AP GOV TEST #1

Describe the board of education of westside community schools v mergens

-Bridget wanted to start a bible alliance club at school in Nebraska -her request was national law-the equal access act of 1984

What were the 3 main issues that divided the anti feds and the feds?

-The feasibility of republican gov in a large nation -the relative power of states -the lack of a bill of rights in the constitution

What does the legislative branch do involving national security and foreign policy making responsibility?

-declare war -senate ratifies treaties

What is the two part process of replacing a supreme judge?

1) the appointment process- pres appoints a judge 2) confirmation-the senate has to confirm the president's choice, senate judiciary committee, full senate

What is the elitist theory?

A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policy making process -a small minority dominates

What were some of Jefferson's arguments regarding the Declaration of Independence?

British gov no longer legitimate inalienable rights were denied to citizens

Describe two examples of checks and balances that are referred to in the Reading.

First, one example of checks and balances referred to in this reading is the fact that the president of the executive branch may veto any piece of legislation created in congress. This prevents the legislative branch from passing any unreasonable laws, keeping congress in check it also gives the executive more power and involvement. Second, bicameralism is another example of checks and balances. This creates two houses in congress so that the legislature as a whole is not too powerful. These two houses check and balance each other making it impossible for an unreasonable law to pass. Without checks and balances in the government there would be no way to stop the government from becoming too powerful. This way the government stays in check so we can have a functioning democracy.

What is liberty and order?

Gov Laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the constitution and have been interpreted differently over time

Explain why factions are more easily controlled in republics than in direct democracies.

In a republic, citizens elect representatives to deal with the government so the citizens don't have to. This way the citizens are directly contributing to the government so there is less of a need for factions like political parties. Second, in a large republic it includes more people of the same interest creating a majority instead of separate factions.

How would the proposed Virginia Plan have created a stronger federal government?

It would ha e expanded the legislature and given states additional representatives

The DOI was approved on

July 4 1776

What does the executive branch do involving oversight responsibilities?

Oversees federal bureaucracy

Where does much of the protection for state authority come from?

The tenth amendment

many legal challenges have been made to the arrest and detainment of suspected terrorists because they often are not told why they are being held. Which constitutional protection are these legal challenges based on?

The writ of habeas corpus

Why did so many Americans want to keep the AOC as they were?

They feared what would result if any changes were made

what is a faction?

a group of self interested people who use the government to get what they want trampling the rights of others in the process

What is the participatory democratic theory?

a theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic gov -citizens can join groups outside of the gov control -----demonstrates strong *civil society*---work for common good

Sedition

advocating for the violent overthrow of the gov

The current US senate is similar to the unicameral legislature under the AOC in that both

allow each state to cast two votes on legislation

What was brutus no 1?

an anti federalist paper arguing that the country was too large to be governed as a republic and that the constitution gave too much power to the national governement

What was federalists no 10?

an essay in which madison argues that the danger of faction can be mitigated by a large republic and republican government

What is an example of the question: where is the boundary between the powers of the federal government and those of the states?

conflict over medical marijuana (b/c it was legal in CA but not federally) brought to supreme court (2 women using it for medical purposes) The compassionate use act of 1996-use of mari is legal for med purposes if taken under supervision of a licensed physician controlled substances act of 1970-made it illegal for the use cultivation or possession of marijuana

How can groups influence government?

contacting gov officials, donating to campaigns, filing lawsuits

Although the Articles of Confederation got the US through war, why did the confederation not work out in the long run?

created a weak national government

republicanism

electing reps to run gov

What can the states not do?

enter into treaties with foreign gov, print money, tax imports or exports, declare war

When was the Annapolis convention?

fall of 1786

Liberty may mean freedom _____ _____ by a government or a freedom ___ _______ their faith in an extracurricular club

from interference...to explore

What is the main cause of a faction?

inequality of wealth

What was the equal protection clause?

states may not deny persons equal protection under the laws

Explain how checks and balances are different from separation of powers.

Checks and balances are different from separation of powers because the idea of separation of powers refers to the division of the federal government's power between the three branches of government. Checks and balances are each branch's abilities to restrict the other's powers and check and balance their work. Separation of powers combined with checks and balances stops one branch of government from having too much power which enforces a more stable central government that is more likely to adequately rule the people and keep itself in check.

