AP Gov't Exam Notecards

Gideon v. Wainwright

An indigent could not afford an attorney, and the court ruled that his 6th and 14th amendment rights to a court-appointed attorney were violated

John F. Kennedy Domestic Policy Highlights

Appointed Robert F. Kennedy (brother) as Attorney General & liberal Byron White to the Supreme Court. Supported efforts to catch up to the Soviet Union in the space race. Pledged to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Passed the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963. **Supported civil rights, his efforts were cut short by his assassination in 1963. He sent troops to integrate the University of Mississippi.

John Roberts Court #201

Appointed as chief justice of the US Supreme Court by President George W Bush. Reversed the ruling that permitted late term abortions. Declared Obamacare constitutional.

2008 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Arizona Senator John McCain (R) & Sarah Palin "country first" vs. Illinois senator Barack Obama (D) & Joe Biden "Hope and Change". Obama was the first African-American standard bearer. Held during one of the country's worst economic recessions. Backlash against exiting George W. Bush contributed to Obama's victory.

#312 Constitutional Basis for Suffrage

Article 1 Section 2 allowed those qualified to vote for their own legislatures as well as the House of Representatives. Examples: 15th amendment gave freed slaves the right to vote. 26th amendment gave 18 year olds the right to vote.

#197 Earl Warren Court

Earl Warren appointed by Eisenhower; carried out relocated of Japanese to relocation camps; "activist court" expanded rights of accused Brown v Board Mapp v Ohio Gideon v Wainwright Miranda v Arizona

#200 Sandra Day o'Connor

First woman associate justice; appointed by Reagan; voted for majority and was often swing vote in 5-4 decisions Decided: Planned Parenthood v Casey US v Lopez Grutter v Bollinger Boy Scouts of America v Dale

#301 Nancy Pelosi

First woman elected to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2006. Represented the people of San Francisco, California in 1987 (which is no surprise). Helped push President Obama's legislation such as the American Recovery and Restoration Act and the Affordable Health Care Act.

182. US v. Nixon

Ruled Nixon had to release tapes in Watergate scandal; executive privilege only applied to national security

White House staff

Run the White House and advise president, usually closely related to president and have experience with him.

#132 Select Committee Conference Committee

Select committees are temporary committees set up by the House and Senate to deal with a specific issue that isn't covered by a standing committee

Organization of the Federal Bureaucracy #205

"Hirearchal" structure where agencies have direct and defined responsibilities.

#281 Richard Nixon Domestic Policy Highlights

"Imperial presidency," would use the inherent executive powers of the president to implement policy. Dealt with inflation by instituting wage and price control in 1971.

#292 George W. Bush Domestic Policy

"No Child Left Behind" education law. Patriot Act reduced tax rates. Made late-term abortions illegal.

25 amendment

"Presidential disability amendment" establishes conditions and how VP takes office if president is unable to fulfill his duty.

#286 Ronald Reagan Domestic Policy Highlights

"Reaganomics"-economic policy of downsizing the government, tax cuts, and reductions in federal expenditures. Immigration Act of 1986 placed new restrictions on aliens.

#121 The Majority Party President Pro Tempore

"Temp presiding officer" the official presiding officer of Senate is VP of the US; when VP is not presiding, the president Pro Tempore becomes presiding officer

#283 Gerald Ford Domestic and Foreign Policy Highlights

"WIN" policy to lower high rates of inflation and unemployment. Continued Richard Nixon's foreign policy of détente.

#192 Amicus Curae Brief

"friend of the court"; submitted by interest groups, gov, or party that wants court to hear its position; give justices info about other cases they may want to hear

#195 Stare Decisis

"to stand by that which is decided"; case precedent; use past cases to rule for or against future cases ; if precedent cases are overturned, the new case becomes precedent (eg Plessy v Ferguson overturned by Brown v Board of Education)

161. Office of Management and Budget

(OMB) run by director who is confirmed by the Senate Main responsibility is to assist the president in overseeing preparation of federal budget and supervise administration after the budget is passed by Congress; also, evaluates effectiveness of bureaucratic agencies and sets funding priorities, issues reports and recommends legislation related to budget priorities

176. Presidential Appointment Process (Advise and Consent)

1. president must seek Senate approval of appointments to the Cabinet, heads of bureaucratic agencies, and federal judges 2. Once a president appoints the individual, the Senate holds hearings in the appropriate committee. If committee approves the appointment, the candidate's name is sent to the full Senate, which must approve the candidate with a majority vote. (called advise and consent) 3. Committee hearings are often controversial and the senators grill the nominees in front of a national audience. 4. A recess appointment is made when the president makes a temporary appointment when Congress is not in session

Special-interest groups

1/4 of linkage institutions connecting citizens with formal gov. institutions, influences office holders, narrow consistency

#108 Legal Basis of Same-Sex Marriage

11 states have made same-sex marriage legal. In 2008, Cali Supreme Court ruled gay marriage legal. In November 2008, voters passed a referendum, Proposition 8 that nullified the law. Cali Supreme Court and federal appeals court ruled that the proposition violated equal protection clause of 14th amendment. US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cali Supreme Court and declared that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional.

#181. Watergate Scandal

1972-74 - Nixon had tapes of conversations related to a break in at Democratic headquarters in Watergate. He refused to turn them over and fired his independent counsel. Supreme Court ruled Nixon had to turn over tapes. Revealed a coverup; Nixon resigned before he could be impeached.

Balanced Budget Act

1997 - resulted in a balanced budget in 1999 and a surplus in 2000. Short lived. 9/11 resulted in war and massive spending

Free Press Principles

1st Amendment guarantee of a free press deals with written word and whether there can be legit limitations placed by gov

173. Presidential Veto

2 types: veto on legislation that is then sent back to Congress and a pocket veto -regular veto is used by president when he doesn't like either an entire piece of legislation or part of a law that is passed. The president must veto the entire bill even if he does not approve of part of it. -if president uses a regular veto, Congress must override by 2/3 vote of each House. If Congress does not override president's veto, then the veto is sustained by Congress because either one or both houses did not have a 2/3 majority vote. legislation is dead unless brought back in future as new bill. -a pocket veto occurs if the president does not sign a bill within 10 days after Congress adjourns

#295 Years of the Woman

24 women won election to the House of Representatives and 4 women to the Senate in 1992. In 2012, there were 20 women senators and 79 women elected to the House.

Presidential Requirements

35; natural born citizen; resident for 14 yrs.

#380 2012 Federal Budget Income Pie Chart

47% Indivial income taxes 33% Social insurance and retirement receipts 12% Corporation income tax 5% Excise taxes

#188 Federal and State Structure

94 Federal Courts; 13 US Courts of Appeals; 1 Supreme Court; state courts hear 36 mill cases; appellate courts hear 200k cases

#362 Consumer Price Index (CPI)

A measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed "market basket" of goods and services purchased by consumer

#320 Party Identification

A term that illustrates a voter's preference and loyalty to a political party. A person identifies with a political party based on the political values he or she develops from the political socialization process. Historically, more people identify themselves as Democrats than Republicans.

Roe v. Wade

A woman's right to privacy was upheld while the court placed limited restrictions on a woman's right to an abortion after her first trimester of pregnancy

Key special interest groups

AARP, NBA, NAACP, AMA, NAM, etc.

Judicial Restraint (Conservative Activism) #203

Accepts fewer than 100 cases in a term, upholds precedent, and uses existing laws as a guide to make rules.

Independent Regulatory Agencies #206

Act in a manner that is legislative when issuing regulations and judicial when enforcing penalties for violations of their regulations

Bureaucratic Initiated Policy Process #212

Administrative discretion to make public policy through regulations and applying authority.

