Gov Midterm Short Answer

How does the practice of the filibuster reflect the special character and structure of the Senate?

The filibuster was used to delay the debate or voting on a bill. As long as a congressman can keep talking, the vote is delayed, until 60 senators call to end the debate.

Are the goals and objectives of the Constitution, such as the rule of law, relevant today? Support your answer with examples.

The goals and objectives of the constitution are relevant today. However, there are some that are outdated and don't pertain to our society today. A goal or objective that is outdated is the 18th amendment which states that the government has the power to regulate alcohol.

How do you think the growth in the size of presidential administrations affects the president's power?

The growth in the size of presidential administrations does not affect the president's power. The president may try to gain more power by having a larger administration, but he still only obtains the powers allocated to him in the Constitution. Therefore, the size of his administration is irrelevant to the amount of power that he or she holds.

Why is it important to maintain a balance between state and national authority in a federal system? Be prepared to defend your analysis.

Because then the governments don't over rule the people. Another reason is so if someone gets in trouble by a state official and they don't obey, it can be taken to an even higher official.

What factors made the creation of a federal judiciary controversial in the 1780s?

Before the Constitution was adopted, the country did not have a seperate judiciary. The federal judiciary is the branch of the government that holds trials and decides cases under the nation's laws. Before the Constitution, Congress expressed all powers of the nation's government.

What is your opinion about the legislative and judicial powers given to certain independent agencies? Should they be allowed to have such powers? Explain your answer.

Certain independent agencies are given legislative powers but are limited to what is granted by either state law or local charter or ordinance. The quasi-judicial agencies make up for that lack of power by giving some agencies the right to take action. I think that these agencies deserve these powers because it allows them to take action when necessary but their power is still limited, so it seems fair.

What are the main goals and purposes of the bicameral structure in Congress?

Congress is a bicameral legislature, and its two houses are the House of Representatives and the Senate. The main goal is to keep everything as equal as possible and give everyone the correct amount of power. In the House of Representatives, the seats of the House are apportioned among the states, in order to give more seats to the states that have bigger populations. The Senate, on the other hand, has a set two Senators from each state, totaling 100 senators among the 50 states. The bicameral legislature was created because the framers were familiar with the two house system in the British Parliament. The biggest influence of this system was the Great Compromise, and the plan that was accepted featured two houses: the first involving small states and large states having equal representation and the second involving representation based on population.

What is the role of Congress in the system of checks and balances?

Congress plays a vital role in the system of checks and balances. As the legislative branch of government, Congress has potent checks on the powers of the executive and judicial branches. Congress also must enforce laws.

Do you think the process of making law should be made more difficult or easier? Explain your answer.

Do you think the process of making law should be made more difficult or easier? Explain your answer.

What is the difference between federal district courts and federal courts of appeals?

Federal district courts are the workhorses of the federal judiciary. Almost every civil or criminal case heard in the federal court starts at the district court level. On the other hand, a case may be appealed to successively higher state or federal appellate courts.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of the constitutional system for protecting the independence of judges?

Federal judges are appointed by the president and onlay vacate when they die, resign, or are impeached and removed by Congress. The president is free to appoint anyone he chooses to the federal bench but typically consults with the American Bar Association.

What is the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy?

Fiscal policy = budget; Monetary policy = money. Monetary policy involves changing the interest rate and influencing the money supply while fiscal policy involves the government changing tax rates and levels of government spending to influence aggregate demand in the economy.

Why do you think that the ideal of liberty is important to the free enterprise system?

Because free enterprise allows for people and businesses to make their own choices about how to best produce, distribute and produce goods with limited interference from the government.

Why did the colonists object to Britain's Parliament placing taxes on the colonies?​

Mainly because they had been independent for so long that they didn't want to return to being led again by another country. They also felt that England was way to far for them to control them. They also agreed that the taxes were unfair and lacked representation.

According to philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, why are people willing to enter into a social contract?

According to people like Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, people are willing to enter a social contract because they know he will benefit. They give up freedom because they prefer to attain things such as protection and goods.

Give examples of how the Constitution has both endured and changed since it was ratified.

An example of how the constitution has endured and changed is the fact that it has survived the civil war, presidential assassinations and economic crises.

How has the term of office of the presidency changed over the years?

George Washington, the first president, left after two terms and by doing this he set the precedent. Now, the president can serve a maximum of two terms, which is the 22nd amendment that was created two years after FDR passed away.

