AGT1
(T) Liberalism
A belief that government can bring about justice and equality of opportunity
(T) Theocracy
A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities
(T) Direct Democracy
A form of government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly; three most important forms: direct primary, initiative/referendum, recall
(T) Representative Democracy
A form of government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic; what is meant by democracy today
(4) Socialism
A system in which society, usually in the form of the government, owns and controls the means of production.
(L) constitution
A special kind of law that sets down basic rules for governments Written constitutions do not guarantee constitutional government. Constitutional government features recognized and observed limits on the use of governmental power. Constitutions are not politically neutral documents.
What is a constitution?
A special type of law that sets down basic rules for the government and the people who run them.
Cooperative Federalism
A system of mingled governing authority with functions overlapping across national and state governments; Characterized by a far more active federal government and blurred lines of authority; Also known as marble-cake federalism; Practiced 1933-1981
(T) What is the most usual method for amending the Constitution? (make sure you know the rules for both proposal and ratification)
A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress, must be submitted to states for approval (3/4 required)
New Fedaralism
A version of cooperative federalism with a stronger emphasis on state and local government action rather than national government; Practiced 1981-1989 under Reagan administration
(T) What does the Magelby text mean when it argues that "the distribution of ideology in the nation has been remarkably consistent"?
Conservatives outnumber liberals, but the proportion of conservatives did not increase substantially with the decisive Republican presidential victories of the 1980s or the congressional victories of the 1990s. Moreover, in the United States most people consider themselves to be moderates.
Political Idealogy
Constant pattern of ideas or beliefs about political value and the role of governement.
Decentralist
Constitution is a compact among sovereign states that createdd centrl government and gave it limitedd authority
Checks and Balances
Each branch can counter act the other branches
What is consistent with West's Vindicating the Founders?
Each of the founding fathers acknowledged the wrongness of slavery.
What is referred to as the most important means the founders devised "to make public officials observe the constitutional limits on their powers"?
Free and Fair Elections
negative liberty
Freedom is the absence of constraints. Firmly limits government action. The right to act as you want.
positive liberty
Freedom to pursue one's goals.
Charles Montesquieu
French Philosopher
Eric Hoover's "The Millenial Muddle" What were the major findings of Howe and Strauss's book Millennials Rising?
Gave millennials 7 traits: special, sheltered, confident, team-oriented, conventional, pressured, achieving, Build new institutions instead of tearing down old ones. Engaged, optimistic, and pleasant rule followers. (Prophet, Nomad, HERO, artist)
"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt. Haidt and his colleagues tested how well liberals and conservatives could understand each other. What did they find?
Genes differ between left (fearful) and right (thrill-seeking). Conservatives predicted liberals better.
(5) Theocracy
Given their concern for religious liberty, the puritans in MA established a theocracy a system of govt in which religious leaders claimed divine guidance and in which other sects were denied religious liberty.
Commerce Clause
Gives congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among several states and with the Indian tribe
Unified Government
Governance in which one part controls both the White House and both houses of Congress
Theocracy
Government by religious leaders, who claim divine guidance.
"The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's Make sure you understand the section "What We Can Do Now?"
Government can ease up on punishments through the board of education, pass a definition for peer-on-peer harassment (more than one comment that interferes with a student's education), discourage trigger warnings, teach cognitive behavioral therapy, rethink.
Direct democracy
Government in which the people choose their leaders and vote on laws directly
Direct Democracy
Government in which the people choose their leaders and vote on laws directly.
Representative Democracy
Government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic
Representative democracy
Government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic
Socialism
Government system where some of the means of production are controlled by the state and where the state provides key human welfare services like health carae and old age assistance. Allows for free markets in other activities.
Unified
Government where the same party controls both congress and the presidency
Concurrent powers
Governmental authority shared by national and state governments, such as the power to tax residents or build roads
Direct Democracy
Govt in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly (3 forms: direct primary, initiative and referendum, recall)
The Coddling of the American Mind
Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt
Founders Chic
HW Brands
Make sure that you understand the section titled "Toward More Civil Politics." "Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt (EXTRA CREDIT)
Haidt talks about how to alleviate tension between parties, maybe by changing how primaries are run, how electoral districts are drawn, ways candidates raise money for campaigns. Haidt also encourages everyone to interact with a member of another party and gain insight on issues to truly see what it's like on the other side.
The Federalist Papers are written by:
Hamilton, Madison, and Jay
What does your text say about Madison's understanding of human nature, particularly as it is displayed in Federalist #10?
He said it was important and possible to know human nature to understand how to lessen their negative tendencies. He wanted to channel good ends
Theocracy
Government by religious leaders, who claim divine guidance
The Millennial Muddle: Eric Hoover
Howe and Strauss believed that generations went from prophet, nomad, hero, artist, in continuation, and the millennial generation was a hero generation. This was mostly laughed at in academia. Howe shifted his beliefs to be more realistic - generations are similar due to the events (i.e. 9/11) that change the world they grow up in.
Economic Liberty
The belief that individuals should be allowed to pursue their economic beliefs without government restrictions
Economic Liberty
The belief that individuals should be allowed to pursue their economic self-interest without government restrictions
Pluralist theory
Theory of political power that states power is given through various interest groups
Michael Parenti's "The Constitution as an Elitist Document" What does Parenti say about the founding debate over property interests?
There was little debate.
(2) Griffith notes that the Articles of Confederation "failed to solve some of the collective action problems the nation needed it to solve.' What does he mean here?
There was not enough power for the central govt for it to be effective so as a result many of the central states began to deteriorate.
David Brooks's "Organization Kid" How do Organization Kids respond to the notion of "character"?
Used to instill character and now we instill achievement. Shy away from issues of character & chivalry. More upbeat religious views. Evil can be cured. Accomplishment > virtue.
Republicanism
We elect men and women who make decisions for us. Our founders gave us this.
Theocracy
a form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler
Socialism
a political theory advocating state ownership of industry
Shay's Rebellion
a rebellion led by Daniel Shay of farmers in western MA in 1786-1787 protesting mortgage foreclosures; highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost (2) What are the two stable, core dimensions that capture the meaningful differences between liberal and conservative ideologies?
a) Attitudes toward inequality b) attitudes towards social change vs. tradition
originalist approach
constitution has fixed meaning
Liberty
freedom
Your text argues that "Once we accept Marshall's argument that judges are the official interpreters of the Constitution, several important consequences follow." What is meant by this?
- people can challenge laws enacted by congress and approved by the president - by bringing a lawsuit, those who lack the ability to get a bill through congress can often secure a judicial hearing
(7) Congressional elaboration
the process by which Congress makes informal changes to the Constitution
What is referred to in your text as both the "genius" and "a flaw" in the Constitution?"
- the constitution's lack of specificity - helps the document starts the test of time but allows for argument/debate on what the Constitution is saying
Originalism
"strict construction"; insists that Americans are bound to the literal meaning of the Constitution and its amendments, as their original authors and debaters understood them. Meaning the constitution does not change with the times.
Congressional elaboration
Congressional legislation that gives further meaning to the Constitution based
(T) Divided government versus unified government
Divided government: when one party controls Congress and another controls the presidency Unified government: When the same party controls both branches
(L) What was the context that led directly to the Constitutional Convention?
From the failure of the Articles of Confederation, many saw the need to restore economic order and keep the peace.
David Brooks's "Organization Kid" What are the major characteristics of the Organization Kid?
Goal-oriented, accepting of authority, optimistic, team players, busy, responsible, mature, overworked, perfectionist.
Divided Government
Governance division between the parties especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress
Divided
Government where one party controls congress and another party controls the presidency
The Constitution as an Elitist Document
Michael Parenti
Judicial Review
Power of court review laws or governmental regulation to determine whether they are consistent with the US constitution or in a state court, the state constitution
"The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's What is emotional reasoning? How is it manifested on college campuses?
Assuming that your negative emotions reflect the real world and letting them guide your interpretation of reality. Dominates campus debates and discussions. 1980's started focusing on preventing offensive speech.
Why do the Founders deserve our praise? HW Brands's "Founders Chic"
Because even though they were less learned in human nature and the world, they were bold enough to sign the Declaration of Independence and write the Constitution. Brands states that because of their courage they deserve admiration.
The organization kid: David Brooks
Childhood has become a race, not a journey. Increase in team sports, group activities, ADHD medication, organized playdates, anything parents can do to get their child on top.
Direct Democracy
Citizens make the laws directly (america does not have this)
American Dream
Complex set of ideas that holds that the u.s. is a land of opportunity where individual initiative and hard work can bring Econ. Success (expressed enthusiasm for capitalism)
What does the author refer to as the "proven solution" for increasing voter turnout among young people? Martin Wattenberg's "What Can be Done?" in Is Voting for Young People?
Compulsory voting, in which the person would have to show up to a voting poll and "take attendance" if not there then she/he would be fined. The theory is that since the person is there, they will go ahead and vote.
Martin Wattenberg's "What Can be Done?" in Is Voting for Young People? What does the author refer to as the "proven solution" for increasing voter turnout among young people?
Compulsory voting- penalty for not casting a ballot.
(4) What does your text argue are the conditions that are likely to foster constitutional democracy?
Conditions favorable for constitutional democracy include education/economic opportunity, social cohesion, ideological concensus and stability.
(T) Congressional elaboration
Congress can create legislation to make a needed change without amending the Constitution (ex: Judiciary Act of 1879, impeachment)
Necessary and Proper Clause
Congress has the right to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out all powers the constitution vests in the national government
Congressional Elaboration
Congressional legislation the gives further meaning to the Constitution based on sometimes vague constitution authority, such as the necessary and proper clause
Social Conservatism
Conservatism favors strong government to protect children from morrally wrong lifestyles. Social controls.
Traditional Conservatism
Conservatism that favor dispersing power through-out politica and social systems to avoid an overly powerful national government.. economy
Three Implications 3/3
Conservative government minimizes losses but it doesn't maximize gains
Three Implications 1/3
Conservative government often leads to a 'government of crisis'
What distinctions do the authors draw among conservatives, liberals, and libertarians?
