soon as soon as the last has ended and the line between electioneering and governing has disappeared

Congress and the bureaucracy

congressional oversight - hold hearings to check agency, use appropriations - give or restrict funding

Where does most news come from

correspondents of the white house, pentagon and state department

Judicial Review

decide constitutionality of state or federal law

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

decided that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable searches and seizures," may not be used in court.

Reynolds v. Sims (1964)

decision that held that the equal protection clause demanded no less substantially equal state legislative representation for all citizens and that both house of the bicameral state legislature had to apportioned on a population basis. "one man, one vote"

Gregg v. Georgia (1976)

decision that upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating it is an extreme sanction, suitable to the most extreme of crimes. The court didn't not therefore believe that the death sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

class action lawsuit

lawsuit filed by one or more people on behalf of a larger group of people who are all affected by the same situation

Judicial Activism

doctrine supreme court should take an active role in using its power to check congress and state legislator (warren court - defendant rights and in regard to segregation)

Judicial Restraint

doctrine the supreme court should defer to the decisions made by the elected reps in legislative and executive branches. Do not act unless laws/actions are clearly unconstitutional

District Courts

each state has at least 1 court, hears 1st case, has original jurisdiction, principal trial court (has juries)

blanket primaries

elections to select party nominees in which voters are presented with a list of candidates from all the parties. Voters can then select some Democrats and some Republicans if they like.

Policy Voting

electoral choices that are made on the basis of the voters' policy preferences and where the candidates stand on policy issues

Problems with policy implementation

ended up supporting bad governments

expressed powers

enumerated in the constitution : serve as commander in chief of the armed forces appoint head pardon crimes enter into treaties give the state of the union convene the congress receive ambassadors of other nations commission all officers of the us

How did the founders view the office of the president?

envisioned a presidency that would have few responsibilities president has many more today

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

established guidelines for determining whether public officials and public figures could win damage suits for libel. To do so, individuals must prove that the defamatory statements were made w/ "actual malice" and reckless disregard for the truth

Chains

groups of newspapers published by media conglomerates and today accounting for over four-fifths of the nation's daily newspaper circulation

collective good

goods and services, such as clean air and clean water, that by thier nature cannot be denied to anyone

selective benefits

goods that a group can restrict to those who actually join

Regulation

government intervention in a market that affects the production of a good

Briefly explain how a bill becomes a law

house, subcommittee, committee, rules committee, full house, conference committee, full house, president law

What are Super PAC's

independent expenditure-only, may accept donations of any size and can endorse candidates. Contributions must be reported to FEC

527 groups

independent political groups that are not subject to contribution restrictions because they do not directly seek the election of particular candidate. Section 527 of the tax code specifies that contributions to such groups must be reported to the IRS

Original Jurisdiction

involves conflicting claims from 3 states or ambassadors/foreign officials. Only 8-12 cases per year

Judicial branch and the bureaucracy

judicial review of agency statutory authority, judicial review of agency producures

Gridlock

last 4 decades, parties have controlled different branches of government

Conservatives

like to stick to the traditional ways of government and tend to oppose change

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

man burned American flag as protest against Reagan admin.; protected under 1st amend? yes bc expressive conduct and political nature; govt can't prohibit the expression of an idea bc society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable

Near v. Minnesota (1931)

man published scandal sheet in Minneapolis saying local officials worked w gang; officials obtained injunction under state "gag law"; does law violate free press of 1st amend? law unconstitutional as applied; govt can't censor or prohibit publication in advance

Furman v. Georgia (1972)

manner imposing death penalty "arbitrary and capricious" in Georgia and Texas was cruel and unusual punishment violating 8 and 14th amendments

Explain the hydraulic theory of money

money always finds a way around legal obstacles

Comment on how Americans' lack of political knowledge and low participation affects democracy

more people think the government is too active, but a plurality consistently call for more spending on key social programs

Criteria used for public officials in slander/libel cases

must prove that slander/libel is false

litigation

one group bringing legal actionion against another

amicus curiae lawsuit

people able to send in briefs to attempt to rule a certain way

Ideologues

people could connect their opinions and beliefs with broad policy positions taken by parties or candidates

explain how the influence of party identification on voting has changed since the 1950's

people voted for a party no matter who the candidate today people vote fore for the candiate

Liberals

people who generally favor government action and view change as progress

No Issue Content Voters

people who vote based on essentially nothing.