Describe the two remedies for controlling the effects of faction.

Creating a representative government/republic Creating a republic would control the effects of factions because the people would elect qualified officials to govern and make decisions for the government and for the general good and love of the government. This way, because they loved the general good of the nation, they would not make decisions altered by the influence of factions. Expanding the nation bigger Creating a larger nation with more people and territory there would be a wider, more diverse variety of interests and passions. This way it is less likely that a majority would take over and benefit themselves instead of the general good of the community.

Describe the view of the proposed constitution, proponents of, and supporters include of the antifederalist party

did not support the constitution, proponents of a oppressions of the rights of the states and the people supporters include ppl in rural areas, farmers,

Who are elected officials often influenced by?

wealthy interest groups

name three concepts that were included in the OG constitution as drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788?

-The new central gov must have more power than its predecessor had -Congress has implied powers to carry out its expressed powers -The supreme court should have the right to over turn laws passed by congress

What does the executive branch branch do involving law making authority?

-executes laws -works to shape leg agenda -has power to veto leg -nominates key executive branch officials -give state of union address

What are categorical grants?

-grants in aid provided to states with specific provisions on their use -sometimes awarded based on formulas that allocate federal money according to factors such as population, income, and need -important power bc when state local or regional gov takes this money from the national gov they take the regulations that go with it -Act both to encourage states to carry out national policy objectives and to threaten states with the withholding of funds if they fail to carry out the federal govs policy objection

What does the legistive branch do involving oversight responsibilities?

-house issues articles of impeachment; senate hold impeach trials -budget authority and oversight over executive branch agencies -senate confirms judicial nominees -senate confirms key executive branch officials

What does the Judicial branch branch do involving law making authority?

-interprets congested laws -can declare both federal and state laws uncostitutional

What does the judicial branch do involving oversight responsibilities?

-may declare executive branch actions in conflict with the constitution

What does the executive branch branch do involving national security and foreign policy making responsibility?

-pres acts as commander in chief of military -sets foreign policy agenda -negotiates treaties

What are two ways to mitigate the dangers of a faction of a majority?

-republican government -the large size of the republic

What can the federal government not do?

-violate rights and liberties outlined in the bill of rights -admit new states without the consent of the territory's residents -change the state boundaries without the consent of the territory's residents -impose taxes on goods and services exported and imported within state boundaries

What does the legislative branch do involving law making authority?

-writes nations laws -can override a presidential veto -determines number of supreme court justices -creates lower courts

5 big ideas in APG

1) Constitutionalism 2) Liberty + order 3) Civic Participation 4) Competing Policy making interests 5) Methods of Political Analysis

when were Articles of Confederation and perpetual union adopted and then ratified?

1777...1781

Members of the senate are elected by the people every ___ years and serve for how long?

2...6 year terms

How many states went to the Annapolis covention?

5/13

How many people went to the national convention? describe these men

55 delegates from 12/13 states (not rhode island) white, 2/3 of them were slave owners, educated

What did the articles on confederation create over the states?

A firm league of friendship

pluralist theory-what s an example of an interest group?

AARP

Why was the federal government under the AOC made to be intentionally weak?

Americans had just experienced tyranny under the rule of Great Britain and did not want to duplicate it with another powerful government

What is the pluralist theory?

Americans have always united for a common purpose with like minded people (faction) FREEDOM -america is a nation of joiners -**A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policy making process (groups compete....result in bargaing)** -Americans generally join interest groups who collectively seek to influence policy outcomes (NRAA, AARP)

Explain how Brutus No. 1 supports the argument that a standing army will lead to tyranny.

Brutus No. 1 supports the argument that a standing army will lead to tyranny. Brutus starts off his argument by saying that the rulers of government must be supported in the execution of laws which are done so by the military. In a monarchy, they depend on a standing army to carry out the command of the magistrate, but this destroyed the liberty of the people and was against the idea of a free republic. A free republic does not have a standing army, it instead depends upon the support of its citizens. The citizens are influenced by either love or fear so there is a needed respect for both the citizens and for the government. A standing army is influenced by punishment. In order for the citizens to support the military they must have confidence in their ruler. But in order for the people to have confidence in their ruler they must trust them and form a relationship with them. Since the United States is so big and vast the ruler will not be able to know each member of the military. As a result the citizens will lack support for the government and not contribute to the military. The government will then revert to using a standing army controlled by fear and punishment eventually leading to tyranny.