Bush v. Gore

After George Bush was certified the winner of the 2000 election, Al Gore challenged the results due to the dispute over Florida's electoral votes as a result of the closeness of the vote and reports of voting irregularities. The Florida State Supreme Court ordered a recount of contested votes in every Florida County. Bush appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. ISSUE: Did Florida's Supreme Court order violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. DECISION: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that since the recount would be handled differently in every county, it violated the equal protection clause.

Freedom of information act (FOIA)

All federal agencies make their documents fully avaliable to the public, exceptions like national security exist

Coalition building

Alliance of special interest groups to achieve the same goal, usually form based on a similar ideology, ex: conservatives and liberals fighting against campaign finance reform

Filibuster

Allows for 41 senators to control debate bc of threat of filibuster.

#14 Elastic clause

Also known as "necessary and proper clause." Article 1 Section 8. Calls for Congress to expand its powers to change with the times.

Key Government Corporations #209

Amtrak- national rail service subsidized by the Federal government. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation- insures deposits up to $100,000 per bank account.

#369 Constitutional Basis of the Federal Govt's Budgetary Authority

Article 1 gives congress the power to lay and collect taxes, House Of Rep the power to initiate appropriation bills, congress the authority to impose excise taxes and borrow money on the credit of the US.

171. State of the Union Address

Article II Section 3 of the Constitution requires that the president give information to the nation regarding the "State of the Union" Modern presidents use it as a way to outline their policy agenda and motivate the Congress to adopt the president's proposals; opposition party gives response immediately following president's speech

13th, 14th, and 15th amendments

As a result of civil war. 13- abolishes slavery. 14-equal protection under the law/ due process of life, liberty, and property. 15- prohibits states from denying the right to vote based on race

165. Attorney General Secretary of Homeland Security

Attorney general is chief law enforcer of all the federal laws and heads the Department of Justice. Called the "nation's lawyer" and works closely with the solicitor general arguing cases before the Supreme Court. Secretary of homeland security is head of Department of Homeland Security and has the responsibility of protecting the United States from attacks.

#289 George H.W. Bush Foreign Policy

Authorized 20,000 troops to invade Panama. Operation Desert Storm was his greatest accomplishment. "New World Order" policy signaled the leadership role the U.S. would play in fostering peace around the world.

#309 McCain-Feingold Act

Banned soft money donations by individuals to presidential candidates. It set aggregate limits of $2,500 per election cycle for individuals contributing too individual candidates, $5,200 per year for state parties and $30,800 per year for national parties.

Closed rile

Bans amendments to a bill once the bill reaches the House floor. No closed Ike in senate practically.

John F. Kennedy Foreign Policy Highlights

Bay of Pigs invasion: JFK supported the CIA's decision to back an invasion of Cuba in April 1961, the invasion failed and Kennedy took responsibility. The Berlin Wall (1961): Kennedy using his bully pulpit and making a "sound bite," visited West Berlin, considered himself a citizen, said "Ich bin ein Berliner". Cuban Missile Crisis: JFK responded to the Soviet offensive missile bases by ordering a naval blockade to prevent any further Soviet arms shipments. Peace Corps (1961): created to provide teachers and technicians for underdeveloped nations.

2006 Midterm Election

Because of the deaths in the war in Iraq, the Republicans lost the majority in Congress. George Bush's approval ratings plummeted. Democrats gained 31 seats in the House and 6 in the Senate.

Contract with America

Because they controlled the House of Representatives after 1994 midterm elections, Republicans issued a line item veto that cut taxes, reformed welfare, and limits of Social Security.

Social media

Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. used to promote social interaction, also a campaign tool by Obama in 2012

1996 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Bob Dole (R) vs. President Bill Clinton "Building a bridge to the 21st Century" (D) vs. Ross Perot (Independent). President Clinton was renominated thanks to the great economy and portrayed the Republican majority as extremists who would cut social programs. Dole was a WWII hero, Senate majority leader, questioned Clinton's ethics. Striking contrast between Clinton's youth and Dole's age. Clinton was the first Democratic president to win a second term since FDR. Clinton received 49.9% of the popular vote, Dole 41.4%, Perot 8.6%. Clinton's electoral majority was 379-159.

#105 Civil Rights for Gay Americans

Bowers v. Hardwick: sodomy laws in states were constitutional. Was reversed in 2003 with Lawrence v. Texas providing a victory for gay rights. Supreme Court ruled Boy Scouts can bar gay scout leaders but allows gays to join. Defense of Marriage Act 1996 made it illegal for states to recognize same-sex marriage. Now same-sex marriage is legal.

1988 Campaign: Bush vs. Dukakis

Bush: George H.W. Bush, former vp to Reagan, runs as the Republican candidate Dukakis: MA governor who also had to overcome Jesse Jackson in primaries Bush wins with strong tax policy and portrayal of Dukakis as soft on crime

1992 Campaign: Bush vs. Clinton vs. Perot

Bush: runs for second term as Republican Clinton: AR gov nominated as Democratic candidate Perot: businessman running as independent Key issue was unemployment, Clinton handled well Perot received 19% of the vote

#367 Sixteenth Amendment

Enable the federal govt to impose an income tax; those earning the most money pay the most taxes

#305 Campaign Finance Reform

Called the, "mother's milk of politics", this was established in 1974 after the Watergate Scandal and established the Federal Election Commission. The FEC allowed federal matching funds to presidential candidates who raised money within set limits and created "hard" and "soft" money limits for individuals and PACs. This was amended in 2002 when George W. Bush signed the McCain-Feingold Act.

#6 Constitutional Convention Compromises

Called to amend Articles of Confederation. Came up with Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise. Great Compromise- two parties Three Fifths- 3/5 of slaves counted as a vote

#2 Initiative and Referendum

Came about the Progressive Era. Citizen-led proposals that get on ballot after a number of signatures are obtained. Referendums appear on the ballot after the legislature votes to place a proposal on the ballot. Can be challenged in court.

1980 Campaign: Carter vs. Reagan

Carter: Seen as a weak candidate due to inaction in office, especially with the Iranian hostage crisis Reagan: wins a landslide victory over Carter as the Republican nominee

#310 Buckley v. Valeo

Case-reviewed finance law set up as a result of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. Issue was whether restrictions on donations was a violation of 1st Amendment, as these donations could be seen as a form of political expression. Court held that hard money donation restrictions did not violate the 1st Amendment.

Key Independent Executive Agencies #210

Central Intelligence Agency and NASA

#317 Baker v. Carr

Charles Baker challenged Tennessee's legislative district apportionment, claiming that the districts drawn by the Tennessee legislature favored rural areas over urban areas resulting in the underrepresentation for people living in cities.

White House press secretary

Chief White House spokesperson with media, attempt to control flow of info out of white house

Horse race journalism

Claims that media is more concerned with who's ahead in the campaign (poll results) instead of in depth issue coverage

#184 Impeachment of Bill Clinton

Clinton accused of sexual affair and forced to testify before grand jury; then accused of perjury regarding the affair; impeached on account of perjury and obstruction of justice. all charges rejected by the senate.

White House chief of staff

Closest adviser to president, coordinates day to day schedule of president

Executive office of president

Closest advisers; White House staff, office of vp, office of management and budget, office of admin., US trade representative

Limitations on Bureaucratic Policy Making #213

Congress can do this through legislative intent, congressional oversight, and restrictions on appropriation to agencies.

War Powers Act

Congress passed a joint resolution limiting the president's power to wage war without a declaration of war by Congress. However, president still needs to consult Congress to deploy troops. Has yet to be declared unconstitutional.