What is the major provision of the 1993 voter act

permits people to register to vote at the same time they apply for their drivers license

What was the main purpose of the Taft-Hartley Act

permitted starter to adopt right to work laws

national chairperson

person responsible for the day-to-day activities of the party and is usually hand-picked by the presidential nominee.

executive order

power of the president to issue orders that carry the force of law

Statutory powers

powers explicitly granted to the presidents by congressional action

inherent powers

powers that are not expressly granted by the constitution but are inferred

Explain "the art of ambiguity"

presidential candidates are skilled at appearing to say much while actually saying little

Interest Groups and the 1st Amendment

protected by

Incentive System

regulatory strategy that rewards individuals or corporations for desired types of behavior, usually through the tax code.

Writ Certiorari

request for SC to issue order to lower courts for records 1.federal government is the party asking for review 2. lower federal courts have taken different positions on the issue 3. case involves a constitutional question of civil liberties/rights 4. case has high public interest

Chief Economist

responsible for the overall health of the economy proposes the federal budget

Limits on Freedom of expression

right does not extend to violent groups or to demonstrations that would incite violence

Freedom of the Press

right to publish newspapers, magazines, and other materials without government restriction, allowing citizens to voices their ideas and views

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

ruled that segregation was constitutional. Established the idea "separate but equal" was acceptable

Regulations

rules governing the operation of all government programs that have the force of law

Non-Constitutional roles: Head of Political Party

selects the part's chairman of the national committee and the vice presidential nominee political patronage

Why do people join interest groups

self benefits and to represent their own interests

Senatorial Courtesy

senators of each state needing a federal judge are consulted first and give their approval, in reality who appoints and confirms, does not apply to justices

Brown v. Board (1954)

separate but equal was seen as unconstitutional and a unanimous vote states its not unconstitutional to have segregated school- violates equal protection of 14 amendment

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

short prayer by board. The court ruled it was unconstitutional because the court treats children differently and doesn't want to indoctrinate children at an impressionable stage of life and can't show religious preference. Justice Black also ruled on this one.

Religious Beliefs

specific ideas that members of a particular faith hold to be true

Beats

specific locations from which news frequently emanates, such as Congress or the White House. Most top reporters work a particular beat, thereby becoming specialists in what goes on at that location

Battle Ground States

state in which no single candidate or party has overwhelming support in securing that state's electoral college votes. Such states are targets of bother major political parties in presidential elections, since winning these states is the best opportunity for a party to gain electoral votes

Briefly explain the way the Electoral College Works

states have as many electoral votes as senators and reps (except in Nebraska and Maine - winner takes all), electors meet in December after the election and mail in their votes to the VP, if no candidate receives majority, house of representatives decides

take care clause

states that "the executive power shall be vested in a president of the USA" and that "he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed

Abington v. Schempp (1963)

students in Abington were forced to read the bible before class-goes against the establishment clause./ affects the 1st amendment

19th amendment

suffrage for women

Mandates

terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants

Religious Practies

the acts of a certain branch of religion

Civic Duty

the belief that in order to support democratic government, a citizen should vote

Political Efficacy

the belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference

Chief of state

the ceremonial head of our nation most nations separate theChief executive and chief of state roles but he office of the presidency

religiosity

the degree to which one is religious

What is political parties main goal

to win elections

What is meant by the presidents "honeymoon" period?

the first few months of the presidential term aka a presidents " first 100 days"(congress usually displays more receptivity and media show more cooperation)

party dealignment

the gradual disengagement of people and politicians from the parties, as seen in part by shrinking party identification. Election of 1968.

natural rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property

Consent of the governed

the idea that government derives its authority by the sanction of the people

Mandate Theory of Elections

the idea that the winning candidates has a mandate from the people to carry out his or her platforms and polices. Politicians like the theory better than political scientists do

Presidential disability

the inability for the president to be effective, in which place he/she would be replaced by the vice president; 25 amendment

Media and Policy Agenda

the issues that the media covers, the public considers important and politicians address. setting the agenda is the first step in political action

Suffrage

the legal right to vote in the US, gradually extended to virtually all citizens over the age of 18

Nomination

the official endorsement of a candidate for office b a political party. Generally, success in the nomination game requires momentum, money, and media attention

actual group

the people in the potential group who actually join

Selective Perception

the phenomenon that people often pay the most attention to things they already agree with and interpret them according to their own predispositions

In what ways is the institution of the presidency undemocratic?

the presidency is the single most important office in American politics.

Why is the president more equipped to handle a crisis the Congress?

the president can come to quick and consistent decisions, confine info to a small group, carefully oversee development, and call on experts in the executive branch.

"bully pulpit"

the president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public. The Presidency is a "bully pulpit" - a good position from which to inspire Congress & the nation, with the help of the media, to follow his political agenda. Example = FDR's fireside chats, Obama's televised State of the Union Address.