1. Describe the argument that the necessary and proper and supremacy clauses of the Constitution would be used by the federal government to destroy the powers of the state governments.

Brutus argued that the necessary and proper and supremacy clauses of the Constitution would be used by the federal government to destroy the powers of the state governments. Brutus thought that necessary and proper, supremacy clauses, and the judicial power have the potential to divide the "united" states a "complete consolidated government." He believed that the government would hold all the power and the states and people would be left without any rights. He was afraid that with the necessary and proper clause and the supremacy clause there was no need for the intervention of the states and people. Although it is true that there are some powers set aside for the people, these powers can easily be annihilated over time. The government has no limitation therefore it is dangerous and will eventually create tyranny.

Define faction.

Factions are groups within groups united over a common interest or passion. These groups are united to pursue the general good of their community and group members. This then creates an opposing group with opposite interests creating a rival. Freedom and liberty feeds factions but governments need freedom for political life so one cannot stop the build up of factions, one can only stop the effects of factions.

Explain why factions are more easily controlled in large republics.

Factions are more easily controlled in large republics than small because there are more people to vote for a qualified representative that people will like. Also a large republic spans over a wider variety of interests so one interest doesn't take up all the time and power. A large republic also creates competition because of the many different interests and factions and competition helps control the effects of factions.

Madison explained that because neither men, nor those that lead them, are "angels," government must be strong enough to preserve order, but not so strong that power can be abused. As a result he helped create a system with three separate branches of government with the power to check one another. But in this age of growing presidential strength, party polarization, and congressional gridlock, is the Madisonian model functioning as intended? Yes or No. Explain.

In my opinion, no, in this age of growing presidential strength, party polarization and congressional gridlock, the Madisonian model is not functioning as intended. The Madisonian model of separate government branches was created to protect the nation from "human nature" because neither men, nor those that lead them, are "angels." In today's nation, we are no longer the United states of America but rather split by difference in beliefs, opinions, characteristics, etc.. A contribution to this division is government officials abusing the power they are given to their own benefit, hence "human nature." Ambition needs to counteract ambition but right now the division in government is unevenly distributed. In the upcoming election, if the nation choses a new leader this may swing power to the other side giving the government a more even perspective. But right now the United States is more divided than we have ever been before and in order for a productive democracy, the people need to unite with the government to form a more perfect union together.

Who were natural rights and the social contract enforced by and argued for by?

John Locke

Describe Madison's argument for the necessity of separating power between the branches of government.

Madison argues that separation of powers are necessary between the branches of government in our country for many reasons. Madison believes that ambition needs to counteract ambition so in doing so the separation of powers is necessary because if each branch has separate and distinct functions, one branch will never have all of the power. This will preserve the liberty of the people and maintain their rights. In addition, the separation of powers was created to divide the legislative branch into two because that is the most powerful part of the government. This way each part of the legislature counteracts eachother so one does not become too powerful. All in all, Madison wants to protect the liberty and rights of the citizens so the government does not have too much power to do this, Madison argues for the necessity of separating power between the branches of government.

Describe Madison's argument based in human nature for why government needs to be strong, but not too strong.

Madison made an argument in Federalists No. 51 based on human nature for why the government needs to be strong, but now too strong. He describes government as "the greatest reflection on human nature" and makes the statement "if men were angels, no government would be needed." A concern antifederalists had with the constitution was that there would be a concentration of power in one branch of government. To prevent this Madison created the idea of checks and balances. This way ambition from one department could counteract the ambition of another, preventing a concentration of powers and preventing human nature; officials in government abusing the government to their benefit. Therefore, Madison describes that the government needs to be strong but the power needs to be divided between branches of government so not one man, party, branch, etc., can hold too much power. This way "human nature" is prevented so men cannot abuse their power and the government can proceed strongly.