Constituent services

Congressman provides services for constituents in order to help his/her district and keep voter support

#139 Key Senate Committees: Homeland Security and Gov Affairs Intelligence Committee

Considers all legislation dealing with fed government including civil service and national security issues

#140 Key Senate Committee: Judiciary Committee

Considers legislation dealing with civil liberties, constitutional amendments, federal courts and judges, immigration, civil and criminal laws

#138 Key Senate Committees: Armed Services Committee and Foreign Relations Committee

Considers legislation dealing with military; has oversight responsibility of Department of Defense; responsible for holding confirmation hearings for the secretary of defense

#131 Joint Committees

Consist of members of both House and Senate; generally don't develop legislative proposals; 4 permanent committees: Joint Committee on Printing, Joint Economic Committee, Joint Committee on the Library, and Joint Committee on Taxation

Congressional budget office

Created 1947 as result of tension between congress and Richard Nixon. Supposed to be nonpartisan arm of congress that would give economic reports and analysis.

#364 Federal Reserve Board

Created as an independent agency. Appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate

#372 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974

Created the Congressional Budget Office, which is a nonpartisan arm of Congress and has the responsibility of reporting to Congress on budgetary matters

#284 Jimmy Carter Domestic Policy Highlights

Created the Department of Energy to combat the energy crisis that was caused by the increase of Arab's oil prices

Constitutional Basis of the Federal Bureaucracy #204

Found in Article II of the Constitution in the creation of "executive departments"

2004 Party Platforms #229

Dealt with "hot button" issues: abortion, gay rights, Iraqi war.

2008 Party Platforms #230

Dealt with same "hot button" issues as 2004: abortion, gay rights, Iraqi war.

#13 Legislative Powers

Defined in Article 1 Section 8. Collect taxes, pay debts, borrow money, coin money, make laws. Regulate interstate and foreign commerce. Establish an army, declare war. Establish a post office. Make all laws "necessary and proper."

#365 Fiscal Policy

Denotes how economy is managed as a result of government spending and borrowing and the amount of money collected from taxes

Poverty Line

Determined by evaluating income levels based on household size, wealth, etc. <$23,050

#290 Bill Clinton Domestic Policy

Economy grew during the Clinton administration. The budget deficit was eliminated, real wages grew, and the stock market reached all time highs.

#113 House Leadership Structure: The Majority Party Speaker of the House

Elected member of the majority party, presides over House when in session, heads party leadership conference, directs legislative agenda and has major input regarding committee chairmanships, second in line, after VP, to be president of president dies in office

#130 Senator Edward Kennedy

Elected to senate in 1962 filling the seat of his brother JFK after elected president; called the "lion of the senate" as a result of his service and legislative accomplishments; key sponsor of the No Child Left Behind law and the Affordable Care Act; ran for president unsuccessfully in 1980 against Jimmy Carter

#1 Theories of Government

Elitist Theory- Small segment of wealthy property owners control gov't Pluralist Theory- Different groups work together through compromise Majoritarian theory- A majority vote determines all motions of gov't, policy, etc. Delegate model- An elected representative of a district represents each district in a nation. Republican- Representation of the people, for the people. Democracy Trustee model- Voters vote on a representative, and enable them to act on their own conscience.

#15 Enumerated, Delegated, Implied, and Concurrent Powers

Enumerated and delegated powers are those listed in the Constitution and for the Legislative branch. implied powers- expand the scope of all three branches Concurrent powers- those given to the state and national gov'ts

Planned Parenthood v. Casey

Equal protection and the right to privacy were the issues in this case, which was decided that minors needed to have parental consent when obtaining an abortion but wives did not need the consent of the husband

19th Century Party Eras

Eras occur after realignments after critical elections. When one party dominates presidential elections or Congress for an extended period of time. First was established by Andrew Jackson, who established democratic dominance. The second was when Lincoln established republican rule in 1860.

163. The President's Cabinet

Established by George Washington: currently 15 cabinet-level positions and 6 cabinet-rank positions; cabinet heads run bureaucratic agencies. After appropriate committee holds confirmation hearings, cabinet appointees must get Senate confirmation; Congress must approve creation or abolition of cabinet-level positions.

#293 George W. Bush Foreign Policy

Established preemptive policy against any country that threatened the national security of the U.S. Started the "War on Terror." Named North Korea, Iran, and Iraq as the axis of evil. "Operation Iraqi Freedom" was started to begin the invasion of Iraq.

#46 Lemon vs Kurtzman

Facts: Penn law allowed state financial support (textbooks and teacher salaries) for secular subjects taught in parochial school Issue: did penn law violate 1st amendment establishment clause Decision: court rled that the state violated separation of church and state Significance: court developed a 3-prong test as criteria for determining whether establishment clause has been violated

178. Executive Order Executive Agreement

Executive Orders: presidential statements that have the force of law and do not need congressional approval unless appropriations are needed to carry out the order Executive Agreements: made with foreign countries and does not require Senate approval

#18 Inherent Power of the President

Expands powers of the president. Derived from the delegated authority of the president. Expanded by use of executive privilege.

Fiscal Cliff and Sequestration

FC= (Jan. 1, 2013) if Congress did nothing by then, the economy would be impacted negatively. To avoid this, Congress raised tax rates for those who made $450K+ S= mandated cuts in discretionary and defense spending passed by Congress after Obama and the House agreed to raise Debt Ceiling.

Government regulation of the media

FCC regulates media (comes into conflict with 1st amendment)], FTC regulates the merger of media outlets

NY Times vs US

Facts: Ellsberg leaked a secret Pentagon study of Vietnam War that was published by NY times and Washington Post, Nixon stopped publication of the material, claimed release of Pentagon papers would hurt national security Issue: whether publication was protected by 1st amendment's free press clause Decision: court ruled NY times and Washington Post had the right to publish

Texas vs Johnson

Facts: Johnson arrested for burning US flag, accused of breaking a law that prohibited the "desecration of a venerated object" Issue: whether his protest represent symbolic speech under 1st amendment Decision: court ruled 5-4 that burning of flag was purpose of political protest under symbolic speech and constitutional Significance: Congress failed to pass a constitutional amendment banning flag burning

#45 Engle vs Vitale

Facts: NY state had a madatory requirement that students recite a prayer with the pledge Issue: whether establishment clause was violated Decision: court struck down the prayer, violated 1st Amendment Significance: schools could not include a daily prayer as part of formal daily activity

#102 United States v. Virginia (1996)

Facts: The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) had a males only admission policy. They forced women applicants attend an all-female school Issue: Did the VMI's admission policy violate the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause? Decision: the VMI had to accept women to their school. Helped broaden the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause to women.

Tinker vs Des Moines

Facts: Tinker suspended from school for wearing black armband protesting Vietnam war Issue: whether it violated symbolic speech under 1st Amendment Decision: ruled suspension unjust, "student rights do not stop at the schoolhouse gates", schools do have the right to intervene

#51 Schenck vs US

Facts: urge through flyers to potential draftees to defy the draft, spoke out against war Issue: US accused Schenck of violating the Espionage Act (makes insubordination and draft resistance illegal) Decision: SC upheld conviction, created a "clear and present danger"

#5 Shay's Rebellion

Farmer who found himself in debt, leads a rebellion against Massachusetts gov't. National gov't could not respond.

Key Independent Regulatory Agencies #207-208

Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, and Federal Election Commission.

#377 Federal Government Sources to Borrow Money

Federal government can borrow money from sources like Foreign investors and foreign governments, The Federal Reserve banks and commercial banks, State and local governments through the purchase of bonds

1976 Campaign: Ford vs. Carter

Ford: narrowly edges out Reagan for nomination (Ford not automatically seen as incumbent) Carter: Ran as a down to Earth man who would not lie to the American people Ford was hurt by pardoning Nixon- Carter wins

Political action committees (PACs)

Formed by special interest groups and presidential candidates to raise $ for cause/candidate, usually given to incumbents

#303 The Tea Party

Formed in 2010, stood against President Obama and the Democratic Party's policies such as the Affordable Health Act. They favored lower taxes, fewer regulations, and reducing the size of government.