Conservatives and liberals both demand some kind of government action. For conservatives it's border security, fight against illegal drugs, and traditional marriages. For liberals, it's economic policy, corporate regulation, environmental protection, and school lunch programs. The libertarian rejects both of these camps, they aim to reduce all government action to a minimum.
Necessary and Proper Clause
The constitutional declaration (A1, S8) that defines Congress's constitutional authority to exercise the "necessary and proper powers to carry out its designated functions; Also known as the elastic clause
Michael Parenti's "The Constitution as an Elitist Document" What does he argue is the constitutional understanding of democracy?
The constitutional understanding of democracy is that people should be able to carry on their business /investments w/o being encroached upon by the government.
America's Constitutional Convention
The documents are making assumptions on human nature.
(T) Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution that provide a guarantee of individual liberties and due process before law
Individualism
The idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being.
In the varieties of liberal enthusiasm by Benjamin Plotinsky, what does the author argue is the difference between "traditional varieties of religion" and the newer varieties of liberal religiosity?
The traditional varieties of religion openly acknowledge that they were religious.
Social Capital
The value of social contracts, associations and networks individuals form which can forever foster trust, cordination, and corporation.
Political Culture
The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms citizen hold about their relationship to the government
Political Culture
The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms citizens hold about their relationship to government and to one another
Political Culture
The widely shared beliefs, values, and norms citizens hold about their relationship to government and to one another.
Elite Theory
Theory of political power that states power is held by the small number of wealthy and powerful individuals
The Millennial Muddle: Eric Hoover
Twenge saw a pattern in people born from 1970s-1990s, they were selfish, and sensitive and had extremely high confidence: due to the fact that even community service helps them with a resume, and even people who lose get a trophy
Unified Government
governance in which one party controls both the white house and both houses of Congress
John locke is the most influential philosopher of the founding period.
he founded "popular sovereignty" which is when citizens delegate power to their agents in government knowing that they can rescind that authority
Originalist approach
believes that the constitution should be understood according to the framers intent
Federalism
Refers to the division of power between the national government and the states.
Government
Refers to the procedure and institutions which a people govern and rule themselves
Principles that are outlined in the Constitution 1/4
Republicanism
(L) Conservative nature of American Government
Resistant to change (incapable of purposeful change), fragmented (power is spread out among multiple political actors), non-impulsive (moves in a very incremental fashion), Madisonian (system is by design, not by accident)
According to Eric Hoover's Millennial Muddle, which of the following most precisely describes Howe and Strauss's portrait of young people in Millennials Rising?
Rule followers who were engaged, optimistic, and pleasant.
"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt. Haidt argues that "to understand the origins of ideology you have to take a developmental perspective..." Make sure that you understand the three major steps in this process.
STEP 1. Genes make brains: used twins and siblings to determine innate traits. Genes play a bigger role than family life in determining ideology. STEP 2. Traits guide children along different paths: your inclinations lead you to develop hobbies, friends, & groups that agree with you. Level 1= small child, level 2= characteristic adaptations. STEP 3. People construct life narratives: Once upon a time... narrative... the end. Liberal narrative= authority restrains people, overthrow it. Conservative narrative= liberals try to throw off an effective system.
Commerce Clause
The Constitutional declaration (Article 1, Section 8) empowering Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, between states, and with Indian tribes
Vindicating the Founders: Thomas G West
Three false charges against the founders: they believed "all men" didn't apply to black people and women, they didn't understand what "all men" really meant/what equality was, they went against their own principles but failed to abolish slavery
(L) What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To "tweak" the Articles of Confederation
What statement is consistent with H.W> Brand's thesis in Founder's Chic?
When the founders wrote the Constitution, they embarked on an audacious and unprecedented challenge to custom and authority.
Explain the following phrase: "beneath these two visions of liberty (positive v. negative) lies different accounts of the good society"
Which idea of freedom you agree with depends on your values; the negative view emphasizes personal autonomy while the positive view emphasizes equal care/opportunity
Three Implications 2/3
Wide scale policy change is unlikely
(T) Libertarianism
Would limit government to such vital activities as national defense while fostering individual liberty. Unlike conservatives, libertarians oppose all government regulation, even of personal morality.
The Federalist
Written by Hamilton, Madison and Jay; encouraged ratification of the Constitution "Widely regarded as the most profound single treatise on the Constitution ever written and as among the few masterly works in political science produced in all centuries of history"
"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt. Make sure that you understand the section titled "Toward More Civil Politics."
Ying-yang. Manichaeism left no room for compromise. Need politicians to move families to DC. See each side as people with a set of guiding morals. Morality binds and blinds.
Separation of Powers
You don't want t consternate your power in one body of in one house. You want to separate powers to the best of your ability.
Shay's Rebellion
a 1786 revolt in Massachusetts led by farmers in reaction to high taxes
Libertarianism
a belief in limiting government to such vital activities as national defense while fostering individual liberty; unlike conservatives, libertarians oppose all government regulation, even personal morality
Conservatism
a belief in private property rights and free enterprise
Liberalism
a belief that government can bring about justice and equality of opportunity
American Dream
a complex set of ideas that holds that the US is a land of opportunity where individual initiative and hard work can bring economic success
Political Ideology
a constant pattern of ideas or beliefs about political values and the role of government, including how it should work and how it actually works
Representative Democracy
a form of democracy in which citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf
Socialism
a governmental system where some of the means of production are controlled by the state and where the state provides key human welfare services like healthcare and old age assistance. Allows for free markets in other activities
Evolutionary Approach
a method used to interpret the Constitution that understands the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the times
(5) Libertarianism
a political ideology that cherishes individual liberty and insists on sharply limited government. Libertarians oppose nearly all government programs.
"The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's What is vindictive protectiveness? Why is potentially harmful?
a) a mentality that we must protect others from harmful ideas b) it doesn't prepare students for the real world, can lead to depression/anxiety
Originalist Approach
an approach to constitutional interpretation that envisions the document as having a fixed meaning that might be determined by a strict reading of the text or the Framer's intent
Pluralist theory
argues that people can influence government through the many interest groups that spring up to champion everything from fighting global warming to banning abortions. Pluralists suggest that interest groups give most people a voice.
Bureaucratic theory
argues that real control lies with the millions of men and women who carry out the day-to-day operations of modern government. Bureaucratic experts establish policy and sideline the influence of most Americans
Congressional Elaboration
because the Framers gave Congress authority to provide for the structural details of national gov't, it's not necessary to amend the constitution every time a change is needed. Congress can create legislation to meet the need
Current Liberalism
characterized by a wish to preserve the rights of the individual coinciding with governmental intervention in the economy
(6) According to your text, how is classical liberalism different from current liberalism?
classical liberals favored limited government and sought to protect people from governmental harassment in their political and economic lives. Over time, the liberal emphasis on individualism has remained constant, but the perception of the need for government changed.
political culture
commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate (provides structure and context)
Is voting for young people?: Martin P Wattenberg
compulsory voting is the only solution to the extremely low rates in young voter turnout. registration has been made easier without that much of a change, civic education would only help those who want to be educated.
Congressional Elaboration
congressional legislation that gives further meaning to the const. based on sometimes vague constitutional authority such as necassary and proper clause
If you don't have recognized and observed limitations on the use of governmental power you don't have a
constitutional government
Elite theory
counters that power actually rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful individuals—particularly the richest Americans, corporate executives, and the top government officials—especially in the executive branch
The Coddling of The American Mind: Greg Lukianoff and Johnathon Haidt
eliminating varying opinions could kill a college education. Administration also does away with anything that offends people and punishes students for their words.
Individualism
emphasized the importance of individual rights worth freedom and wellbeing.
Social movement theory
emphasizes the power citizens can wield when they organize and rise up in protest—regardless of who is in control of day-to-day politics.
What were the papers designed to do?
encourage ratification of the constitution
The Federalist
essays promoting ratification of the constitution, published anonymously by Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in 1787 and 1788
Traditional Conservatism
favor dispersing power throughout the political and social systems to avoid an overly powerful national government; believe that the market, not government, should provide services
Social Conservatism
favor strong governmental actions to protect the people
Classical Liberalism
favored a limited government and sought to protect people from governmental influence
social conservative
focuses less on economics and more on morality and lifestyle
Who was Daniel Shays and why is his story important?
former captain in the continental US army. Led a rebellion against the government that was about to seize the farms of indebted people who had not collected their money in order to pay taxes on the land. The Massachusetts militia could not put out the rebellion flare ups for 6 months, this prompted another constitutional convention where the national gov was strengthened.
American Government is
fragmented
(T) What is referred to in the Magelby text as the most important means the founders devised "to make public officials observe the constitutional limits on their powers"?
free and fair elections, through which voters can remove anyone who abuses power
(2) What is referred to as the most important means the founders devised "to make public officials observe the constitutional limits on their powers"?
free and fair elections, through which voters can remove anyone who abuses power.
What did Charles Montesque do?
gave the founders "nuts and bolts" of government design. He wrote the spirit of laws that argued the functions of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) must be separated into different branches.
Divided Government
governance divided between the parties, especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress
Direct Democracy
government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly
Representative Democracy
government in which people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic
Is voting for young people?: Martin P Wattenberg
in countries where voting is mandatory, there is 89-97% turnout with young voters. Even where is has been ended there is still a high turnout. people argue is is not a free country but there are laws such as seatbelt laws that combine personal choice with legal consequences.
Griffith notes that the Articles of Confederation "failed to solve some of the collective action problems the nation needed it to solve.' What does he mean here?
in forming the confederation, the states had been too jealous of their newly-won sovereignty and had not delegated enough power to the central government for it to be effective. So, when an armed rebellion in MA happened, they didnt have the power to stop it
How does Griffith define politics?
is the act of cooperating with other individuals to accomplish goals we could not otherwise.
the declaration of independence (1776) is not a legal document
it shows 2 fears of the founding fathers: fear of concentrated power fear of remote power or power that existed far away from its people.
Classical Liberalism
liberalism that favored limited government and protected people from government harrasment
Founders Chic: HW Brands
many of the founders were disliked by other politicians and the people. They would be appalled with our lack of bravery to change the constitution.
An epidemic of meddling: Jacob Sullum
meddling has become medicine; "public health epidemics" are personal choices made by educated adults. The government tries to intervene too much in the lives of adults.