Minority Leader

the principal leader of the minority party in the house of representatives or in the senate

free-rider problem

the problem faced by interest groups when citizens can reap the benefits of interest group action without actually joining, participating in, or contributing money to such groups.

informal amendments

the process by which over time many changes have been made in the Constitution which have not involved any changes in its written words

Standing to Sue

the requirement that plaintiffs have a serious interest in a case, which depends on whether they have sustained or are likely to sustain a direct and substantial injury from a party or an action of government

crisis manager

the responsibility to act as a policymaker, coordinator of resources, and point person in the wake of natural and man made disasters

Jurisdiction

the right to hear the case

Policy Implementation

the stage of policymaking between the establishment of a policy and the consequences of the policy for the people whom it affects. It involves translating the goals and objectives of a policy into an operating, ongoing program.

Investigative Journalism

the use of in-depth reporting to unearth scandals, scams, and schemes, at times putting reporters in adversarial relationships with political leaders

"first lady"

the wife of the president who shapes her own role in the white house

Nature of the Times Voters

their handle on politics was limited to whether the times seemed good or bad to them

Explain the term "presidential coattails"

these occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the presidents party because they support the president(few races win this way)

Explain how interest groups affect the scope of government

they expand it

Group Benefits Voters

those who evaluate parties and candidates by expected favorable or unfavorable treatment for specific social groups

How does the presidency increase and decrease the scope of government?

three presidents in the 1900s advocated a larger gov which isn't inherent to the presidency. All seven since Johnson have advocated limiteds government.

Retrospective Voting

voting for a candidate because you like his or her past actions in office

Federalist 48

written by James Madison, explains how the system of checks and balances in the constitution means that no interest or faction can take over b/c it further strengthens the system of separation of powers.

8th amendment

reasonable bail

Black codes

Laws denying most legal rights to newly freed slaves; passed by southern states following the Civil War

Warren Court Decisions

Miranda v. Arizona Gideon v. Wainwright Mapp v. Ohio Griswold v. Connecticut

Unreasonable Search and Seizure

Obtaining evidence in a haphazard or random manner, a practice prohibited by the 4th amendment; probable cause and a search warrant are required for this to be legal

1st Amendment Protections

"Basic human freedoms" - speech, press, assembly, establishment of religion, practice of religion,

Schenck v United States

(1919) Supreme court decides that any actions taken that present a "clear and present danger" to the public or government isn't allowed, this can limit free speech

Near v Minnesota

(1931) Supreme Court decision holding that the first amendment protects newspapers from prior restraint.

Roth v United States

(1957) Supreme Court decision ruling that obscenity is not within the area of constitutionally protected speech or press.

NAACP v Alabama

(1958) The Supreme Court protected the right to assemble peaceably when it decided the NAACP did not have to reveal its membership list and thus subject its members to harassment.

Mapp v Ohio

(1961) Established the exclusionary rule was applicable to the states (evidence seized illegally cannot be used in court)

Engel v Vitale

(1962) Prohibited state-sponsored recitation of prayer in public schools by virtue of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause and the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.

New York Times v Sullivan

(1964) established guidelines for determining whether public officials and public figures could win damage suits for libel. To do so, individuals must prove that the defamatory statements were made w/ "actual malice" and reckless disregard for the truth

Red Lion Broadcasting Company v Federal Communications Commission

(1969) Supreme Court upheld restrictions on radio and television broadcasting. These restrictions on broadcast media are much tighter than those on the print media because there are only a limited number of broadcasting frequencies available

Lemon v Kurtzman

(1971) Law must be clearly secular, not prohibiting or inhibiting religion, and there should be no excessive entanglement

Swann v Charlotte-Mecklenburg

(1971) integration in public schools was an important United States Supreme Court case dealing with the busing of students to promote integration in public schools.

Miller v California

(1973) Supreme Court decision that avoided defining obscenity by holding that community standards be used to determine whether material is obscene in terms of appealing to a "prurient interest" and being "patently offensive" and lacking in value.

Roe v Wade

(1973)Supreme Court case that legalized abortion on the basis of a woman's right to privacy

Miami Herald Publishing Company v Tornillo

(1974) case in which the Supreme Court held that a state could not force a newspaper to print replies from candidates it had criticized, illustrating the limited power of government to restrict the print media.

Gregg v Georgia

(1976) Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating, "It is an extreme sanction, suitable to the most extreme of crimes." The court did not, therefore, believe that the death sentence constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Zurcher v Stanford Daily

(1978) Supreme Court decision holding that a proper search warrant could be applied to a newspaper as well as to anyone else without necessarily violating the First Amendment rights to freedom of the press.