1980 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Former California governor Ronald Reagan (R) & George H.W. Bush vs. President Jimmy Carter (D) vs. John Anderson (Independent). Reagan promised to provide tax cuts, appealed to blue collar workers known as Reagan Democrats, "are you better off today than you were four years ago?". Carter's campaign was hindered by a weak economy, high inflation & unemployment, an energy crisis, and the Iran hostage crisis. Reagan won 51.5% of the popular vote and 489 electoral votes.

Lobbyists

Foster a special interest groups' goals to policymakers, paid by interest groups to promote goals and info

#16 Powers Denied to Congress

Found in Article 1 Section 9. Prohibits Congress from suspending the writ of habeas corpus, from passing a bill of attainder, an ex post facto law, import or export taxes on states, or giving titles of nobility to citizens.

#17 Executive Powers

Found in Article 2. Makes the President Chief Executive, commander in chief, power to: sign and veto legislation, sign treaties, appoint officials, grant pardons.

#19 Judicial Powers

Found in Article 3. Hear cases that deal with laws and determine the constitutionality. May declare a law unconstitutional.

#189 Rule of Four

Four justices must agree on a case to hear it in Supreme Court

20th and 21st Century Party Eras #227

Franklin Roosevelt established democratic era, then Richard Nixon started republican dominance. 1968-present is era of divided government.

Franking privilege

Free mailing for incumbents to their constituents - used to be a significant advantage for reelection

Twenty-sixth Amendment

Gave the right to vote to citizens 18 years of age or older in both federal and state elections. Necessary amendment because the Supreme Court struck down laws in states that gave 18 year old the right to vote in state elections.

1976 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Gerald Ford (R) overcomes fierce competition from Reagan to receive Republican nomination. Carter's (D) success in the primaries boosted his general election support. Carter promised to be honest and never lie to the American people. Election went to Carter due to Ford's pardon of Nixon as well as a misquote about Poland.

#50 Gitlow vs New York and Chaplinsky vs New Hampshire

Gitlow was socialist, advocated through speech and pamphlet strikes, NY had a antianarchy law and Gitlow was arrested; SC upheld his conviction, used selective incorporation for the 1st time Chaplinsky called a city official "a damned fascist", arrested for violating a breach of peace, SC upheld conviction, established the "fighting words doctrine"

#374 Budget Enforcement Act of 1990

Goal was to revise the budget control process of the federal govt through the enforcement of deficit reduction

1992 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton (D) & Al Gore "it's the economy stupid" vs. President George H.W. Bush (R) vs. Ross Perot (Reform Party). Clinton was the first baby boomer candidate nominated. Bush ran for reelection with a sagging economy and low approval ratings. Perot spent his own money on his campaign as a self-made multimillionaire. Clinton won a plurality popular vote. Perot did not get any electoral votes but most likely took away votes from Bush.

Congressional caucus

Groups of people with same interests to develop and promote legislation- have regularly scheduled meetings to develop strategies to further their agendas

#294 Barack Obama Domestic Policy

Gun control legislation and comprehensive immigration reform in 2013. Greatest accomplishment is the passing of the Affordable Care Act.

Judicial Activism #202

Hears more than 100 cases in a term, establishes a new precedent, and uses its power to promote social change and increase the rights of the accused.

Linkage Institutions #219

Individuals can express preferences regarding the development of public policy.

#302 2010 Midterm Election

Held during President Obama's first term and ushered in Republican Control of the House of Representatives. Republicans gained 63 seats in the House and 6 seats in the Senate.

Organizational Structure of Bureaucracy #211

Hierarchical authority structure, task specialization, extensive rules, and decentralization of administration.

2010 Census Trends

Hispanics - largest ethnic group South/West (R) gained seats in the House North/East (D) lost seats in the House

#112 Constitutional Requirements for Election to Congress

House: at least 25, American citizen for at least 7 years, resident of state candidate represent, two-year term Senate: 30, American citizen for 9 years, resident of state representing, six-year term

#3 Declaration of Independence

Ideas taken from John Locke including natural rights , life, and liberty. Offers a new philosophy of limited government. Created a rationale for breaking away from England.

Third Political Parties #225

Ideological, single-issue-oriented, and personally driven parties that influence party platforms of major parties.

#376 The Federal Budget: Continuing Resolution

If the 13 appropriation bills are not passed by Congress and signed by the president by the start of the new fiscal year, Congress must pass what is called a continuing resolution or parts of the federal government would "shut down"

Grassroots lobbying

Indirect, any attempt to influence legislation by affecting public opinion, ex: NRA

Iron Triangle Theory #214

Interrelationships among bureaucracies, the government, and special interest groups.

Bill becomes a law

Introduction- committee assignment- amendments offered- rules committee in house or assigned for debate in senate- Bill brought to floor for debate- amendments- Bill voted on

Election Timeline Phases 1, 2 #234

Invisible primary, front loaded primaries

Televised presidential press conferences

JFK = 1st, president can use bully pulpit and let press ask relevant questions

#20 Marbury v. Madison

John Adams appointed Marbury as a judge on the Supreme Court, but was not voted on because James Madison did not sign the papers. Did the Supreme Court have the right to make Madison sign Marbury on the court? Established more power for Supreme Court.

#196 John Marshall Court

John Marshall was longest serving Chief Justice; decided landmark precedent cases Marbury v Madison, McCulloch v Maryland, Gibbons v Ogden

1960 Campaign: Kennedy vs. Nixon

Kennedy- Democratic Catholic, first catholic to run for president since 1928 Nixon- Republican candidate First televised debate: promoted style more than substance Kennedy wins by narrow margin

#363 Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Key measure analyzing an upward or downward economic trend of the value of all the goods/services produced within the nation

Lyndon Johnson Domestic Policy Highlights

LBJ appointed the first African-American Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall. Great Society legislation aimed at the war on poverty (Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Economic Opportunity Act, Open Housing Act). New cabinet positions: Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 passed. Ratified the 24th Amendment (abolishes poll tax). Warren Court decisions: Miranda and Heart of Atlanta Motel.

#110 Civil Rights for Hispanic-Americans

Largest growing minority group in US. Cesar Chavez was a Mexican-American activist who organized a strike in 1965 by the United Farm Workers on behalf of migrant workers against California farmers. Hispanic leaders have fought for the rights of undocumented immigrants and a path to citizenship for them.

#122 The Majority Party Senate Majority Leader

Majority leader elected by senate and is designated by majority party; majority leader sets the legislative agenda for the Senate; works with minority leader to determine number of amendments on debated bills

Informal powers of president

Legislative recommendations, unofficial leader of his political party, chief of state, executive privilege

#128 Committee System

Legislative work starts in congressional committees and subcommittees; committee assignments based on seniority and expertise; 22 House standing committees and 20 Senate standing committees

Litigation by special interest groups

Litigation = 1 party suing another through a lawsuit, special interest groups use them to impact and change policy, ex: NAACP bringing suit in Brown vs. Board of Education

Direct lobbying

Lobbyists' attempt to directly influence legislation through communication with any legislative body member/gov official making legislation

Grassroots Politics #222

Local political action. Used by political parties to fund raise, hold meetings, build coalitions, target voter registration, establish voter contact, and get out the vote.

Logrolling earmarks

Logrolling is Trading votes for a promise from another member of congress to support the first member's Bill. Earmarks are amendments attached to appropriations bills.

1964 Campaign: Johnson vs Goldwater

Lyndon Johnson- Democratic candidate running with Hubert Humphrey Barry Goldwater- Republican portrayed as extremist, causing Democrats to win in landslide Democrats losing southern support

#104 Americans with Disabilities Act

Made it illegal for employers to discriminate against the handicapped. States had to provide funding to make public accommodations available like ramps and elevators in schools, public buildings, and transportation systems.