Madison argued that the Constitution would prevent dangerous factions from gaining too much power and taking away the liberty of citizens. However, the United States has changed significantly due to the availability of mass media, the nature of political parties, and the role of money in politics. To what extent are Madison's predictions about republican government still valid today?

Madison's predictions about republican government are far from right in today's day and age. People use their liberty such as freedom of speech and protest to speak up about a subject they are passionate about along with their faction. With mass media, money, and competition between political parties these protests and speeches are publicized around the country influencing more people to join a side or faction. This creates a division of people although it does help get people involved in government.

On July 16, 1787 the Grand Committee, by a vote of 5-4 agreed to the so-called Connecticut compromise. Explain this agreement and its impact on American government.

The great compromise was an agreement between the Virginia plan and the New jersey plan. It created a bicameral legislature with a house of reps with representation based on state population and the senate with representation based on every state getting 2 we still depend on this system today.

What are the federalist papers?

The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 essays written by federalists: James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. Although these names were not signed on the papers, rather the name "publis" (the public). The federalists wrote these essays to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Explain the argument made in Brutus No. 1 that the federal courts would destroy the power of the state courts.

The argument made in Brutus No. 1 that the federal courts would destroy the power of the state courts arises from the fact that the Supreme Court holds the Judicial power of the country which is established by the Constitution. However, the power to create inferior and states state courts would be left to Congress. Therefore the federal courts will have more power and deal with more cases. This creates a separation between the state courts and the federal courts. Then the higher courts will receive more power and money from the courty and as a result, the state courts will lose importance and respectability.

What is Constitutionalism?

The constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the branches of gov and allocates power between fed (nat) and state gov (federalism) System is based on the rule of law and attempts to balance minority rights

Explain why Madison believes the legislature might need to be weakened, and describe his proposed remedy for weakening the legislature.

The legislative branch is arguable the most important branch of government because its job is to make the laws. Madison believes the legislature might need to be weakened, so to do this he proposed the idea of dividing legislature into two branches; the senate and the house. This way each branch would be able to counteract the other and the branch as a whole would not become too powerful but at the same time it would not lose any power.

Identify the specific powers listed in Brutus No. 1 to support the argument that the Constitution gives Congress too much power over the economy.

The powers listed in Brutus No. 1, that support the argument that the Constitution gives congress too much power, are the powers to tax and create a standing army. These powers are given to the Constitution by the commerce clause and supremacy clause.

Which measures are included in the constitution that establish the American system of federalism?

The tenth amendment and concurrent powers

Describe two arguments made by Brutus No. 1 to support the claim that large republics cannot protect democracy.

Two arguments made by Brutus No. 1 to support the claim that large republics cannot protect democracy consist of one, the larger the republic, the more different the views and beliefs will be; and two, like the Greek and Roman governments as they expanded over more territory, the country will fall in tyranny. First, the larger the republic is the more people it will hold. These people are more educated and passionate about government therefore they will have many different views and opinions. A functioning democracy works best when the nation as a whole shares similar interests and viewpoints. With such a large population it is hard to share similar interests therefore making it harder to protect democracy. Second, many people worried that the United States would follow along the path of the Greek and Roman governments of falling into tyranny after they expanded their territory. Many were afraid that the new government of the United States would not stay organized over time and they would lose their structure and as a result revert to tyranny.

Define tyranny.

Tyranny is a nation that is under cruel and forceful power where the people do not have much say. The government is not working for the general good of the people but rather the benefit of themselves.

Brutus No. 1 argues AGAINST a large and diverse republic, stating, "[i]n a republic, the manners, sentiments, and interests of the people should be similar." Yet, the United States has always been a heterogeneous nation. Has the United States, as a large and diverse nation, managed to overcome the argument made in Brutus No. 1 that democracy works best in countries where people share similar characteristics and viewpoints? If yes, explain. If no, explain.