"Politics and Eating Worms" by John Hibbing (EXTRA CREDiT) What does the author suggest is the relationship between biological response to threatening images and ideology?
Hibbing suggests that people with measurably greater biological responses to disgusting and threatening images are significantly more likely to adopt conservative positions on social and defense matters. However, he also states that physiological response does not seem to be relevant to people's preferences when it comes to economic issues.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Brooks' Organization Kid?
High levels of political activism.
(2) What is the distinction between the social contract created by Hobbes versus the social contract created by Locke? What conclusion can we draw from this difference?
Hobbes' (security) social contract with the government involved the government keeping citizens alive as its only obligation whereas, with Locke (liberty), the government was given portions of man's rights in exchange for protecting others. If that agreement were to be breached, the citizens had the right to get new leadership. This appealed greatly to the colonists. Govt must retain the rights to citizens at all costs. Gave the colonists justification to rebel against England.
Can't we all disagree more constructively: Johnathon Haidt
It is commonly believed that self interest and the family who raised you are the two main factors that contribute to your ideology, although it was shown that self interest plays a very small role and genetics are more important than the effect of family beliefs
What does your text mean when it notes that "American leaders balanced the two dangers that recently encountered?"
It means that they were trying to find a balance between the british's behavior that warned them that a powerful central government could strip the people of their rights. And Experience with the AOC that warned them that a weak national government could fail to protect their rights.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (6) What do the authors mean when they note that "the predispositions perspective does suggest arguments for institutional reforms that might reduce or at least better manage ideological conflict?"
It mostly deals with structural elements of political systems that allow conservatives and liberals to disproportionately define choices about collective action. examples include primary elections and redistricting.
What does the author say about registration reform? Martin Wattenberg's "What Can be Done?" in Is Voting for Young People?
It seems like a good idea to make registration easier but even the best registration procedures do not increase youth turnout
Martin Wattenberg's "What Can be Done?" in Is Voting for Young People? What does the author say about registration reform?
It seems like a good idea to make registration easier, but even the best registration procedures don't increase youth turnout.
What role does Shays' Rebellion play in Parenti's narrative, "the constitution as an elite's document"?
It showed that the rural people were unhappy with the elite for leaving them out of the process of writing the Constitution. It also showed the delegates at Philadelphia that the wealthy and elite should rule.
For what reasons have several scholars rejected Howe and Strauss's ideas about millennials?
It's hard to accept that a group that large can be generalized and that they're all the same. Also, at time they wrote it they were not social scientists.
What is referred to in your text as both "the genius of and a flaw in the Constitution?" What is meant by this?
It's lack of specificity. They were conscious that writing a document needed to withstand the test of time. However, it leads to much debate over things.
An Epidemic of Meddling
Jacob Sullum
The end of the end of an Ideology
John Jost
who was the most influential philosopher of the founding period?
John Locke
(L) Which two philosophers were most influential to the 1787 Constitutional Convention?
John Locke and Charles Montesqieu
Who were some influential philosophers that preceded the founders?
John Locke and Charles Montesque
Can't we all disagree more constructively?
Johnathon Haidt
David Brooks's "Organization Kid" Make sure that you understand the section "Origins of the Organization Kid."
Key takeaways: Born 1979-1982, well protected/balanced, safe environment. Big backpack era, playtime regulations, Mozart, must be supervised to learn, parental authority today rests on 3 pillars: science, safety, achievement.
Who said: "Ambitions counteracting ambition"
Madison
What does your text say about Madison's understanding of human nature, particularly as it is displayed in Federalist #10?
Madison claimed that it is possible and important to understand human nature and that human nature needs to be considered in designing a government.
Traditional Conservatives
Pro business (govt should protect nation from foreign enemies, preserve law and order, private contracts, economic growth, free and fair trade)
(T) Originalist versus evolutionary approach in interpreting the Constitution
Originalist approach: envisions the document as having fixed meaning that might be determined by a strict reading of the text or the Framers' intent Evolutionary approach: understands the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the time
Originalist versus adaptive approach in interpreting the Constitution
Originalist— An approach to constitutional interpretation that envisions the document as having a fixed meaning that might be determined by a strict reading of the text or the Framer's intent. Adaptive Approach— A method used to interpret the Constitution that understands the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the times.
Current Liberalism
Over time, view on gov. role has changed. Believes that government can bring justice and equality.
Which of the following best describes Michael Parenti's discussion of Shays' Rebellion in "The Constitution as an Elitist Document"?
Parenti argues that Shay's Rebellion confirmed the founders' worst fears of the populace and reinforced their determination to allow persons of birth and fortune to control the nation's affairs.
What is Parenti's view on Shay's Rebellion ?
Parenti argues that Shay's rebellion confirmed the founders' worst fears of the populace and reinforced their determination to allow persons of birth and fortune to control the nation's affairs.
What does Sullum mean when he notes that "this tendency to call every perceived problem affecting more than two people an "epidemic" obscures a crucial distinction?" "An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum
People are forgetting that some people voluntarily choose to engage in these behaviors (smoking, drinking, eating fat foods), and there should only be intervention if they are harming others.
Can't we all disagree more constructively: Johnathon Haidt
People are not born with an ideology, it's the combination of the dispositional traits and the characteristic adaptations, also events that really upset you may change the way you act in the future and what you believe in. Some people are not educated enough to know what ideology they believe in.
(T) The Magelby text argues that "Once we accept Marshall's argument that judges are the official interpreters of the Constitution, several important consequences follow." What is meant by this?
People can challenge laws enacted by Congress and approved by the president (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). Simply by bringing a lawsuit, those who lack the clout to get a bill through Congress can often secure a judicial hearing. Litigation supplements and at times even takes precedence over legislation as a way to make public policy.
In politics and eating worms, John Hibbing examines the relationship between biological responses to threatening images and ideology. What did he find?
People with greater biological responses to disgusting and threatening images are significantly more likely to adopt conservative positions on social and defense matters.
(L) Separation of powers
Philosophy of Charles Montesquieu that was influential to the Constitution; states that in order to avoid tyranny, the essential functions of government must be divided: legislative makes law, executive executes law, judicial interprets law
(L) Popular sovereignty
Philosophy of John Locke that was influential to the Constitution; states that citizens delegate authority to their agents (public servants) in government knowing that they can rescind it--this was a very radical idea at the time.
"The Varieties of Liberal Enthusiasm" by Benjamin Plotinsky (EXTRA CREDIT) Why is the "political component" of this religious dynamic "of immense importance"?
Political religions spell trouble. People idolize their leaders and begin to think they can do no wrong. Throughout history, political religions have always been trouble because the two subject matters all go head making way for lots of controversies.
(1) How does Griffith define politics?
Politics is the act of cooperating with other individuals to accomplish goals we could not otherwise.
(T) How does Griffith define politics?
Politics is the act of cooperating with other individuals to accomplish goals we could not otherwise.
The idea John Locke associated with
Popular Sovereignty
The Coddling of The American Mind: Greg Lukianoff and Johnathon Haidt
"trigger warnings" and micro agressions" have turned college campuses into places where free speech is no longer acceptable. Professors have to edit what they teach for fear of someone being offended.
In "Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together?", the authors note that "the predispositions perspective does suggest arguments for institutional reforms that might reduce or at least better manage ideological conflict." Which of the following institutional reforms might the authors embrace? (a) creating a more deliberative democracy setting where ordinary people come together so that we can hash through issues (b) adopting a reformed primary system that allows residents of the middle a more meaningful choice than choosing hard-right or hard-left (c) reforming the redistricting process so that the job of geographically defining representation doesn't fall into the hands of people who let partisan self-interests dominate. (d) both b and c are correct
(d)
"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt Haidt and his colleagues tested how well liberals and conservatives could understand each other. What did they find?
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"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt Haidt argues that "to understand the origins of ideology you have to take a developmental perspective..." Make sure that you understand the three major steps in this process.
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"Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt Make sure that you understand the section titled "Toward More Civil Politics."
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"Our Outdated Constitution" by Terry Moe and William Howell What do the authors mean by the notion of "fast track" authority?
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"Our Outdated Constitution" by Terry Moe and William Howell Which branch of government needs to the center of the policymaking process? Why?
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"Our Outdated Constitution" by Terry Moe and William Howell Why is Congress such an ineffective policymaker? What is the "ultimate problem?"
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"States Divided: The Implications of American Federalism for COVID-18" by Donald Kettl What are the arguments made in the section "The Public Interest on a Wobbly Foundation"?
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"States Divided: The Implications of American Federalism for COVID-18" by Donald Kettl What does the phrase "laboratories of democracy' mean?
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"The Covid-19 Disaster that Did Not Happen in Texas" by Jacob Sullum What does Sullum say about the role of legal restrictions in fighting COVID-19?
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"Vindicating the Founders" by Thomas West How did the Founders understand political morality, and how does it differ from the Marxist viewpoint?
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"Vindicating the Founders" by Thomas West The author refutes three leading charges against the Founders. What are the charges, and how does the author refute each one?
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"Want a Lawless Police Force? Federalize It." by Glenn Harlan Reynolds What does Reynolds argue are the problems with federalizing the police force?
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"What Current Police Reform Efforts Lack: A Call to Federalize." by Robert Kane What are some of the arguments that Kane makes for federalizing police forces under the US Public Health Service?
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David Brooks's "Organization Kid" What are the major (7) characteristics of the Organization Kid?
- Academically driven - Very involved in organizations - Respectful to authority - Group-orientated - Career- orientated - Goal seeking - No real conception of character
What do your authors mean when they note that "securing an agreement on self-government and perpetuating that agreement is unusual in human history?"
- In most nations, those in power are born with it or they kill their enemy to obtain power - Obscure for oppositional political figures to openly criticize government - Political opponents were an enemy of the state - Instances of self-government in history examples are Ancient Greece and Italian city-states
Conservatism
A belief in private property rights and free enterprise
Conservative
American Government is resistant to change
Conservatism
Belief in private property rights and free enterprise
Libertarianism
Cherishes individual liberty and insists on sharply limited govt. no programs on morality or regulation
(3) Bill of Rights
The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
(1) Direct democracy
Citizens are assembled to discuss and pass laws and select their officials
Marble
Federalsim that emphasises flexible relationship between federal and state governments, work together on a variety of issues and programs
"Founders Chic" by HW Brands How did the Founders view the Constitution they created?