Super PACs

Made legal by Citizens United vs. FEC court ruling, independent political action committees that can endorse/criticize a candidate w/ unlimited $

#120 17th Amendment

Maintains two senators for each state, each having one vote. Senators shall be elected directly by the people in the state. If there is a vacancy, the governor of the state will fill the vacancy

#285 Jimmy Carter Foreign Policy Highlights

Major achievement was the Camp David Accords in 1978, which was the first peace treaty ever between Israel and Egypt. Major advocator for human rights and called for reforms in countries that had dictators.

Wolf v. Colorado and Mapp v. Ohio

Mapp v. Ohio overturned Wolf v. Colorado- in Mapp v. Ohio the decision stated that illegally obtained evidence cannot be used in court, which upholds the exclusionary rule under the 4th Amendment. In Wolf v. Colorado the Fourteenth Amendment did not impose specific limitations on criminal justice in the states, and that illegally obtained evidence did not necessarily have to be excluded from trials in all cases.

2012 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney (R) & Paul Ryan vs. incumbent president Barack Obama (D). Most expensive election in presidential history ($2+ billion). Increase in SuperPACs b/c of Citizens United decision. Obama's campaign successfully portrayed Romney as a candidate representing only the 1%. Smaller voter turnout than 2008.

Media frenzy/media circus

Media covering a story in a way that creates and covers news in cycles, ex: Watergate, Clinton's extramarital affairs

Medicare & Medicaid

Medicare= health insurance entitlement program for people age 65 and older that signed into law in '65 by LBJ Medicaid= health insurance entitlement program for people with low incomes

#115 house leadership structure: the majority party House Majority Whip

Member of majority party, 3rd most powerful position, called whip b/c the key role is to keep majority party unified by keeping members in line when they vote, keeps tabs on how members are lining up for a vote, reports to majority leader and Speaker regarding the status of upcoming votes

#114 House Leadership Stucture: the Majority Party House Majority Leader

Member of majority party, spokesperson for party, works closely with speaker of the house to develop legislative agenda and chooses House committee posts for member of the majority party, carries out leadership conference's legislative agenda, liaison with minority party, frequently next in line to be Speaker of the House

#116 house leadership structure: majority part committee chairs

Member of majority party, voted on by majority of the committee, usually selected by House majority leadership, most have served on committee before they become chairs, most have the longest seniority, there are term limits

#123 The Majority Party Senate Majority Whip

Member of majority party; second most powerful position of the majority party following majority leader; called "whip" b/c keeps members in line when there is a vote

#117 the minority party: house minority leader

Member of minority party, carried out minority party's leadership conference's legislative agenda, liaison with majority party, if minority party becomes the majority party, the minority leader usually runs for Speaker of the House

#118 the minority party: minority whip

Member of minority party, second most powerful position, keeps tabs on how members of minority party line up votes, reports to minority leader

#125 The Minority Party Minority Leader

Member of minority party; carries out minority party's leadership conference's legislative agenda; liaison with majority leader in the Senate

#126 Senate Minority Whip

Member of minority party; second most powerful position of the minority following the minority leader; keeps tabs on how members are lining up for a vote; keeps them "in line"

#379 2012 Federal Budget Expenditures Pie Chart

Most of the budged goes toward defense, Social Security, and major health programs (22% Medicare, 20% Social Security)

#124 The Majority Party Committee Chairs

Must be a member of the majority party; voted on by a majority of committee; most chairs have the longest seniority on the committee

Presidential Primaries #239

Purpose is to choose delegates to party's nominating convention. Can be open, closed, proportional, or winner takes all.

#109 Civil Rights for Native Americans

Native American tribes are recognized as independent nations. Native Americans living on reservations are immune from federal and state laws. Some Native Americans have found financial success as a result of states granting them the right to open and operate casinos as a result of court decisions regarding land claims. Russell Means fought for Native Americans and became direction of the American Indian Movement in 1979

1972 Campaign: Nixon vs. Mcgovern

Nixon: Runs for his second term, wins every state except Massachusetts McGovern: Strongly anti war, drops running mate after public finds he had depression Watergate comes into play after this election

1968 Campaign: Nixon vs. Humphrey

Nixon: Wins Republican nomination after a few years off, gains yuge support with vague Vietnam removal plan Humphrey: Loses much of the previously Democratic South, keeps the race narrow but Nixon wins Third party candidate George Wallace competes well in South

Political Party Functions #221

Nominate, promote, and raise money for candidates for office. Develop party platform and articulate campaign issues. Implement policies they support. Watchdog for other parties.

Key Nuclear Test Ban and Arms Treaties

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963. Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty of 1968. Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty of 1987. Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty of 1991.

Barack Obama Foreign Policy Highlights

Obama ends war in Iraq in 2012. Navy Seals kill Osama. Caused regime change in Libya and Syria. Promotes Israeli-Palestinian peace. 'MERICA.

Election Timeline Phases 3, 4, 5 #235

Race to get majority of delegates, post primary campaign, nominating convention

#375 The Federal Budget Adoption Timeline

Oct-Nov: Federal agencies send budget requests to the OMB Jan-March: The OMB makes its budgetary recommendations to the president May-June: Congress passes a budget resolution July-Aug: House & Senate pass the 13 appropriation bills Sep: House & Senate conference committees resolve any differences in the appropriation bills passed and each house passes the final ver of the spending bills

#307 Federal Matching Funds

Only form of public financing of presidential elections available to candidates for primary and general election campaigns. They are collected through voluntary income tax. In 2008 the overall primary limit was $41 million and $82 million limit in the general election. Neither Barack Obama or Mitt Romney used the matching funds.

Party Platform #228

Outline philosophy, practice, and goals or candidates running.

Bureau of the Census

Part of Department of Commerce As a result, state legislatures must reapportion their congressional seats based on population shifts

#103 Civil Rights for People with Disabilities

People having disabilities make up 20% of pop., including physical, emotional, and mental disabilities GI Bill of Rights and the Education of All Handicapped Children Act provide protection for returning soldiers w/ disabilities and children w/ disabilities attending schools

Invisible Primary #237

Period between candidate's announcement of running and the first votes cast. Goal is to raise most money.

2004 Presidential Campaign Highlights

President George W. Bush (R) vs. Massachusetts senator John Kerry (D) & John Edwards vs. Ralph Nader (Independent). Bush ran for reelection as a wartime president pledging to win the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kerry used his Vietnam War service and opposition to the war in Iraq. Kerry chose Edwards in hopes of winning southern votes. Very close election, with Ohio putting Bush over the top.

Photo op, Sound bites

Photo op a photo opportunity a politician stages for publicity; sound bite is a politician's quote, said in a speech and use in an ad or speech

Civil Service Reform: Hatch Act #216

Placed legal restrictions on federal employees on the kind of political activity they may participate in.

#291 Bill Clinton Foreign Policy

Placed troops in Bosnia and Serbia. Used American air power to end the genocide in Kosovo. Lifted trade embargo in Vietnam.

Global Interdependence

Policy that refers to a degree of linkage among the community of nations. (NAFTA, GATT, NATO, etc.)

Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

President Johnson uses the attack from North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin to escalate war without a formal declaration of war by Congress.

1964 Presidential Campaign Highlights

President Lyndon B. Johnson (D) vs. Senator Barry Goldwater (R). LBJ promised to continue JFK's agenda and pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ran on the "great society" platform, portrayed Goldwater as an extremist with his "Daisy" political advertisement, his "cottails" brought many new Democratic congressmen/women senators into Congress. Goldwater called for the end of many government programs and a foreign policy that did not exclude weapons. Johnson won in a landslide.