How do you think the powers of Congress will change in the future?

I don't see the powers of Congress changing anytime soon. Although many different aspects of the government are corrupt and aren't always in the best interest of the people, it is how our nation has been run for a while now and nothing catastrophic enough has occurred showing the need for a change in the powers of Congress.

What trend do you think will characterize federalism in the near future—an expansion in national power or a return of power to the states? Explain your answer.

I feel like categorical grants are most likely going to be used in the future. The reason behind is its because we are already in such a huge debt. Trillions of trillions of dollars and knowing that it will increase our budget will decrease.

Under what circumstances do you think the government should regulate business in a free enterprise system?

I feel that if the economy is horrible and we've had a horrible year then I feel like it's best if the government took action and tried to fix it back up to the standard we have today.

What type of government do you think is best suited to accomplish the purposes of government outlined in this section?

I have always strongly believed that republic is the best way to go on and about doing governing. A republic allows people to elect representatives instead of a democracy, where everyone votes on laws. This way the voters have legitimacy to make decisions for the nation.

What do you think about the end of the spoils system and the implementation of a civil service?

I think that jobs were given favors for political support rather than experience for that particular job. The implementation of a civil service was a good decision because of the fact that it is a system of hiring and promotion based off of merit rather than political ties.

Why do you think the federal bureaucracy today is so large?

I think that the federal bureaucracy is so large today because the American public has demanded it. The general public wants big new government programs to resolve the issues pressing the nation.

What do you think should be the most important factor a president considers when picking a Supreme Court justice?

I think the most important factors a president should consider when picking a Supreme Court justice include honesty, morality, and knowledge of how everything works. Also, being truthful and fair in respect to both parties is crucial.

Do you think presidents should be judged by their personal qualities as shown in their behavior in public?

I think to an extent presidents should be judged by their personal qualities as shown in their behavior in public. The reality of it all is that the president is human, and he's going to make mistakes, have flaws, and not always say the right things. What is important is that he or she is able to recognize when they make mistakes and be able to counter their faults by acting in the best interest of the country as a whole and fixing their problems rather than just hiding them and hoping people don't see them.

What might happen if the president alone did not have the power to negotiate with foreign governments?

If the president alone did not have the power to negotiate with foreign governments, any negotiations would be inhibited by the political party that is in control and the majority. Also, international conflicts would worsen since there would be no compromises with foreign countries or meeting in the middle.

In what ways have the executive departments changed since 1789?

In 1789, the three executive departments that were set up were Foreign Affairs, Department of Treasury, and Department of War. Also, the Secretary of State and Attorney General were established which still are present in the government today.

What do you think was the most significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government, under the articles was too weak to enforce their laws and therefor had no power. The continental congress had borrowed money to fight the war and couldn't repay their debts.

Which event had a greater impact on federalism: the Civil War or the Great Depression? Support your answer with details

In my opinion I feel like the Great Depression changed the American government in a fundamental way. The federal government came to be involved in practically every aspect of economy. The New Deal brought about a huge change in our governmental system in a way that the Civil War did not.

How have both Madison's and Jefferson's views of amending the Constitution proven true in some ways over the course of U.S. history?

Jeffersons views of amending the constitution have been proven true over the course of the United States history because each generation is different and continually changes throughout time. Madison was also correct because he said the longer a law goes unchanged the more authority it has.

Describe the impacts that political parties, customs, and traditions have had on the U.S. system of government.

Political parties, customs and traditions have impacted the US system of government in a few ways. Political parties have an impact on how the constitution is interpreted because it helps determine the choice of candidates. One way customs and traditions have impacted the US government is because the constitution authorizes the president to "require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments. George Washington used this to create a cabinet.

Why did single-member districts evolve in the house?

Single member districts evolved in the house in order to avoid communist parties and because they were biased against rural areas.

Why do you think the period of dual federalism was characterized by tension between the levels of government?​

States can step over their power.

How did the goals of the delegates attending the First and Second Continental Congresses differ?

The First Contitental Congress was an effort for the delegates to come together and try and compromise with the Parliment. Since it failed, a year later, as the Second Continental Congress occurred after the war was declared in order to plan for victory and assemble an army.

What can you conclude from the numbers of bills submitted and the numbers of bills passed in Congress?

The House and Senate have passed a pretty small number of bills compared with other non-election years. Obama has signed the fewest measures into law in at least two decades, and you can conclude that the House doesn't approve of Obama's ideology.