-The Constitutional Convention was guided less by patriotic genius than by material self-interest.
(6) The Federalist
A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to persuade the voters of New York to ratify the constitution
How does Griffith define politics?
the act of cooperating with other individuals to accomplish goals we could not otherwise.
The end of the end of an ideology: John Jost
the end of an ideology philosophy made it so that no one looked into the idea for a long time after. Ideology was "defined away", so specific no one could understand or relate. Ideology will always be a factor in peoples lives whether they recognize it or not.
The end of the end of an ideology: John Jost
the end of an ideology theory believes an ideology is not an accurate way to describe someone for four main reasons: people lack the consistency and coherence that would be necessary for people to organize their beliefs into an ideology, people are uninspired by ideological claims, there are no philosophical differences between liberals and conservatives
Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments to the Constitution that provide a guarantee of individual liberties and due process before the law
Founders Chic: HW Brands
the founders were courageous, but not heroes. They only deserve our admiration to an extent. They were normal politicians, and their work was unfinished. The constitution should be continuously worked on and edited.
Political culture
the orientation of citizens of a state toward politics.
What is the most usual method for amending the Constitution? (make sure you know the rules for both proposal and ratification)
- Methods of Proposal 1. voted on by 2/3 of congress and senate (has been used) 2. By constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures (not used) - Methods of Ratification 1. By legislates in 3/4 of the states (used) 2. By ratifying convention in 3/4 of the states (used ones for the 21st amendment
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford Why do the authors admonish students "to think probabilistically?"
- They want the reader to understand that all of these claims about liberals and conservatives will not be tru 100% of the time, but they are more focused on general tendencies.
What distinction does your text make between the Constitution as an expression of "basic and timeless personal liberties" and the Constitution as an "instrument of government."
- basic and timeless: the constitution does not and should not change - instrument of government: positive grant of power; if it did not grow with the nation, it would soon be irrelevant and ignored
What does your text argue are the conditions that are likely to foster constitutional democracy?
- education, economic opportunity, social cohesion, ideological consensus and stability
What is referred to as the most important means the founders devised "to make public officials observe the constitutional limits on their powers"?
- free and fair elections - voters can remove those who abuse power
What does your text mean when it argues that "the distribution of ideology in the nation has been remarkably consistent"?
- party support has remained at consistent levels and distributions for nearly 40 years
What text notes that "... topics not addressed by the Constitution and developments since its ratification and subsequent developments have modified the way the system of checks and balances work." Make sure that you understand your text's discussions of these developments.
- the doctrine of the separation of powers - makes changing the system difficult - designed so that the gov't can act decisively only when there is a consensus among most groups and after all sides have had their say
In the debates over ratifying the Constitution, why did the Federalists feel that a bill of rights was unnecessary? Why were the Antifederalists unconvinced?
- unnecessary because proposed nation government had only the specific powers that the states and the people delegated to it - to explicitly provide protections for some liberties might lead to denial of others - if some rights were protected, what could be the objection of providing constitutional protection for others
"The Constitution as an Elitist Document" by Michael Parenti What is Parenti's definition of democracy?
-A system of governance that represents, both in form, and content, the desires and interests of the ruled.
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost Make sure you understand the section titled "Are There Differences in Psychological Processes Underlying Liberalism and Conservatism?"
-All of this is consistent with the notion that there are indeed significant differences of cognitive and motivational style that characterize people who are drawn to liberal versus conservative belief systems, much as Adorno and his col- leagues (1950) hypothesized. -There is now sufficient evidence to conclude that Adorno et al. (1950) were correct that conservatives are, on average, more rigid and closed- minded than liberals -Regardless, there are no important or enduring psychological differences between liberals and conservatives -Their evidence upholds the Adorno et al. rigidity-of-the-right hypothesis and contradicts persistent claims that liberals and conservatives are equally rigid and dogmatic. -Conservatives are, on average, more likely than liberals to perceive the world as adangerous place, make purely internal attributions for the cause of others' behaviors, and to engage in moral condemnation of others, especially in sexual domains -Conservatives adhere to a "strict father" model of moral discipline -Liberals adhere to a "nurturing parent" model of moral discipline
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost What definition of political ideology does the author adopt?
-An interrelated set of moral and political attitudes that possesses cognitive, effective, and motivational components -Helps to explain why people do what they do; it organizes their values and beliefs and leads to political behavior
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford What are BRBPs?
-Behaviorally Relevant Biological Predispositions (Genes, early development, recent experiences)
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost Make sure you understand the section titled "Concluding Remarks.
-Blurring ideological boundaries is a rhetorical strategy that helps a sidelined minority party to refashion its image (Ralph Nader in 2001 election saying not much difference b/w Dem. and Rep. candidates) -End-of-ideology thesis originated with neoconservatives and helped marginalize the radical left and giving neocons a fresh start -No coincidence that the ideological struggle was renewed by the right wing rather the left wing -Conclusion: although ordinary people by no means pass the strictest tests imaginable for ideological sophistication, most of them do think, feel and behave in ideologically meaningful and interpretable terms
"The Constitution as an Elitist Document" by Michael Parenti What does he argue is the constitutional understanding of democracy?
-That people exercise a measure of control by electing their representatives. In addition, a democratic people should be able to live without fear of want, enjoying freedom from economic and political oppression.
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments to the Constitution that provide a guarantee of individual liberties and due process before the law. (Judicially enforceable)
"The Varieties of Liberal Enthusiasm" by Benjamin Plotinsky (EXTRA CREDIT) How does the author's discussion of environmentalism tie in with his thesis?
-Environmentalism has become very controlling (just as some religions and political religions do) in that there are certain rituals/rules to abide by. Environmentalism also follows the biblical narrative closely (fall from grace will lead to natural disasters/an end). Obama also appealed to people's environmentally conscious side in his speech for the nomination acceptance. -Environmentalism has to do with controlling the way we live and how we treat the world, like religion controls our actions and what we put into the world.
Articles of Confederation
-First attempt at a Constitution -1781-1787 -State Governments had all the power (13 states) --The national government derived its authority from the states. The State Legislatures had all the power at the state level. ---Congress cannot levy tax bills (had to ask to fund the federal government) ---Congress cannot fund an effective military ---Congress could not negotiate a credible trade agreement
"The Constitution as an Elitist Document" by Michael Parenti What role does Shays' Rebellion play in Parenti's narrative?
-He claims the founding fathers wrote the Constitution the way they did, because they wanted to win the minds of the people, but also not tamper with the existing class structure.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford Why do the authors disagree with George Lakoff's research?
-Hibbing, Smith and Alford believe that if liberals were to "speak like conservatives", and vice versa, it would come across as inauthentic and unnatural.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford What do the authors mean when they note that "the predispositions perspective does suggest arguments for institutional reforms that might reduce or at least better manage ideological conflict?"
-Institutional reforms can educate people to think on issues from all sides, not just the point of view they have grown up with.
Constitutional Convention in 1787
-It met under false pretenses: ( Purpose was to tweak the articles of confederation, not rewrite a constitution) -It represented a very narrow segment of the American Elite (Only 39 signatures) -Convention of Compromise and Politics (Revealed how astutely political the founding fathers were)
Implications of Conservative Government
-Leads to a government by crisis ------We wait for a problem to reach crisis proportions before we act on it ------Makes being proactive difficult -Wide scale policy change is unlikely -Conservative government minimizes loses but does not maximize gains -----Bad ideas don't get through but good ideas don't always either
Haidt and his colleagues tested how well liberals and conservatives could understand each other. What did they find? "Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt (EXTRA CREDIT)
-Liberals: heroic liberation narrative -Conservatives: heroic defense narrative -Conservatives understand Liberals better than Liberals understand Conservatives -Liberals assumed that conservatives do not care for the welfare of animals or justice.
Declaration of Independence (1776)
-Not a legal charter, not used today in policy making -Illuminates fears that the founding fathers had -Fear of Concentrated power -British King -Fear of Remote power -Exercised far away from the people
How did the Founders understand political morality, and how does it differ from the Marxist viewpoint from Thomas West's article "vindicating the founders"?
-Not in terms of right intentions, but rather in terms of just results - Marx thought that it was the government's job to abolish evil on earth - no faith in people -Founders were focused on just goals but willing to use prudent goals. -Marxists on the other hand believed in getting to the mean in whatever way possible.
"The Constitution as an Elitist Document" by Michael Parenti What does Parenti say about the founding debate over property interests?
-Parenti says that the property interests of slave owners were looked after. The farmers believed they would be protected from uprisings, so they called on Congress to protect the states.
John Locke— Most Influential
-Popular Sovereignty: citizens delegate authority to their agents in government, knowing that you can resend (take it away) authority -Government officials follow this, public servants and we can vote them out of office. It was a radical revolutionary idea
Principles outlined in the Constitution
-Republicanism -Separation of powers ("Separate institutions that share power") -Checks and Balances -Federalism
Conservative
-Resistant to change -Fragmented: power is spread out to multiple actors -Madisonian in nature: James Madison (Writer of the Constitution)
Charles Montesquieu
-Separation of powers -Divide power, for the safest route to avoid tyranny -For the founders, this was gospel. The Nuts and Bolts framework of the constitution.
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost How do "situational factors" and "dispositional factors" relate to ideology"?
-Situational and dispositional factors are linked to the motivational underpinnings of political orientation -Both contribute to liberal versus conservative political orientations -Situational based on the psychological setting following major events (e.g. 9/11 and Great Depression→ increased the appeal of right-wing conservative leaders) -Dispositional based on Big Five taxonomy of personality traits and that two are consistently linked to political orientation in the US→ openness (liberals) conscientiousness (conservatives)
Constitution
-Special kind of law that sets down basic rules for government -A written constitution does not guarantee constitutional government -Not politically neutral
(L) Articles of Confederation (1781-1787)
First attempt at a constitution
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford How do the authors treat the question of whether citizens of Conservaton and Liberalville can "live happily ever after in political harmony and agreement?'