177. Senatorial Courtesy

Practice of home state senators being consulted by the president before nominating an individual, used today mostly for judicial appointments

1972 Presidential Campaign Highlights

President Richard Nixon (R) vs. Senator George McGovern (D). Nixon's nomination followed the Watergate break-in. Nixon remained popular because of his trips to China and Moscow and the draw down of U.S. troops from Vietnam. McGovern was a social liberal pledged to end the war in Vietnam. Nixon won by one of the largest landslides in electoral history with 61% of the popular vote and winning every state except MA and D.C.

1984 Presidential Campaign Highlights

President Ronald Reagan (R) vs. Minnesota senator Walter Mondale (D). Mondale named the first woman VP candidate, Geraldine Ferraro, to be his running-mate. Mondale stated he would have to raise taxes, portray Reagan as too old, and unsuccessfully get back the so-called Reagan Democrats by supporting big labor interests. Reagan emphasized the success he had in turning the economy around and using optimistic commercials called "morning in America". Reagan won by a landslide.

174. Vetoes and Presidents

President Total Vetoes Regular Pocket Kennedy 21 12 9 Johnson 30 16 14 Nixon 43 26 17 Ford 66 48 18 Carter 31 13 18 Reagan 78 39 39 Bush 44 29 15 Clinton 30 30 0 G.W. Bush 12 11 1 Obama 2 2 0

#361 Public Policy and Agenda Setting

Process that takes place for the implementation of public policy

#311 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Produced a movie in 2008, questioning Hilary Clinton's role as President using the corporation's funds. The FEC said that the film violated the McCain-Feigngold. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that Citizens United had constitutional right to fund and show movie during the 2008 campaign.

Entitlements

Programs that make up the major component of mandatory spending in federal budget. Ex) Social Security, Medicaid

Pork-barrel legislation

Projects attached to appropriation bills that would benefit specific districts- used to bribe congressmen to vote on a bill.

1984 Campaign: Reagan vs. Mondale

Reagan: runs for reelection with Bush, growing economy lends a helping hand Mondale: Carter's vp, edged out Jesse Jackson in the Democratic primaries Mondale is first to choose a female running mate Reagan wins by even larger margin

1994 Midterm Election

Realigning election that gave Republicans control of congress. They used Clinton's unpopular proposal of universal healthcare against him.

#315 Reapportionment and Redistricting

Reapportionment is the process of diving the number of state legislators and congressional representatives among A state's population in order to assure, as close as possible, districts of equal size. Redistricting is the actual drawing of legislative boundaries.

Unfunded Mandates Act of 1994 #218

Reduces unfunded mandates, laws passed my Congress that impose policies and monetary regulations on the states.

#318 Political Culture

Refers to the fundamental values that people have about their government and how these values translate into patterns of voting. Political culture differs from political ideology because people often have different ideologies related to the goals of a government but have a common belief in the democratic foundations of the government.

#101 Glass Ceiling

Refers to women and minorities being able to break through unofficial barriers in work, politics, and society. They have made major gains in business and politics in over the past 20 years.

#366 Monetary Policy

Reflects how a nation's central bank manages the nation's money supply either by expanding or contracting the money supply through regulatory policies

#183 Impeachment of President

Removal from office after charges of high crimes; House votes on impeachment and Senate holds trial for a 2/3 majority; only two presidents have been impeached with neither being removed from office

Legislative veto

Repeals a policy of president or federal agency: must be passed in both house and senate. Declared unconstitutional in 1983

2002 Midterm Election

Republicans used the "global war on terrorism" as their central issue and gained six seats in the House and two in the Senate, giving them majority in the Senate.

1998 Midterm Election

Republicans, the party out of power at the time, did not gain any seats in the Senate. Usually, the party out of power gains seats in the midterm of a president's second term.

Balanced Budget Act of 1997

Resulted in a balanced budget in 1999 and surplus for federal government in 2000. But US entered a recession in 2000, engaged in war after 9/11, had a tax cut, therefore we went back into a deficit.

#48 Reynolds vs US and Employment Division of Oregon vs Smith

Reynolds dealt with practice of polygamy in terrritory that would become Utah; employ. division of Oregon vs smith dealt with the practice of Native American Indians use of peyote as part of religious ritual

1968 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Richard Nixon (R) vs. Vice-President Hubert Humphrey (D) vs. George Wallace (Independent). Nixon campaigned to restore "law and order" appealing to a "moral majority" and told the voters he had "a secret plan to end the war in Vietnam". Humphrey lacked support because of his support of the Vietnam War. Nixon won 43.3% of the popular vote and 301 electoral votes.

7th and 8th amendments

Right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

#288 George H.W. Bush Domestic Policy

Rose taxes to reach a budget agreement in 1988. Had to deal with an economic recession in 1991

169. Secretary of Labor Secretary of Energy

Secretary of Labor; heads the Department of Labor and is responsible for issues related to labor unions and laws involving workplace issues Secretary of Energy; heads the Department of Energy and is responsible for matters related to energy resources including nuclear energy and energy conservation

164. Secretary of State Secretary of Defense Secretary of Veterans Affair

Secretary of State; heads state department and is president's diplomatic representative in foreign affairs, assisting the president in formulating foreign policy Secretary of Defense; responsibility of overseeing the military and assisting the president in formulating military policy, works in Pentagon and supervises the joint chiefs of staff Secretary of Veterans Affairs; heads the Department of Veterans Affairs and is responsible for all matters related to veterans including benefits

167. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of the Interior

Secretary of agriculture heads the US Department of Agriculture and is responsible for matters related to agriculture, farming, food, and rural development; department of agriculture coordinates the Food Stamp Program and works closely with the nation's farmers Secretary of Interior heads the United States Department of Interior (ex: bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Geological Survey, National Park Service)

168. Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Transportation

Secretary of commerce; heads US Department of Commerce and is responsible for matters related to promoting economic growth, trade, and the improvement of business and industry; also, through department industries, gathers economic and demographic data for business Secretary of transportation heads the Transportation Department and is responsible for all matters related to transportation and the nation's infrastructure

170. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary of Education

Secretary of health and human services heads the Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for all matters related to the health of United States citizens The secretary of education heads the Department of Education and is responsible for matters dealing with national education policy. The No Child Left Behind law is a major policy area overseen by the Department of Education. Department of Education is also responsible for making sure all federal laws and grants dealing with education are implemented

166. Secretary of the Treasury Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Secretary of treasury heads the Treasury Department and is the principle economic advisor to the president; "responsible for formulating and recommending domestic and international financial, economic, and tax policy" and overall fiscal policies that have an impact on the economy; chairman of the President's Economic Council and oversees United States Mint. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is head of US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is the president's chief advisor in matters related to housing and urban development

#111 Civil Rights for Young People and Senior Citizens

Senior citizens rely on the American Association of Retired Persons to lobby their interests. Acts banning age discrimination were passed by Congress I'm 1967 and 1978. Tinker v. Des Moines 1969 established that rights for young people do not stop at the school house doors. Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier 1988 gave administrators the right to censor school-sponsored publications. Bethel School District v. Fraser gave school officials the right to censor speech and discipline students as a result of speech. New Jersey v. TLO 1985 established reasonable suspicion as the standard for searching students

#12 Constitutional Principles

Separation of powers for each branch. Checks and balances among them. President is given specific executive powers and inherent powers. Supreme Court is court of last resort. Rights are guaranteed to people and states.

#106 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Military Policy

Servicemen and women could be discharged by the military on the basis of being gay only if they said they were gay, engaged physically with someone of the same sex, or married or attempted to marry someone of the same sex. Recommended by Bill Clinton in 2003 and adopted by Congress on 2003. The policy was repealed in 2010.

#373 Gramm-Rudman Act

Set as a goal the elimination of the federal budget deficit by 1990

Civil Service Reform: Pendleton Act #215

Set up merit as the criteria for hiring, promoting, and firing federal employees. Also set up two kinds of federal employment.