In what ways is the House closer to the people than the Senate?

The House is considered more representative compared to the Senate for a few reasons, the main ones being that it changes with the population and every two years there is a new election. Also, in the Senate, some changes aren't made for up to six years.

How does the size of the Senate affect its operation?

The Senate is relatively small in size which has significantly affected how it operates. There is large deference to minority views and because of the small size all senators are given the opportunity to speak their word on the different issues.

How does the cabinet differ from the Executive Office of the President?

The cabinet and the Executive Office of the Presudent differ in a few ways. The cabinet is an advisory body made up of 15 executive departments and are responsible for carrying out laws, administering programs, arms making regulations in their area of responsibility. On the other hand, the executive office of the president consists of a number of seperate offices that help the President formulate policy.

Why do you think the Constitution denies both the state governments and the national government the power to grant titles of nobility?

The constitution states that no person shall be given or awarded a title or nobility, and no person shall except a gift, or present for any king, prince, or person or nobility for a foreign state. This was made to prevent monarchy.

How does the federal government provide money and resources to the states?

The federal government often distributes money with strings attached. " For example, the U.S. government may impose federal mandates, or demands on states to carry out certain policies as a condition of receiving grant money.

Which advantages and disadvantages might explain why there are more parliamentary than presidential systems?

The initial problem with the the presidential democracy is that it's almost impossible to remove the ruler, even though their power is limited. It's also a steal for the ruler to become more powerful. On the other side, a parliamentary democracy spreads the power more and doesn't have one all powerful leader.

How does each of the three branches of government apply the Constitution to its job responsibilities?​

The legislative branch applies the constitution to its responsibilities saying congress has the power to constitute tribunals inferior to the surprise court. The executive branch looks to the powers of the president in the constitution. These powers are inherent executive power, power of commander in chief, power to receive ambassadors and officials from other nations and their duty to faithfully execute laws. the judicial branch looks to the judicial review in the constitution that says the Court has the power to determine if a law or other government action is constitutional or not.

What are the main differences between federal, unitary, and confederal systems?

The main difference between the three is that the federal form splits splits with national along with state governments, the unitary form rests in the power of the states and confederal gives all the power to the national government.

What might happen if current budget patterns continue as they have over the past 50 years?

The nation's budget policies are unsubstainable. Projections show the percent of GDP rising a very large amount if current budget policies continue and health care costs continue to rise at the rates that they have in the past.

What is the relationship between the country's political climate and the makeup and rulings of the Supreme Court?

The political climate is the current mood and opinions of a populace about political issues that also currently affect that population. Polls are used to estimate what the political climate is feeling and leaning towards.

B. What does a president need in order to effectively exercise the informal powers of the presidency?

The president needs to be good at communicating with the many different forms of media, support party members at the time of election, and must have a high approval and support rate of the general public in order to effectively exercise the informal powers of the presidency.

What powers did states have under the Articles of Confederation?

The states had powers such as declaring war and making peace, raising and maintaining an army, as well as make treaties with other countries, borrow money and establish a postal service.

How did the struggle between Parliament and the English monarch affect American ideas about government?

The struggles between the parliament and the English monarch affected the American ideas about government because it caused them to rebel against England because the the parliament didn't check the sovereignty of the Monarchs.

What are the advantages in having specialized courts for certain types of cases?

There are multiple advantages in having specialized courts for certain types of cases. Lawyers and judges can focus solely on their legal specialties, specialized courts relieve stress from General courts, and can go off of special rules that general courts may not be able to use.

What are the main reasons that the Framers chose a federal system rather than a confederation? " Excerpt From: Luis Ricardo Fraga. "United States Government." v2.0. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. iBooks. This material may be protected by copyright. Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itun.es/us/OoHGJ.n

They believed that governmental power inevitably poses a threat to individual liberty, the exercise of governmental power must be restrained, and that to divide governmental power is to prevent its abuse.

Contrast How did royal, proprietary, and charter colonies differ from one another?

They differ from each other because a propriety colony has private land owners that have rights from the state. A royal colony has officials chosen by the parent state, and charter colonies formed under private enterprise from the king to make money for them.

What did Thomas Jefferson infer from the necessary and proper clause?

Thomas Jefferson inferred that the Supreme Court would serve to expand the federal power past what was limited by the Constitution. He thought they would be able to do this because the Supreme Court was not accountable to do checks or balances from the states.