-The authors look at this question from a biological point of view. They would argue that we are all genetically predisposed to think one way over another, and changing that is nearly impossible.
"Founders Chic" by HW Brands When and why did the Founding myth emerge?
-The end of Re- construction marked the return to power of the southern white aristocracy, which sought to reaffirm its attachment to the nation lest the North be tempted to reoccupy the South. That so many of the Founders were of the southern planter class made it easy and politically convenient for southerners to embrace them. For the North, the end of Reconstruction signaled an exhaustion of the refonning spirit and, with the Industrial Revolutioti in full tilt, a return to the business of business.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford What do the authors offer as "the major reason to retain and even refine your powers of political persuasion"?
-The major reason is not the likelihood that you can convert the politically predisposed, but the possibility of influencing the large number of people who lack predispositions.
"Founders Chic" by HW Brands Why do the Founders deserve our praise?
-They set us up with a good framework, and had the right ideals in mind while doing so.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford Make sure you understand the section titled "A Zebra Can't Change Its Stripes."
-This section is mainly about the fact that people are so stubborn in our ideas and beliefs, and they will likely not be changed. They can be put into perspective by listening to other point of views, but most people will stay confident in their own beliefs.
The Federalist Papers
-Written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay -These papers were designed to encourage ratification of the constitution
Who was Daniel Shays and why is his story important?
. Daniel Shays and around 2,000 former soldiers took up arms to prevent courts from evicting bankrupt farmers and repossessing their farms for failure to pay taxes. Massachusetts called up a militia of 4,400 to quell the rebellion. For six months, Massachusetts slipped into anarchy. Haunted by the specter of armed rebellion, the states were much more eager to attend the Philadelphia Convention to discuss freeing commerce to ameliorate poverty and enable the central government to settle its debts (and ameliorate poverty).
Failures of the Articles of confederation
1) national govt denied its powers from the states. 2) state legislators dominated at the state level
Why did the Anti-Federalists oppose the Constitution?
1. It stripped political control from the people and gifted it to a too powerful national government 2. The president looked too much like a king 3. Standing armies and navies were a threat to peace and liberty; instead believed in citizen militias 4. ** A missing bill of rights
Haidt argues that "to understand the origins of ideology you have to take a developmental perspective..." Make sure that you understand the three major steps in this process. "Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" by Jonathan Haidt (EXTRA CREDIT)
1. Our genes form our brains / ideals: the genes (collectively) give some people's brains that are more or less reactive to threats, and that produce less or more pleasure when exposed to novelty, change, and new experiences. 2. Characteristic adaptations - traits that emerge as we grow. They are called adaptations because people develop them in response to the specific environments and challenges that they happen to face 3. Our own constructed life narratives -provide a bridge between a developing adolescent self and adulthood political self. Ex: keith richards in rolling stones was good kid and then mean liberal because of his choir teacher.
(L) What were the four Constitutional principles?
1. Republicanism: power is exercised by representatives on our behalf; "think for us, not with us." 2. Checks and Balances: "Ambition counteracts ambition." 3. Separation of Powers (note that our separation of powers is neither complete nor perfect); "separate institutions that share power." 4. Federalism: division of power between the federal government and the states.
(L) Which three problems began to emerge under the Articles of Confederation?
1. Taxation: Congress could not pass tax bills. 2. Congress had difficulty funding an effective military 3. Congress could not negotiate credible trade agreements.
(L) What were the three themes of the Constitutional Convention?
1. The Constitutional Convention met under false pretenses (ex: Brands and the "audacious challenge to custom and tradition"). 2. The Convention represented a very narrow segment of the American population (un-democratic origins). 3. This is a Convention of compromise and bargaining; it represents the astutely political nature of the Founders.
in vindicating the founders, Thomas West refutes three leading charges against the Founders. What are the charges, and how does the author refute each one?
1. The founders never really believed all men are created equal. This is refuted by saying that they meant all white men were equal. Jefferson first drafted the declaration he calls slave men. 2. The Founders believed all men are equal but did not understand what that meant. They were ignorant and we discard that. Our easy assumption is that slavery would be abolished if they fully understood the meaning of right to liberty. 3. The Founders believed all men are equal but betrayed their own principles because they failed to abolish slavery. They refuted it by limiting and eventually outlawed the importation of slaves from abroad; did not allow the expansion of slaves, made laws to treat them more humane.
(L) What were the two primary characteristics of the Articles of Confederation?
1. The national government derived its authority from the states (the national government is very weak). 2. State governments were dominated by their legislators, not by their executives.
What is Parenti's definition of democracy?
A social order with a social class content. Humane and equal material conditions. Frequent benefit to the popular class at the expense of the elite governing group.
Statism
Form of government based on centralized authority and control over the rights of individual.
Thomas West's "Vindicating the Founders" The author refutes three leading charges against the Founders. What are the charges, and how does the author refute each one?
1. They didn't believe all men were created equal (FF's made statements against slavery+ pro abolition, isaac newton) 2. They believed all men were created equally but didn't know what that meant (they were slaves themselves. Slavery would have never been abolished. Slavery was widely accepted as bad) 3. They new all men are created equally but didnt care (could easily have made it harder to aboish slavery in constitution, congress blocked slavery importation in 1774)
What were the 3 problems with the Articles of Confederation? (our first constitution)
1. taxation: congress cannot pass tax bills, couldn't finance it's own endeavors 2. military: congress cannot fund military, states were going in separate directions, couldn't fight foreign powers. 3. foreign commerce issues: congress lacked the authority to make foreign trade agreements
Devolution Revolution
1990's republican controlled cogress gave states more authority over programs such as welfare.
(T) According to the Magelby text, how is classical liberalism different from current liberalism?
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Which of the following is consistent with Thomas West's arguments in "Vindicating the Founders? (a) each of the leading founders acknowledged the wrongness of slavery (b) the founders argued for all men being equal, but did not understand their own principals (c) the constitution's compromise with slave interests are so wicked that the constitution deserves little to no respect
A
Libertarianism
A belief in limiting government to such vital activities as national defense while fostering individual liberty. Unlike conservatives, libertarians oppose all government regulations, even of personal morality.
(T) Conservatism
A belief in private property rights and free enterprise
(2) Liberalism
A belief that government can and should achieve justice and equality of opportunity.
Liberalism
A belief that government can and should achieve justice and equality of opportunity.
Democratic Consensus
A condition for democracy is that the people widely share a set of attitudes and beliefs about governmental procedures, institutions, core documents, and fundamental values.
Democratic consensus
A condition for democracy is that the people widely share a set of attitudes and beliefs about governmental procedures, institutions, core documents, and fundamental values.
political ideology
A consistent pattern of beliefs about political values and the role of government.
(1) Political ideology
A consistent pattern of ideas or beliefs about political values and the role of government, including how it should work and how it actually does work.
(T) Political ideology
A constant pattern of ideas or beliefs about political values and the role of government, including how it should work and how it actually does work
Theocracy
A form of government in which a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities
(T) Socialism
A governmental system where some of the means of production are controlled by the state and where the state provides key human welfare services like health care and old-age assistance. Allows for free markets in other activities.
Unfunded mandates
A hot-button issue in federalism; An obligation imposed on state or local government officials by federal legislation without sufficient federal funding support to cover the cost
Devolution
A hot-button issue in federalism; The transfer of responsibility for government programs from national to state and local authorities and then to the private sector; generally supported by conservatives
Adaptive approach
A method used to interpret the constitution that understand the document to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of time.
Shay's Rebellion
A rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787 protesting mortgage foreclosures. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.
Shay's Rebellion
A rebellion led by Daniel Sheys of farmers in Western Massachusetts in 1786 - 1789 protesting mortgage foreclosures.
Principles that are outlined in the Constitution 3/4
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review
Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws of govt regulations (many other countries have adopted this)
Originalist
An approach to constitutional interpretation that envisions the document as having a fixed meaning that might be determined by a strict reading of the text or the Farmers intent.
Progressive federalism
Approach that gives state officials considerable leeway in achieving national programs and goals; National government sets program goals and relies on state innovations to achieve them; Practiced 2009-2016 under Obama administration
(T) What distinction does the Magelby text make between the Constitution as an expression of "basic and timeless personal liberties" and the Constitution as an "instrument of government"?
As an expression of basic and timeless personal liberties, the Constitution does not and should not change. As an instrument of government, and a positive grant of power, if it did not grow with the nation it serves, it would soon be irrelevant and ignored.
(9) What distinction does your text make between the Constitution as an expression of "basic and timeless personal liberties" and the Constitution as an "instrument of government."
As an expression of basic and timeless personal liberties, the Constitution does not and should not change. For example, a government cannot destroy free speech and still remain a constitutional government. In this sense, the Constitution is unchanging. But when we consider the Constitution as an instrument of government and a positive grant of power, we realize that if it did not grow with the nation it serves, it would soon be irrelevant and ignored.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (5) Why do the authors disagree with George Lakoff's research?
Because they do not believe that predispositions can be "gamed". artificially adjusting objectives will not sway those who have predispositions and the middle ground is a mixed and unpredictable bag.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (7) Why do the authors admonish students "to think probabilistically?"
Because they have shown the correlations between physiological and psychological traits and political orientations are important. They think that showing cases that run contrary to the reported pattern does not contradict the general relationship shown.
Make sure that you understand the section "Origins of the Organization Kid."
Begins at infancy with parents conditioning their children to be intelligent and goal seeking. As adolescents, they are micromanaged to keep them in the right track.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (2) What are BRBPs?
Behaviorally Relevant Biological Predispositions
(3) Conservatism
Belief in private property rights and free enterprise are cardinal attributes of contemporary conservatism
Liberalism
Belief that government can bring about justice and equality of opportunity
David Hume
Believed people following their own self interests could infringe on the rights and liberties of others aided the founding fathers in designing a government that would not fall prey to human tendencies and would direct these (by law) to productive ends
Adaptive Approach
Believes that constitution is a changing and evolving document, provides basic framework but encourages new generations to interpret ideas inn light of the needs of their time.
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost (5) Make sure you understand the section titled "Concluding Remarks."