Yes, in my opinion, the United States, as a large and diverse nation, has managed to, in a way, overcome the argument made in Brutus No. 1 that democracy works best in countries where people share similar characteristics and viewpoints. The United States is a huge country with over 300 million people with so many diverse ideas. Yet those people create their own smaller groups together consisting of people with similar interests. Although the US is such a large and diverse nation, the citizens still unite with each other to share their characteristics. Thus, overcoming the idea that everybody's characteristics have to be the same for a productive democracy. Whether this is a political party, republican/democrat, or a bowling team, people are coming together to share their viewpoints with each other and they are influenced by each other. Therefore, even with so many different opinions and viewpoints people still unite and overcome their difference creating a productive democracy.

In 1786 MA passed the riot act. What is the riot act?

absolved sheriffs and other officials from prosecuting rioters

What does American Political culture consist of?

beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share

What were the two big issues at the national convention?

the representation of states in the national gov and the powers of the national gov

What did Lyndon johnson's great society program in the mid 1960s do?

expanded the federal governemnt's role in social welfare policy in part to ensure that states used these funds as intended and did not discriminate against minorities

Congress passed the controlled substances Act of 1970 on the basis that the commerce clause in the constitution permitted them to regulate the transaction and transport of goods across state line, including drugs and harmful substances. this is an example of Congress exercising its...

expressed powers

indiviualism

favoring freedom instead of state control

What is the two stage process in amending the constitution?

first amendment has to be officially proposed-passage by 2/3 vote in both the house and the senate or passage in nation convention at the request of 2/3 of the states then amendment must be ratified-majority vote in 3/4 of state legislatures, acceptance by ratifying conventions in 3/4 of the states

Exclusive powers can be defined as powers that are...

granted to the national government and not to subnational governments

There was a shortage of _______ ______ in post revolutionary America

hard currency

What were James Madison's views on slavery?

he was a slave owner but his ideologies changed over time

What does the Board of education of westside community schools v Mergens represent?

how individuals can use political tools to secure their rights

Republicanism emphasized participatory rights and a focus on common good although..

it did favor heretical tradition and inequality where some had more rights

Competing Policy-making interests

multiple factors and institutions interact to produce and implement policy

There are thousands of groups in America so it is impossible for...

one to win all the time

The DOI is a statement of __________ ________ and not a governing document

political philosophy

Civic participation

popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are key to law and policy making. It is assumed citizens will engage and participate

What does American political culture value?

popular sovereignty, natural rights, republicanism

Jefferson used Baron de Montesquieu idea that...and David Hume's idea that...

power should be divided among branches...keeping the greedy from using political power to their own advantage

The Declaration has five parts what were they?

preamble, statement of human rights, charges against human rights, charges against the king and the parliament, statement of separation

What was the due process clause?

prevents states from denying person due process under the law

what is the equal access act of 1984

restricts ability to exclude religious clubs

If the supreme court were to hear a case regarding the issue of firearm ownership in California and decided that the legislation in question violated the second amendment and that no state may infringe upon the second amendment, this would be an example of...

selective incorporation

What was federalists no 51 main point?

separation of powers

Describe the view of the proposed constitution, proponents of, and supporters include of the federalist party

supported the constitution, proponents of a strong nat gov, supporters include wealthy merchants and southern plantation owners (G wash, B Frank, A Ham, J Mad, J Jay)

What was the anti fed most valid arguement?

that the constitution lacked a bill of rights

What is the American dream?

the belief that individuals should be able to achieve their goals through hard work, sacrifice, and their own talents

What was the outcome of the landmark supreme court case Plessy v ferguson?

the concept of separate but equal

Who holds the power in a confederal system of government?

the states

Some argued that the constitution would only increase ....

the wealth of the founding fathers which is somewhat true

What did they do at the Annapolis convention?

they scheduled the Philadelphia convention for next spring

Less people are participating in civil society which means...

they're not meeting in diverse groups nor seeing new perspectives

Article 5 of the AOC created a ________ _______ this way the AOC did not have the power to resolve....

unicameral legislature, economic, political, or social unrest

The relationship between state and local gov are usually _____

unitary

Methods of political analysis

using types of analysis, political scientists measure how US political behavior, attitudes, ideologies and institutions are shaped over time

Name a concept that was not included in the original constitution drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788 but was later on added

we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal

How can the constitution be amended?

with the consent of 3/4 of the states either by their legislature or by the ratification conventions in the states