#107 Defense of Marriage Act

Signed into law by Bill Clinton. Defines marriage as an act "only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife." Allowed states to not recognize same-sex marriages performed legally in other states. Prohibited same-sex couples from collecting and federal benefits but was declared unconstitutional in Windsor v. US enabling legally married gay couples to receive over 1,000 federal benefits

Lobbying reform

Signed into law by President George W. Bush, banned gifts, trip offers to legislators, and campaign donations required disclosure

#306 Hard and Soft money donations.

Soft money is money that is unregulated and without limits, which is given to a political party for party building purposes. Hard money is regulated money that can be given to individuals to political candidates during primary and general election cycles.

Social Security Act

Sorry guys. You pay into this thing and the government gives you money when you're old to survive.

Deficit Spending

Spending more than we earn

#129 Standing Committees

Standing committees are permanent committees in the House and Senate that specialize in areas of legislation; reps on the committees is proportional based on the party makeup of the Senate and the House

#4 Articles of Confederation

State government stronger than central government. No chief executive. Congress could declare war but not tax. One vote per state. Changes required unanimous vote.

Cloture

Stops filibuster. Requires 60 votes(3/5)

2012 Party Platform #231

Stressed economic issues, health care, employment, and social issues of last elections.

#186 Original Jurisdiction

Supreme Court is court of last resort; all cases that go directly to Supreme Court are called this (cases w/ambassadors, state v state, other public ministers and consuls)

#134 Key House Committees: Appropriation Committee and Ways and Means Committee

The Constitution mandates that all appropriation bills must start in the House of Reps; The House Appropriation Committee must approve all revenue legislation including the 13 revenues bulls that fund the fed gov

Media outlets

TV, Internet, radio, etc., FCC regulates content and ownership, very concentrated private ownership

#136 Key House Committees: Armed Services Committee and Foreign Relations Committee

The House Armed Services Committee considered legislation dealing with military; has oversight responsibility of the Department of Defence

#135 Key House Committees: Judiciary Committee and Oversight and Government Reform Committee

The House Jud Committee considered legislation dealing with civil liberties, constitutional amendments, federal court and judges, immigration, civil and criminal laws

Gregg v. Georgia

The court upheld Georgia's revised capital punishment laws. Capital punishment cases fall into two phases. The first determines guilt/innocence. The second phase determines punishment. The death penalty is allowed only when aggravating factors are present, and mitigating factors are insufficient. The law also provided for direct appeal to the State's highest court. Georgia's capital punishment laws were adopted as a model throughout the US

#137 Key Senate Committees: Appropriations Committee and Budget Committee

The Senate Appropriations Committee considers all revenue bills including the 13 budget bills that fund the fed gov

#133 Key House Committee: Rules Committee

The Senate and House both have Rules Committee but the House Rules Committee takes on a much more powerful role; acts as "gatekeeper" for all legislation that is scheduled to reach the floor of the House for debate and a vote

#316 Gerrymandering

The deliberate redrawing of legislative districts that favors one political party and heavily influences the outcome of the election. The courts can rule gerrymandering districts illegal using the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

#313 Legal Basis for Suffrage

The Voting Rights Act of 1957, 1960, and 1965 increased opportunities for minorities to register to vote. Supreme Court decisions in the 1990s made gerrymandering unconstitutional.

#368 Key Labor Laws

The Wagner Act gave workers involved in interstate commerce the right to organize labor unions. The Walsh-Healy Act of 1936 regulated wages and hours of public employees

Election Timeline Phases 6, 7 #236

The general election campaign, Election Day

#11 Preamble to the Constitution

The introduction to the Constitution. Calls for justice, tranquility, common defense, general welfare, liberty.

#319 Political Socialization

The manner in which people acquire their political values that ultimately influence which political party they will support and which candidate they will vote for. Sociological factors include family, income, and occupation, school and level of education, sex and age, and religious and ethnic background. The region of the country and media influence and determine a person's values. Family is the primary influence.

Conventional Political Participation #232

The manner in which people get involved in the political process: voting, political parties, meetings, donations, running for office, etc...

Unconventional Political Participation #233

The means in which people get involved in political processes when conventional means fail: protest, civil disobedience, violence.

#308 Independent Expenditures

The money spent by a PAC or special-interest group that takes a position on an issue or candidate independently from the candidate's campaign. There is no limit on how much can be spent. In 2012, as a result of "Citizens United" case, many PACs were formed that raised money and spent it as independent expenditures.

Party Realignment #223

The movement of voters from one political party to another. Characterized by the start of a new party era after a "critical election".

#378 The Debt Ceiling

The point at which the federal govt will run out of money to pay the interest to the creditors of the US

10th amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people

#371 Key Budget Players

The president submits a budget proposal that was prepared by the Office of Management and Budget to the Congress

Griswold v. Connecticut

The right to privacy is involved in this case that overturned a Connecticut law preventing Planned Parenthood from giving married persons information or medical advice on how to prevent conception

#127 The Minority Party Ranking Committee Member

The senior member of the minority party serving on the committee; called "ranking member" b/c the ranking member is the committee member the committee chair consults when deciding on committee business; next in line to become chairman if minority party takes control of congress

#119 the minority party: ranking member of a committee

The senior memes second on the committee, the ranking member is one consulted by the committee chair when deciding on committee business, usually next in line to become chairman if minority party takes majority control of Congress. If minority takes control, then the old committee chair becomes the ranking member of the committee in the new House

#370 The Federal Budget

The spending authority of the US govt in the fiscal year running from Oct 1 to Sep 30 of the next year

Retail Politics #240

The way candidates conduct their campaign with the objective of meeting or connecting with voters in smaller groups.

Caucus #238

The winner receives delegates in proportion to all the candidates receiving votes.

#314 Congressional District

This phrase is not in the constitution, however it doesn't state in the constitution that the people should choose their representatives based on population. Congressional Dsistricts were created based on provision that stated each district should be roughly equal in population throughout the state and the entire country. Supreme Court ruled that districts should be apportioned so tat the "one man, one vote" rule would equalize the makeup of the districts.

#304 All Politics Is Local

This was a phrase coined by Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. The phrase explained that the behavior of congressmen and women on on a local level was a determining factor of the way voters perceived their representatives.

#44 establishment clause

Thomas jefferson called for a "wall of separation between church and state"; intended to prevent the fed gov from supporting a national religion

162. Council of Economic Advisors

Three people appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Council advises president in preparation of economic reports; gathers info concerning economic developments and trends and reports to president; recommends to the president national economic policies that promote free enterprise and further national employment; recommends economic legislation to achieve the economic goals

22 amendment

Two term limit presidency or ten years maximum.

2000 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Vice President Al Gore (D) & Joe Lieberman "peace and prosperity" vs. Texas Governor George W. Bush (R) & Dick Cheney "bring honor and integrity" vs. Ralph Nader (Green Party) vs. Patrick Buchanan (Reform Party). Nader ended up taking votes from Gore. Gore won the popular vote but lost the election as a result of a disputed vote in Florida that was resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. Gore received 48.6% of the popular vote to Bush's 48.1%. Bush won 271 electoral votes to Gore's 266. Voter turnout 51%.

1988 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Vice President George H.W. Bush (R) & Dan Quayle "kinder, gentler nation" "read my lips, no new taxes" vs. Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis (D). One of the dirtiest campaigns. An independent group ran the Willie Horton Weekend Pass ad, a very racist ad. Dukakis established a large lead in the polls however Bush won 53% of the popular vote and 426 of the electoral college.

1960 Presidential Campaign Highlights

Vice-President Richard Nixon (R) vs. Senator John F. Kennedy (D) & Lyndon Johnson. Kennedy's campaign used the theme of a "new frontier". Nixon emphasized his experience as a national leader. **The first campaign to have televised debates which helped Kennedy. Kennedy was the first Catholic to be elected president, won the popular vote 49.7% to Nixon's 49.5%, Kennedy winning 303 electoral votes. One of the closest elections.