Bowers v. Hardwick

(1986) Supreme Court ruled that states could ban homosexual relations. A hardwick was observed by a Georgia police officer while engaging in the act of consensual homosexual sodomy with another adult in the bedroom of his home. After being charged with violating a Georgia statute that criminalized sodomy, he challenged the statute's constitutionality in Federal District Court. Following a ruling that he failed to state a claim, the court dismissed. On appeal, the Court of Appeals reversed and remanded, holding that Georgia's statute was unconstitutional. 14th

McClesky v Kemp

(1987) Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty against charges that it violated the 14th amendment because minority defendants were more likely to receive the death penalty than were White defendants.

Texas v Johnson

(1989) case in which the Supreme Court struck down a law banning the burning of the American flag on the grounds that such action was symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Planned Parenthood v Casey

(1992) Supreme Court loosened its standard for evaluating restrictions on abortion from one of "strict scrutiny" of any restraints on a "fundamental right" to one of "undue burden" that permits considerably more regulation.

grandfather clause

(AJohn) , Law that excused a voter from a literacy test if his father or grandfather had been eligible to vote on January 1, 1867

Sixth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

Fifth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

probable cause

(law) evidence sufficient to warrant an arrest or search and seizure

5 parts of the Miranda Warning

1. informed of right to attorney (6th) 2. right to remain silent (5th) 3. against self incrimination (5th) 4. evidence is to be used against them 5. Right to end interrogation at anytime

due process clause

14th amendment clause stating that no state may deprive a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

Barron v Baltimore

1833; court ruled that Bill of Rights only applied to the national government, not the states

Dred Scott v Sandford

1857 Supreme Court decision that stated that slaves were not citizens; that livig in a free state or territory, even for many years, did not free slaves; and declared the Missouri Compromise unconstitional

Fifteenth Amendment

1870 constitutional amendment that guaranteed voting rights regardless of race or previous condition of servitude

Korematsu v United States

1944 Supreme Court case where the Supreme Court upheld the order providing for the relocation of Japanese Americans. It was not until 1988 that Congress formally apologized and agreed to pay $20,000 to each survivor.

Brown v Board of Education

1954 - The Supreme Court overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

1964 - It outlawed taxing voters, i.e. poll taxes, at presidential or congressional elections, as an effort to remove barriers to Black voters.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

1965; invalidated the use of any test or device to deny the vote and authorized federal examiners to register voters in states that had disenfranchised blacks

Against Self incrmination

5th amendment - The act of implicating oneself in a crime or exposing oneself to criminal prosecution; may occur as a result of interrogation or may be made voluntarily

Title IX

A United States law enacted on June 23, 1972 that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

plea bargaining

A bargain struck between the defendant's lawyer and the prosecutor to the effect that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser crime (or fewer crimes) in exchange for the state's promise not to prosecute the defendant for a more serious (or additional) crime.

search warrant

A court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence

Comparable worth

A doctrine maintaining that jobs of equal (or comparable) worth to the organization should be compensated equally. Designed to get equal pay for women

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A federal law that authorized federal action against segregation in public accommodations, public facilities, and employment.

prior restraint

A government preventing material from being published. This is a common method of limiting the press in some nations, but it is usually unconstitutional in the United States, according to the First Amendment and as confirmed in the 1931 Supreme Court case of Near v. Minnesota.

Civil disobedience

A nonviolent, public refusal to obey allegedly unjust laws.

Affirmative Action

A policy in educational admissions or job hiring that gives special attention or compensatory treatment to traditionally disadvantaged groups in an effort to overcome present effects of past discrimination.

exclusionary rule

A rule that provides that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial if it was the result of illegal police conduct

Equal protection of the laws

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

white primary

A state primary election that restricts voting to whites only; outlawed by the Supreme Court in 1944.

libel

A written defamation of a person's character, reputation, business, or property rights.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery

commercial speech

Advertisements and commercials for products and services; they receive less First Amendment protection, primarily to discourage false and misleading ads.

Where in the Bill of rights is the right to privacy?

Amendment I - Privacy of Beliefs Amendment III - Privacy of the Home Amendment IV - Privacy of the Person and Possessions Amendment IX - More General Protection for Privacy Liberty Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment

establishment clause

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Identify three conditions under which law enforcement may search your home. Search You?

Consent, Plain view, search incident to arrest, if it were to jeopardize public saftey

Voir Dire

Jury selection process of questioning prospective jurors, to ascertain their qualifications and determine any basis for challenge.

Reverse discrimination

Discrimination against a majority group such as whites or males.