Blurring ideological boundaries is a rhetorical strategy that helps a sidelined minority party to refashion its image.
What is the most usual method for amending the Constitution? (make sure you know the rules for both proposal and ratification)
By a two/thirds vote in both houses of congress for proposal. Ratified with 3/4 states approval.
Explain the section in Chapter 3 of the text: "How much power to the people?"
Constitutional Conventional delegates felt like the states had gone too far in empowering. They wanted their government to answer to the public but recent experiences led them to also fear a system that responded too much to the public ("an excess of democracy"). Developed (through Madison) a view of representation called filtration, a system in which the public would vote for (more wealthy, educated, and experienced) people who would then vote for public officials. Over time, Americans would win more control and play a more active role in their governance.
What does Brand single out as a specific characteristic that our founding fathers had that seems to be in short supply today?
Courage or Boldness
"The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's, What is vindictive protectiveness? Why is potentially harmful?
Culture where everyone must think twice before saying anything.. Protecting some to the point of hurting or harming others. Can leave out a lot from education and social surroundings.
Which of the following statements are consistent with the arguments made in "Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together?" (a) With enough effort, both Conservatives and Liberals can be talked out of their misconceptions and flawed behavior. (b) The main reason to retain and refine your powers of political persuasion is to covert those on the other side. (c) Following the lead of cognitive linguist George Lakoff, liberals and conservatives can be enormously successful in speaking the other side's political language. (d) none of the above
D
reread the section "Culture or Institutions?"
DO IT!
(1) Who was Daniel Shays and why is his story important?
Daniel Shays and around 2,000 former soldiers took up arms to prevent courts from evicting bankrupt farmers and repossessing their farms for failure to pay taxes. Massachusetts called up a militia of 4,400 to quell the rebellion. For six months, Massachusetts slipped into anarchy.
(T) Who was Daniel Shays and why is his story important?
Daniel Shays was a farmer and former Continental Army captain who led around 2,000 former soldiers in a rebellion in August 1787 to prevent courts from evicting bankrupt farmers and repossessing their farms for failure to pay taxes, which were insurmountable expenses for the farmers who had returned from the Continental Army. Shays' story is important because: Haunted by the specter of armed rebellion, the states were much more eager to attend the Philadelphia Convention to discuss freeing commerce to ameliorate poverty and enable the central government to settle its debts (and ameliorate poverty).
The Organization Kid
David Brooks
Which of the following comes closest to explaining Michael Parenti's view of democracy in "The Constitution as an Elitist Document"?
Democracy depends not only on procedures, but on substantive outputs, including the actual material benefits that are propagated by the system
What is Parenti's view of democracy in The Constitutional an Elitist Document?
Democracy depends not only on procedures, but on substantive outputs, including the actual material benefits that are propagated by the system.
What is Parenti's definition of democracy? "the constitution as an elite's document"
Democracy has to do with public policy output. It represents, both in form and content, the desires and interests of the ruled.
(2) Representative democracy
Democracy today means representative democracy or a republic in which those who have government authority get and retain that power directly or indirectly by winning free elections in which all adult citizens are allowed to participate, elected officials determine budgets, pass laws, and are responsible for the performance of governments.
"An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum. What does Sullum mean when he notes that "this tendency to call every perceived problem affecting more than two people an "epidemic" obscures a crucial distinction?"
Disease is not risky behavior. There is a line between meddling and helping, the government cant always make themselves the "mediator"
Divided government versus unified government
Divided Gov.—Governance divided between the parties especially when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress. Unified Gov.— Governance in which one party controls both the White House and both houses of Congress.
What does it mean to say that "beneath these two visions of liberty lies different accounts of the good society"?
Each side has a different idea of what true freedom means and how it would be protected in an ideal society. The negative view would emphasize the importance of personal autonomy. The positive view would value sharing the wealth so that everyone can equally enjoy freedom of want.
(T) What does the Magelby text argue are the conditions that are likely to foster constitutional democracy?
Education, economic opportunity, social cohesion, ideological consensus, and stability
Representative Democracy
Elected officials exercise power on our behalf. Get and retain power by winning free election
According to the piece The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan hairy, what is consistent with their discussion of "emotional reasoning?"
Emotional reasoning is defined by one author as assuming that negative emotions necessarily reflect the way things are, and In dominating many campus debates, emotional reasoning often leads to charges that speakers should apologize for holding offensive views.
According to the piece "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, which of the following is consistent with their discussion of "emotional reasoning?"
Emotional reasoning is defined by one author as assuming that negative emotions necessarily reflect the way things are. Also, In dominating many campus debates, emotional reasoning often leads to charges that speakers should apologize for holding offensive views.
What is emotional reasoning? How is it manifested on college campuses? "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's
Emotional reasoning is determining emotion to be the real thing and not considering others opinions. It has caused campuses to shut down programs, stop reading certain books, censoring, and putting a trigger warning on everything.
Classical Liberalism
Emphasizes freedom, democracy, and the importance of the individual. (Limit govt free economic lives)
Individualism
Emphasizes the importance of individual right, worth, freedom, and well-being. This idea is central to democracy (each individual has certain rights within the nation)
The Millennial Muddle
Eric Hoover
The Federalist
Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution, published anonymously by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in 1787 and 1788
(T) The Federalist
Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution, published anonymously under the pseudonym Publius by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison in 1787 and 1788
The Federalist
Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution.
HW Brands's "Founders Chic" How did the Founders view the Constitution they created?
FF's viewed the constitution as a mortal work-in-progress. They saw themselves as humans and their work as a reflection of that.
(L) Which two fears of the Founding Fathers did the Declaration of Independence (1776) reveal?
Fear of concentrated power and fear of remote power
Principles that are outlined in the Constitution 4/4
Federalism
Dual
Federalism that emphasis a strict separation of powers between federal and state. Each has its own resposibilities and each reigns supremes within it's constitutional realm.
Competitive
Federalism that encourages goverments to do something by encouraging state and local government to compete with each other for residents, businesses, investments, and federal funding.
What is the distinction between the social contract created by Hobbes versus the social contract created by Locke? What conclusion can we draw from this difference?
Hobbes- Citizens contracted with each other to hire an agent (government) and, by all agreeing to submit to it, to. escape from the war of all against all that. would otherwise prevail. Citizens delegated all their sovereignty in exchange for protection (no justification for rebellion). Locke- citizens delegated some of their sovereignty, including the right to enforce their rights, to government in exchange for the protection of the rights they attained (life, liberty, and property). We can conclude that since citizens have hired an agent to protect their life, liberty, and property, they may fire their employee and hire a new one if the contract is breeched. Therefor, there IS justification for. rebellion.
What is the distinction between the social contract created by Hobbes versus the social contract created by Locke? What conclusion can we draw from this difference?
Hobbes: envisioned a complete surrender of sovereignty, government fulfilled its obligations so long as it kept citizens from killing one another. Locke: Government had to prevent the violation of those retained rights, whether by other citizens or itself.
How is federalism fragmented
Horizontally but also vertically.
Popular Sovereignty
Idea that citizens delegate authority to their agents in government knowing they can resent that authority.
Modern Liberalism
Ideology favoring government intervention to correct economic and social ills
Griffith notes that the Articles of Confederation "failed to solve some of the collective action problems the nation needed it to solve.' What does he mean here?
In forming a confedera- tion, the states had been too jealous of their newly-won sovereignty and had not delegated enough power to the central government for it to be effective.
(T) Griffith notes that the Articles of Confederation "failed to solve some of the collective action problems the nation needed it to solve.' What does he mean here?
In forming a confederation, the states had been too jealous of their newly-won sovereignty and had not delegated enough power to the central government for it to be effective. As a result, the situation in many of the states began to deteriorate, until an armed rebellion in Massachusetts provided the impetus states needed to initiate reform. They called a second convention in Philadelphia, where James Madison set the terms of debate early with a radical proposal for a truly national government.
Explain the following phrase: "American leaders balanced the two dangers that recently encountered"
In the context of the founding fathers, one danger being that British officials' behavior warned them that a powerful central government could strip the people of their rights AND another danger being that the experience with the Articles of Confederation warned them that a weak national government could fail to protect people's rights
(8) Originalist versus evolutionary approach in interpreting the Constitution
In the originalist approach, constitutional meaning is deciphered through a strict reading of the text. If the exact wording of the document does not provide a conclusive answer, an originalist might consider other factors, such as the Framers' intent, the context of the times in which the words were written, and the literal meaning of the text when it was written. The second approach to interpreting the Constitution sees it as an evolving document that provides a basic structure for government but that allows, and even encourages, new generations to interpret ideas such as "equal justice" and "due process" in light of the needs of their time. This evolutionary approach may mean that subsequent generations will interpret the same document differently from prior generations.
Your text argues that "Once we accept Marshall's argument that judges are the official interpreters of the Constitution, several important consequences follow." What is meant by this?
It brings power to the people who could not use legislation to their advantage, but instead use litigation as means of stopping legislation.
in HW Brands's "Founders Chic", When and why did the Founding myth emerge?
It emerged after the Civil War and in the Reconstruction Era when the North and South were divided; a reverence for the Founders gave the people something to be united over about.
(T) What does the Magelby text say about Madison's understanding of human nature, particularly as it is displayed in Federalist #10?
Madison claims that it is possible and important to understand human nature, because out of that understanding come ways to limit people's negative tendencies. He identified "zeal for different opinions, attachment to different leaders, and the propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities most commonly concerning the unequal distribution of property" as aspects of human nature that need to be considered in designing a government. Human nature, as Madison understood it, required some type of government to regulate citizens' behavior and some type of control over that government to regulate citizen-politicians' behavior as well.
(8) What does your text say about Madison's understanding of human nature, particularly as it is displayed in Federalist #10?
Madison understood human nature as it required some type of government to regulate citizens behaviors and some type of control over that government to regulate citizen-gvt behavior
Is Voting for Young People?
Martin P Wattenberg
What is Thomas West's critique of the Marxist viewpoint in the piece "Vindicating the Founders"?