Richard Nixon's Foreign Policy Highlights

Vietnam War - Veitnamization, advised by Henry Kissinger War Powers Act (1973) - Congress's attempt to limit prez's war powers First Prez to visit China Went to Moscow (1st) - Negotiated SALT treaty

Lyndon Johnson Foreign Policy Highlights

Vietnam War: LBJ believed in the domino theory and supported the South Vietnam government. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution which began the military escalation. After the Tet Offensive in 1968, conventional political participation in the form of people voting for Eugene McCarthy in the NH primary helped Johnson decide not to run for a second term.

Party Dealignment #224

Voters moving away from the two major parties and declaring as independents or third party members. Happens when dissatisfaction with both major parties is high.

#287 Ronald Reagan Foreign Policy Highlights

War Powers Act of 1973 sent troops to Lebanon. Persuaded the Soviet Union to sign the Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty.

#198 Warren Burger Court

Warren Burger was Republican activist appointed by Nixon; strict constructionist but voted to expand civil liberties Roe v Wade US v Nixon NYT v US Bakke v University of California

Congressional Oversight #217

Watchdog responsibility of congressional committees with the goal of preventing waste and fraud, ensuring civil liberties and rights, and gathering information in the lawmaking process.

#199 William Rehnquist Court

William Rehnquist appointed by Reagan; lone dissenter; reflected judicial restraint but struck down congressional acts that infringed on states' rights Planned Parenthood v Casey US v Lopez Prints v US Bush v Gore

#7 The Federalist Papers

Written by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Reasoned for the Constitution. Called for a compromised gov't. Argued that the proposed Constitution did not need a Bill of Rights.

#9 Federalist Paper #47

Written by James Madison. Called for three branches and checks and balances among them. Claims checks and balances protect branches from becoming too powerful and protects the country.

#8 Federalist Paper #10

Written by James Madison. Centered on tyranny of the majority. Feared the current gov't could form large factions to dominate the gov't. Called for a Republic to check the power.

#10 Federalist Paper #51

Written by James Madison. Defines that all three branches must be independent of one another. Each branch should be elected in different ways. Two houses in Congress.

Sunshine laws

acts that open up governmental meetings to the public and prohibit government entities from privately conducting

#193 Judicial Conference

after oral arguments; justices meet and Chief Justice presides; review case; assign justice to represent and draft a majority opinion along with a minority/dissenting opinion

#191 Oral Arguments

after writ of certiorari is accepted, lawyers are given date to present their arguments before court; 30 minutes per attorney; justices can interrupt which may signal their position on a case (eg devils advocate)

#47 Free Exercise of Religion

allow citizens to practice religion without gov interference

4th Amendment

deals with privacy rights, right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers...., search warrant is necessary if probable cause

New Jersey v. T.L.O and Vernonia School District v. Acton

death with privacy issues established in the 4th amendment (search for drugs and imposed random drug test for school athletes)

cruzan v. Missouri department of health

does 9th amend. give a person the right to stop life support? - only if the individual signed a "living will" then the hospital would have to respect the individual's choice to end life support. doctor-assisted suicide is not a protected right.

due process principles

established in Constitution through habeas corpus-an individual cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards

fifth amendment

establishes individual procedural rights- no person be required to testify against himself or herself in a criminal case and that no person be subjected to a second trial for an offense for which he or she has been duly tried previously

Miranda v. Arizona

famous 5, 6, and 14 amendment case established the rights of the accused to be read to a person who is in custody and being questioned for a specific crime

#42 Bill of Rights

first 10 amendments to the Constitution; basic definition of civil liberties taht gov can not take away

175. Line-Item Veto

gives the president authority to selectively veto portions of the 13 appropriation bills that are passed by Congress to make up the federal budget; supported by those who believe appropriation bills have wasted spending and opposed by those who fear this veto will give the president more power Line-Item Veto was ruled unconstitutional by Supreme Court because the Constitution clearly states that a presidential veto must be used to oppose an entire piece of legislation

#43 First Amendment

guaranteed that Congress could not make laws: establishing a state supported religion, prohibiting the free exercise of a person's religion, abridging freedom of speech or press, respecting the right to peaceably assemble or petition the gov

6th amendment

guarantees a citizen a speedy trial, a fair jury, an attorney if the accused person wants one, and the chance to confront the witnesses who is accusing the defendant of a crime

John Peter Zenger Trial

highly critical of NY Gov William Cosby, wrote stinging editorials, accused of "seditious libel", found not guilty

Patriot Act

in response to 9/11 terrorism attacks - security legislation in order to make the country safer. The Patriot Act gives the authorities enhanced powers, such as looking up library records, to protect the country.

Investigative reporting/muckraking

journalists on the forefront of investigating issues and stimulating policy changes

180. Signing statements

made by the president at the time the president signs a bill into law; the statements give explanatory views about the legislation, but critics claim that the effect of the statement is to change the intent of the law supporters of these claim that these statements are justified because the president has the constitutional authority to carry out legislation

#194 Judicial Decisions - Majority, Minority, Dissenting, Concurring

majority: 5+ justices, decides case minority: <5 justices, otherwise known as dissenting opinion concurring: majority justice who has slightly different opinion that agrees with majority

11th amendment

no state may be sued by resident of another state government has to allow itself to be sued

179. Executive privilege

power assumed by the president to protect the privacy interests of the executive branch; mainly used in area of foreign policy

#187 Appellate Jurisdiction Original Intent

power of Supreme Court to hear cases on appeal from lower courts; original intent is when justices look at constitution's intent behind clauses or amendments

#185 Constitutional Requirements for Federal Justices

president appoints; senate approves by majority vote; only true requirements are they "hold offices during good behavior" (they serve for life) and they receive compensation (pay) for duties

#49 Free Speech Principles

revolves around the extent and limits gov can place on free expression; classified as expressive and symbolic

National Federation of Independent Businesses et al. v. Sibelius

revolving Obama Care- specifically the individual mandate- ruled it was constitutional because the mandate was a form of a tax and that Congress has the power to implement the law by imposing a penalty to those who do not pay for health insurance

fourth amendment principles

right of the people to be secure in their persons, house, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oat or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized

2nd and 3rd Amendments

right to bear arms ban on quartering soldiers

Assembly and Petition of Grievances Principles

right to gather in places and express point of view without gov interference, right to freely associate with groups they choose, right to petition gov officials for policies they want

District of Columbia vs Heller and Mcdonald vs Chicago

ruled on question of whether 2nd amendment's guarantee of right to bear arms constitutionally protected individuals, challenged a gun control law that banned guns in district, ruled law was unconstitutional ruled Chicago's law that banned most handguns unconstitutional

#41 The Brady Law

shot during the assasination attempt on Reagan; led compaign to establish legislation on a system of instant background checks before purchase of a gun; passed law in 1994; federal funded

9th amendment

supports the idea that people have rights beyond those listed (ENUMERATED) in the constitution

172. Bully Pulpit

term comes from Teddy Roosevelt's reference to the White House; meaning he could use it as a platform to promote his agenda president uses his bully pulpit as a means of communicating with the American people through media coverage of presidential events

#190 Writ of Certiorari

written appeal made by a party for a case to be heard by the Supreme Court

2001 Tax Cut Laws aka The Bush Tax Cuts

•Lowered current tax rates •doubled child tax credit •reduced estate tax

Mandatory Spending v. Discretionary Spending

•MS= areas of the federal budget that must be enacted each year by law. (65% of federal budget) Ex) Social Security •DS= areas of the federal budget that Congress can change from year to year (35% of federal budget)