Eighth Amendment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

School District of Abbington Township, Pennsylvania v Schempp

Held that it should not be necessary to require prayer be said in school. School district was said to be violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Under what conditions are most searches conducted

If they are a flight risk: defendant shows a significant risk of running away or poses a considerable danger to the community

Fourteenth Amendment

It states that no state can make or enforce any law which "deprives any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." Also, states could not "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

unreasonable searches and seizures

Obtaining evidence in a haphazard or random manner, a practice prohibited by the Fourth Amendment. Probable cause and/or a search warrant are required for a legal and proper search for and seizure of incriminating evidence.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Passed by Congress in 1991, this act banned discrimination against the disabled in employment and mandated easy access to all public and commercial buildings.

civil rights

Policies designed to protect people against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by government officials or individuals.

cruel and unusual punishment

Punishment that does not fit the nature of the crime. Protected by the Eighth Amendment.

De jure segregation

Racial segregation that occurs because of laws or administrative decisions by public agencies.

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

Poll taxes

Small taxes levied on the right to vote that often fell due at a time of year when poor African-American sharecroppers had the least cash on hand. This method was used by most Southern states to exclude African Americans from voting. Poll taxes were declared void by the Twenty-fourth Amendment in 1964.

Jim Crow laws

State laws in the South that legalized segregation.

Miranda v Arizona

Supreme Court held that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police.

Mapp v. Ohio

The 1961 (Warren court) case that incorporated the 4th amendment - no searches or seizures without warent/probable cause - and exclusionary rule into the 14th amendment. Established the exclusionary rule - evidence seized illegally cannot be used in court. This is part of the pretrial.

Gideon v. Wainwright

The 1963 (Warren Court) supreme court decision that established the right to assistance of counsel (indigent (poor) people may have one appointed) - Informa Pauper. 6th Amendment

Miranda v. Arizona

The 1966 (Warren Court) case that established the Miranda Rights. Part of the arrest. 5th amendment privilege against self-incrimination requires law enforcement officials to advise a suspect interrogated in custody of his rights to remain silent and to obtain an attorney

Roe v. Wade

The 1973 Supreme Court decision holding that a state ban on all abortions was unconstitutional. The decision forbade state control over abortions during the first trimester of pregnancy, permitted states to limit abortions to protect the mother's health in the second trimester, and permitted states to protect the fetus during the third trimester. Right of Privacy. Due Process 14th.

Gregg v. Georgia

The 1976 Supreme Court case that capital punishment - death penalty - laws are upheld with the following 2 tiered process -Jury decides guilt/innocence -jury decides whether punishment is life in prison or death penalty These where to attempt to prevent discrimination when sentencing the death trail. Has to do with the sentencing. 8th and 14th amendment

Zelman v Simmons-Harris

The 2002 Supreme Court decision that upheld a state providing families with vouchers that could be used to pay for tuition at religious schools.

right to privacy

The right to a private personal life free from the intrusion of government.

suffrage

The right to vote guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US constitution.

Plessy v Ferguson

a 1896 Supreme Court decision which legalized state ordered segregation so long as the facilities for blacks and whites were equal

Regents of University of California v Bakke

a 1978 Supreme Court decision holding that a state university could not admit less qualified individuals solely because of their race.

Excessive Bail

clause in 8th amendment - due to excessive bail in england

Equal Rights Amendment

constitutional amendment passed by Congress but never ratified that would have banned discrimination on the basis of gender

14th

due process - "equal protection of the laws"

Gitlow v New York

established selective incorporation of the Bill of rights; states cannot deny freedom of speech; protected through the 14th amendment

6th amendmet

right to assistance of counsel (poor) right to a public and speedy trial right to a trial by jury (interview jurors) informed to right to attorney

5th amendment

right to remain silent against self incrimination right to confront witnesses protection against double jepordy

4th amendment

searches and seizures

wall of separation

term for the separation of church and state, coined by Thomas Jefferson. According to Jefferson, the freedom of religion articulated in the First Amendment to the Constitution could best be articulated with the image of a "wall of separation" between the state and the church. This view of the First Amendment has been criticized by some.

"Equal Protection of the Laws"

the idea that no individual or group may receive special privileges from, nor be unjustly discriminated by, the law - 14th amendment

Reed v Reed

the landmark case in 1971 in which the supreme court for the first time upheld a claim of gender discrimination.

incorporation doctrine

the legal concept under which the Supreme Court has nationalized the Bill of Rights by making most of its provisions applicable to the states through the fourteenth amendment

civil liberities

the personal rights and freedoms that the federal government cannot abridge by law, constitution or judicial decision is known as