Marxist demands are so imprudent and immoderate that they are likely to lead to totalitarianism
(L) Implications of conservative government
May lead to a "government by crisis" (waits for problems to reach crisis-level before acting), means that wide scale policy change is unlikely, minimizes losses, but does not maximize gains (furnishes a nice blueprint for avoiding harm, but not for achieving the public good)
Evolutionary Approach
Method used to interpret the constitution that understands that the document is flexible and responsive to the changing needs of times
What were the major findings of Howe and Strauss's book Millennials Rising?
Millennials are super special and great and kind and love the world. They are rule followers, very optimistic.
What does Mark Bauerlin believe is the "intellectual condition" of young people? Eric Hoover's "The Millennial Muddle"
Millennials have misused the technology for entertainment rather than knowledge seeking. He thinks millennials are the dumbest generation.
According to Eric Hoover's "Millennial Muddle", which of the following most precisely describes Howe and Strauss's portrait of young people in "Millennials Rising"?
Millennials were rule followers who were engaged, optimistic, and pleasant.
How well did liberals and conservatives understand each other?
Moderates and Conservatives were more accurate in their predictions than liberals.
In the piece "Can't We All Disagree More Constructively?" Haidt and his colleagues tested how well conservatives and liberals understood eachother. What did they find?
Moderates and conservatives were more accurate than liberals with their predictions
liberty
Most revered value in American political culture. Essence is self determination=opportunity to realize individual goals
What text notes that "...subsequent developments have modified the way the way our system of checks and balances work." Make sure that you understand your text's discussions of these developments.
National Political parties, Expansion of the Electorate(those allowed to vote) and the move toward more direct democracy, Changes in technology, growth of presidential power.
(T) What text notes that "... topics not addressed by the Constitution and developments since its ratification and subsequent developments have modified the way the system of checks and balances work." Make sure that you understand your text's discussions of these developments.
National political parties and interest groups (partisanship), expansion of the electorate and the move toward a more direct democracy, changes/advancements in technology, growth of presidential power
Make sure you understand the section "What We Can Do Now?" "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt's
Need to stop censoring everything and coddling students. Section states to teach students and young adults to cope with/manage certain anxieties and other triggers instead of shielding them from it.
An epidemic of meddling: Jacob Sullum
Now that there is such a lack of actual medical health issues, the government focuses on issues like smoking, fast food, obesity, tv and video games, etc.
(T) What is referred to in the Magelby text as both the "genius" and "a flaw" in the Constitution?
The Constitution's lack of specificity
Principles that are outlined in the Constitution 2/4
Separation of Powers
(L) Which event was the 'head' of the problems and resulting troubles of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion (Winter 1787)
Michael Parenti's "The Constitution as an Elitist Document" What role does Shays' Rebellion play in Parenti's narrative?
Shays rebellion demonstrated that the lower class was interested and potentially capable of/in taking over the gov, unless the founders could prevent it with an elitist document
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost (4) How do "situational factors" and "dispositional factors" relate to ideology"?
Situational= 9/11 (played on fear/conservatism) vs. dispositional = innate.
(7) What is the difference between traditional conservatism and social conservatism?
Some conservatives focus less on economics and more on morality and lifestyle. Social conservatives favor strong governmental action to protect children from pornography and drugs. They generally want to overturn or repeal judicial rulings and laws that permit abortion, same-sex marriage, and affirmative action programs.
What does your text argue are the conditions that are likely to foster constitutional democracy?
Stability, Ideological Conditions, Social Conditions, Economic Conditions, Educational Conditions.
Three moves of an argument
Stasis, Destabilization, & Resolution
What is the problem with the way federalism is fragmented?
State and national government battle over policy all the time
Characteristics of Articles of Confederation
State governments had all the power. At the state level, the state legislators have al the power.
(8) What does your text mean when it argues that "the distribution of ideology in the nation has been remarkably consistent"?
Stays the same party-wise?
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost (3) Make sure you understand the section titled "Are There Differences in Psychological Processes Underlying Liberalism and Conservatism?"
Strict father vs. nurturing mother. Correct in their claim that conservatives are more rigid than liberals. There are examples that have sometimes been used to claim that there are no important or enduring psychological differences between liberals and conservatives.
What does Sullum mean when he notes that "maximizing health is not the same as maximizing Happiness?" "An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum
Sullum means that not everyone is wanting a life of healthy food and physical activity—some people are much more happy eating bad foods and watching TV
Constitutional Government
System in which there are recognized and enforced limits on the power of government
Eric Hoover's "The Millenial Muddle" What does Mark Bauerlin believe is the "intellectual condition" of young people?
Technology is a blessing that they waste. Use tools for the wrong reasons while reinforcing that they are tech savvy, causing them to never grow up. Sharp reading decline, absorb fewer facts. Regard humanities as an interruption.
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost (1) What definition of political ideology does the author adopt?
Telin's def: an interrelated set of moral and political attitudes that possess cognitive, affective, and motivational components.
What argument does your text make in the section "Changing the Letter of the Constitution"?
That there are some timeless and basic principles in the constitution that should not be changed, like the freedom of speech. However, as an instrument of government, it has not grown with the large and wealthy nation that we are today. Therefore, some things need to change to change with the times.
What does Parenti say about the founding debate over property interests? "the constitution as an elite's document"
That there was no debate; the elite just made a decision based on protecting their interests (interests of slave owners)
The organization kid: David Brooks
The "professional students" of Princeton are insanely overbooked and overworked. They don't sleep and schedule time with their friends, yet they like it this way. They don't question authority. They don't really understand what life is about, they don't know what character is.
What was the political fate of the ERA? What does that tell us about our Constitution?
The ERA was unpopular for forty years, and even though support was overwhelming, it still failed due to campaigning from the other side. This shows that overwhelming support across the US needs to be in order to change our constitution. Our constitution is not easily changed, even when a majority want to change it. It must be an overwhelming majority.
(T) In debates over ratifying the Constitution, why did the Federalists feel that a bill of rights was unnecessary? Why were the Antifederalists unconvinced?
The Federalists believed a bill of rights was unnecessary because the proposed national government had only the specific powers that the states and the people delegated to it. For example, there was no need to specify that Congress could not abridge freedom of the press because the states and the people had not given the national government power to regulate the press in the first place. The Anti-Federalists were not convinced because if some rights were protected, what could be the objection to providing constitutional protection for others? If bills of rights were needed in state constitutions to limit state governments, why did the national constitution not need one? They argued that this was a government farther from the people with a greater tendency to subvert natural rights than was true of state governments.
In the debates over ratifying the Constitution, why did the Federalists feel that a bill of rights was unnecessary? Why were the Antifederalists unconvinced?
The Federalists thought that it was unnecessary because the power resided in the states and the people. They would elect their rights. Further more, to guarantee some rights may lead to thinking that others left out are denied. The anti federalists thought that if some rights were protected, what could be the objection to providing constitutional protection for others? What would prevent Congress from using one of its delegated powers to abridge free speech? If bills of rights were needed in state constitutions to limit state governments, why dd the national constitution not include a bill of rights to limi the national government?
What does your text say about David Hume?
The Scottish Philosopher warned that allowing all to go after their own self interest could lead to the infringement of the rights and liberties of others.
Dual federalism
The clear division of governing authority between national and state governments; Also known as layer-cake federalism (the different levels of government fell into different layers stacked on top; local to state to federal) or divided sovereignty; Practiced 1787-1933
The constitution as an elitist document: Michael Parenti
The constitution serves as a undemocratic military-industrial cooperate structure. It directly reflects the socioeconomic background of the founders.
The constitution as an elitist document: Michael Parenti
The constitution was made to best serve the upper class. this was done by creating a centralized government and limiting constrain democracy.
Supremacy Clause
The constitutional declaration (A6, S2) that the national government's authority prevails over any conflicting state or local governments claims, provided the power is granted to the federal government; Basically, if the federal government has some say or power in a matter, their laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land over states
Economic Liberty
The economic application of individualism, the government should have a limited role in regulating the economy and individuals are free to pursue their own self-interests and be rewarded for their renovations.
According to the piece " The Coddling of the American Mind" which of the following is consisten with his disscussion in the section "What Can We Do Now?"
The federal government should follow court decisions whose logic would help eliminate universities' impulse to police student speech
(7) In the debates over ratifying the Constitution, why did the Federalists feel that a bill of rights was unnecessary? Why were the Antifederalists unconvinced?
The federalists believed the bill of rights was unnecessary b/c the proposed national government had only the specific powers that the states and the people delegated to it. They argued that to explicitly provide protections for some liberties might lead to the denial of others not included. The anti-federalists were unconvinced bc they thought if some rights were protected what could be the objection to providing constitutional protection for others.
Vindicating the Founders: Thomas G West
The founding fathers did realize that slavery was wrong and specifically wrote the constitution so that it could be abolished without changing the constitution. Many of them were abolitionists. Abolition had to wait for a stronger government and democracy.
HW Brands's "Founders Chic" When and why did the Founding myth emerge?
The founding myth emerged in the wake of the civil war when the US was rebuilding. Many FF's were from/revered by the south. the north connected with the South so they could conduct business matters.
Positive Liberty
The freedom and ability to pursue one's goals; states that people cannot be free if they lack the basic necessities of life (food, shelter, healthcare); essentially, the right to have equal education, healthcare, etc so that people can pursue their personal goals
Negative Liberty
The freedom from constraints and the interference of others; limits government action; essentially, the right to act however you want
"An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum. What does Sullum mean when he notes that "maximizing health is not the same as maximizing happiness?"
The government assumes that people only indulge in risky behavior because the don't know any better. However, this ignores that some people are willing to sacrifice risk (i.e. health) for reward.
Social democracy
The idea that government policy should ensure that all are comfortably cared for within the context of a capitalist economy; based on the concept of solidarity
Solidarity
The idea that people have a tight bond and are responsible for one another; unites the population
Statism
The idea that the rights of the nation are supreme over the rights of individuals who make up the nation.
Statism
The idea that the rights of the nation are supreme over the rights of the individuals who make up the nation
Individualism
The moral, political, and ethical philosophy of life that emphasizes individual rights, effort and independence.
(6) Your text argues that "Once we accept Marshall's argument that judges are the official interpreters of the Constitution, several important consequences follow." What is meant by this?
The most important is that people can challenge laws enacted by Congress and approved by the president. Simply by bringing a lawsuit, those who lack the clout to get a bill through Congress can often secure a judicial hearing. And organized interest groups often find they can achieve goals through litigation that they could not attain through legislation.
What did Shay's Rebellion highlight
The need for a strong national government just as the call for Constitutional Convention went out.
Political culture
The orientation of citizens of a state towards politics that is constructed over years by a people and its leaders
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (3) What do the authors offer as "the major reason to retain and even refine your powers of political persuasion"?
The possibility of influencing the large number of people who lack such predispositions
(T) Judicial review
The power of a court to review a law or government regulation and determine whether it conflicts with the Constitution
Judicial Review
The power of a court to review laws of governmental regulations to determine whether they are consistent with the US Constitution, or in a state court, the State Constitution
Judicial review
The power of a court to review laws or governmental regulations to determine whether they are consistent with the U.S. Constitution, or in a state court, the state constitution.
Bicameralism
The principle of a two house legislature
Bicameralism
The principle of a two-house legislature
Regarding habits that "increase taxpayer costs" Sullum notes that "the problem is not that some people do risky things." What is the problem for Sullum? "An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum
The problem is that the government forces other people to pay the medical bills of people who do risky things. If they are willing to take these risks, they should be willing to pay for them.
"An Epidemic of Meddling" by Jacob Sullum. Regarding habits that "increase taxpayer costs" Sullum notes that "the problem is not that some people do risky things." What is the problem for Sullum?
The problem is that the government forces other people to pay their medical bills.
Government
The process and institutions through which binding decisions are made for a society
Government
The process and institutions through which binding decisions are made for a society.
Politics
The process by which people decide who shall govern and what policies shall be adapted
How do Organization Kids respond to the notion of "character"?
The students do not know how to answer those types of questions. They are more focused on other things, so they get uncomfortable.
The Millennial Muddle: Eric Hoover
The term millennial has become discriminatory to people who are not white overachievers and children of helicopter parents who are financially stable and surrounded by support. Factors like where, and to whom, decide more than the when in some cases
Bureaucratic Theory
Theory of political power that states power lies with the appointed civil servants who make the key governing decisions
Constitutional Government
There are recognized and observed limitations on the use of governmental power.
Can Conservaton and Liberalville Survive Together? By John Hibbing, Kevin Smith, and John Alford (1) How do the authors treat the question of whether citizens of Conservaton and Liberalville can "live happily ever after in political harmony and agreement?'
There's no way. Each town believes that the other town can be talked out of their beliefs. This will never solve the underlying problem. No one recognizes their own predispositions.
What does Parenti argue is the constitutional understanding of democracy? "the constitution as an elite's document"
They believe that the Constitution are just rules. In a real democracy, the material conditions of people's lives should be humane and roughly equal
Why did the Anti-Federalists oppose the Constitution?
They favored "classical republicanism" where popular republics are small, local, and allow maximum popular participation in public affairs (like athens and rome). They had 4 criticisms 1. it stripped political control from citizens and placed it in a powerful national government over which the people would not have much influence 2. the president looked too much like a king 3. standing armies and navies were a threat to peace and liberty. Republics relied on citizen militias--which could be mustered during wartime--to protect the people. 4. most important, it didn't contain a bill of rights.
HW Brands's "Founders Chic" Why do the Founders deserve our praise?
They sought change and brought it about through action, boldness, and courage.
How did the Founders view the Constitution they created?HW Brands's "Founders Chic"
They viewed it as a flexible document that could be edited and changed if the rules did not fit the current system.
What does it mean to say that the founders "were at least as unified in what they did not want to include in their design of government as in what they did want to include"?
They were all knowledgable about other governments, and why they failed. They agreed they did not want another monarchy, not did they want a democracy too large. They were aware of what they needed to survive.
Articles of Confederation
This was the first attempt to a constitution.
Vindicating the Founders
Thomas G West
(T) What is the distinction between the social contract created by Hobbes versus the social contract created by Locke? What conclusion can we draw from this difference?
To Hobbes, citizens contracted with each other to hire an agent (government) and, by all agreeing to submit to the authority of that agent, to escape from the war of all against all that would otherwise prevail. In other words, citizens delegated all of their sovereignty in exchange for protection; since government of any sort was better than the alternative (the state of nature), there was never any justification for rebellion. For Locke, though, the contract was more specific. Citizens delegated some of their sovereignty, including the right to enforce their rights, to government, in exchange for the protection of the rights they retained—including life, but also liberty and property. Since citizens have hired an agent to protect their life, liberty, and property, they may fire their employee and hire a new one if the old one breaches its contract—if it fails to protect the rights citizens hired it to protect. That is, there is a justification for rebellion: when government fails to protect or even itself endangers citizens' rights. Since Hobbes envisioned a complete surrender of sovereignty, government fulfilled its obligations so long as it kept citizens from killing one another. In changing the conception of the contract so that citizens kept some rights, Locke provided another criterion for judging the performance of government. Government had to prevent the violation of those retained rights, whether by other citizens or itself.
Eric Hoover's "The Millenial Muddle" For what reasons have several scholars rejected Howe and Strauss's ideas about millennials?
Too general, similar to horiscopes, not consistent in every area of socioeconomic status, gender, family. Have to assume millions of people, born over a 20 yr period are similar in some meaningful ways. Too rose-colored (overlooks entitlement)
(T) What is the difference between traditional conservatism and social conservatism?
Traditional conservatives are emphatically pro-business and favor tax cuts. They believe that the primary functions of government should be to protect the nation from foreign enemies, preserve law and order, enforce private contracts, encourage economic growth by fostering competitive markets and free and fair trade, and promote family values. Social conservatives focus less on economics and more on morality and lifestyle. They favor strong governmental action to protect children from pornography and drugs, want to repeal legislation that allows abortion, same-sex marriage, and affirmative action programs. A defining characteristic is a strong desire to impose social controls.
"The Varieties of Liberal Enthusiasm" by Benjamin Plotinsky (EXTRA CREDIT) What is the difference between "traditional varieties of religion" and the newer varieties of liberal religiosity?
Traditional varieties of religion acknowledged their religiousness; liberal religiousness is emotionally captivating and grounded in faith still, yet pretends to dwell in the realms of reason and science.
"The End of the End of Ideology" by John Jost What are the two stable, core dimensions that capture the meaningful differences between liberal and conservative ideologies?
Two core dimensions: attitudes toward inequality and attitudes toward social change versus tradition -Inequality: Liberals: seek to advance such ideas as quality, aid to the disadvantaged, tolerance of dissenters, and social reform Conservatives: place emphasis on order, stability, the needs of business, differential economic rewards, and defense of the status quo -Social change v. Tradition: Liberals: equalitarian; believe planned change brings the possibility of improvement Conservatives: consider people to be inherently unequal and due unequal rewards; venerate tradition, order, and authority
Thomas West's "Vindicating the Founders" . How did the Founders understand political morality, and how does it differ from the Marxist viewpoint?
Understood political morality as all men truly being equally deserving of life & liberty given by God, whereas marxism understands morality as not God given/fundimental.
Madison's understanding of human nature
Understood that it required some type of government to regulate citizens behavior and some type of central over the government t regulate citizen-politicians' behavior
(10) What is the most usual method for amending the Constitution? (make sure you know the rules for both proposal and ratification)
Usual: ⅔ vote in both houses in congress, by legislatures in ¾ of states Other proposal: by a national constitutional convention called by Congress at the request of ⅔ of the state legislature. Ratification: by ratifying conventions in ¾ of the states
Centralist
Viewpoint that rejects the idea of the constitution as an instate compact, views it as a supreme law established by the people. National governement represents all people, state only represents some.
John Locke
Was the most influential philosopher of the founding era
What did James Madison argue in Federalist Papers no. 10 and no. 51?
no. 10: A large national government can protect liberty better than small local governments because factions (small groups representing an economic interest, eg farmers, merchants, etc) are likely to assert their own interest through the local government, leaving minorities with the short end of the stick.... no 51: addresses means by which appropriate checks and balances can be created in government and also advocates a separation of powers within the national government. The idea of checks and balances is a crucial part of the modern U.S. system of government.
What did James Madison argue in Federalist Papers no. 10 and no. 51?
no. 10: argues that a large national government can protect liberty more effectively that small local governments. He argues that "factions" are the mortal disease of liberty because groups pursue their own interests at the expense of others. no. 51: Madison said to expect others to pursue their own self-interests. If we want popular government to survive, it must be organized to protect minorities from majorities who will push for their way.
What did John Locke argue?
popular sovereignty: citizens can delegate power to agents in government knowing they can rescind at anytime.
Constitutional government
recognized and observed limitations on the use of governmental power
The full faith and credit clause
requires each state to recognize the civil judgements rendered by the courts of other states and to accept their public records ab acts as valid
Pragmatism
sees the constitution as living, breathing, changing, and speaking to each generation a little differently
What is a constitution?
special kind of law that sets down basic rules for government and the people who run them
(1) What is referred to in your text as both the "genius" and "a flaw" in the Constitution?"
the Constitution's lack of specificity,
Social democracy
the idea that government policy should ensure that all are comfortably cared for within the context of a capitalist economy
Individualism
the idea that individuals, not the society, community, or government, are responsible for their own wellbeing.
divided government
the political condition in which different political parties control the presidency and Congress
(5) Judicial review
the power of a court to review a law or government regulation and determine whether it conflicts with the Constitution
Judicial Review
the power of a court to review laws or governmental regulations to determine whether they are consistent with the U.S. Constitution, or in a state court, the state constitution
congressional elaboration
the process by which Congress creates legislation and makes informal changes to the Constitution to meet the need (Impeachment, Judiciary Act of 1789, Debate of health care reform)
unified government
the same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress
Political Culture
the widely shared beliefs, values, and norms citizens hold about their relationship to government and one another
Solidarity
unification of the society/country. Always competes with individualism in America.
In the conclusion of the chapter, your authors refer to "values", "processes" and "structures." What is meant by these terms?
values: liberty and political equality processes: elections and popular sovereignty structures: courts, legislatures, executives
(4) Divided government versus unified government
when one party controls Congress and another controls the presidency (divided government) as when the same party controls both branches (unified government
