AP Gopo Review
Who are the different constituent groups that members serve?
-party leaders -colleagues -lobbyists -voters at home
Cloture
Only way to end a filibuster -Sixty Senators must sign a motion for cloture -After a cloture motion passes the Senate floor, no more than 30 additional debate hours
FDR bureaucracy increase
created hundreds of new government agencies to regulate business practices and various aspects of the national economy.
voter canvass
The process by which a campaign reaches individual voters, either by door-to-door solicitation or by telephone
Framing
The process by which a news organization defines a political issue and consequently affects opinion about the issue -the angle, may make perception positive or negative
Agenda setting
The process of forming the list of issues to be addressed by government -increased media attention = increased salience with population
"Fast Track" Authority
Trade agreements submitted to Congress under fast track procedures bar amendments and require an up or down vote in Congress within ninety days of introduction . When trade agreements are at issue, presidents often must consider the wishes of both houses of Congress. Congressional "fast track" authority protects a president's ability to negotiate trade agreements with confidence that Congress will not alter the accords.
Redistributive Policies
Transferring resources from one group to assist another - Healthcare reform's under Obama
What is the controversy surrounding Gardasil?
HPV vaccine - Debate raged over whether to REQUIRE this vaccination -opponents argue that mandating The vaccination violates parents rights/too expensive/could increase promiscuity
MALDEF
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund Originally created to bring test cases before the SCOTUS with the intent to force school districts to allocate more funds to schools with predominately low-income minority populations, implement bilingual education programs, require companies to hit hispanics, and to challenge election rules and apportionment plans that undercount or dilute Hispanic voting power Hispanics have relied heavily on litigation to secure legal change
How does the federal government get the states to comply with their wishes ?
Monetary incentives for compliance with standardized scores
Where is most of the environmental legislation being implemented in the US today? What does that say about the efficacy of the federal government?
Most environmental legislation is being put in place by states with states offering text incentives, public benefit funds for energy efficient appliances, mandates on electricity generated by alternative sources, net metering and green pricing State recycling programs
How is membership in interest groups skewed to the wealthy?
Group membership primarily of people with higher income and education levels - Wealthier individuals can afford to belong tomorrow organizations because I have more money/more leisure time - Money/education associated with greater confidence that one's actions will bring results, further incentive to devote time to organizing/supporting group
15th Amendment
Guaranteed the right of citizens to vote regardless of their race color or previous condition of servitude Voting not extend it to women Specifically enfranchised newly freed male slaves
19th Amendment
Guaranteed women the right to vote 1920
14th Amendment
Guarantees (1) equal protection and (2) due process of the law to all US citizens Guaranteed blacks citizenship
Equal Protection Clause
Guarantees all citizens receive equal protection of the laws
What is the status of climate change legislation in the US?
No major national activity to control global warming - State governments taking the lead with climate change action plans, regional agreements, and legislation to reduce omissions, increase efficiency, and promote alternative fuel
Income Groups
Remarkably stable indicator of voter choice Poor, most educated and least educated = Democratic wealthier, middle education (Bachelor's Deg.) = Republican
electoral college
Representatives of each state who cast the final ballots that actually elect a president
Look at the graph on page 470 who really has the power to influence policy based on the money involved?
Republicans
Lobbying
The activities of a group or organization that seek to persuade political leaders to support the group position
Policy implementation
The actual administration or application of public policies to their targets (most implemented by administrative agencies)
Equal Time Rule
The content regulation that requires broadcast stations to sell airtime equally to all candidates in a political campaign if they choose to sell it to any
Rule Making
a quasi-legislative process resulting in regulations that have the characteristics of a legislative act -formal exercise of administrative discretion
precedent
a ruling that is used as the basis for a judicial decision in subsequent similar cases
Majority leader
head of the party controlling the most seats in the House helps the Speaker schedule proposed legislation for debate on the House floor
How can you get noticed and appointed to the federal bench?
have held other political offices i.e. state court judge or prosecutor. Most have been involved in politics, which is what usually brings them into consideration for a position on the federal bench. prior judicial experience.
Do SCOTUS decisions reflect public opinion? Why or why not?
have some knowledge of public opinion especially on controversial issues. Whether or not public opinion actually influences justices (see Table 9.7), it can act as a check on the power of the courts. Activist periods on the Supreme Court generally have corresponded to periods of social or economic crisis. For example, in the early, crisis-ridden years of the republic, the Marshall Court supported a strong national government, much to the chagrin ot a series ot pro-states ·rights Uemocratlc- Kepubllcan presidents. Similarly, the Court capitulated to political pressures and public opinion when, after 1936, it reversed many of its earlier decisions that had blocked President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs.
What is the role of SCOTUS justice's questions in the process?
nature and number of questions asked do not help much in predicting the outcome of a case.
plea bargains
plead guilty to lesser charge, avoid going to court -resolution to most criminal cases -state doesn't have to go through effort of putting on trial
Tenure of Office Act
prevented the president, under threat of civil penalty, from removing any Cabinet-level appointees of the previous administration (Andrew Jackson, violated, fired secretary of war, impeached)
Regulations
the rules that govern the operation of all government programs and have the force of law (Administrative rules that guide the operation of a government program)
How do the number of elections affect voter turnout?
too many elections to keep track of
Lawrence v. TX
Court reversed an earlier ruling that TX ban on sodomy unconstitutional
retrospective voting
A voter's evaluation of a candidate based on past performance on a particular issue
Spoils system
BOIIIII
How is foreign and defense policy created?
Basic structure laid out by Constitution
Medicaid
Government program that subsidizes medical care for the poor
Gender
Women: Dems Men: Repubs
Incumbency
already holding an office
recusal
justice has conflict of interest in case
22nd amendment
set 2-term limit for president VP who succeeds max 10 years in office
Title IX
1972 Greatly expanded educational and athletic opportunities for women
Veto
After a bill has won the approval of both houses of Congress, the president has the final opportunity to approve the law or veto it, sending it back to Congress for a potential veto override.
incumbency
Already holding an office
13th Amendment
Banned slavery and involuntary servitude (Emanc. Proc. only freed slaves in confederacy) One of the three Civil War Amendments
What makes a 527 (Super PAC) different from a PAC?
Money raised by these groups may not be given to our spent in coordination with the candidates campaign - However it may be used for issue advocacy helping groups preferred candidate indirectly Spent over 660 mill in 2012
soft money
Money that is not subject to campaign finance limits and regulation by the FEC. All money before FECA was soft money. FECA shut down unlimited contributions to candidates so soft money flowed to political parties. McCain-Feingold shut down soft money contributions to political parties so now unlimited contributions flow to 527s and Super-Pacs.
National Institute of Health
NIH Government finances medical research primarily through the national institutes of health
How do you think that the Vietnam conflict changed US defense policy? Foreign policy?
Nixon decided it was time to move from "an era of confrontation" to an "era of negotiation -stopped using military power to contain SU -SALT treaties (limitation of arms) ---Detente
Lily Ledbetter Act
Overruled supreme court decision against her
PACs
Political Action Committees Officially recognized fund-raising organizations that represent interest groups and are allowed by federal law to make contributions directly to candidates' campaigns
Concurrent powers
Powers shared by the national and state governments
How did WWII alter the foreign policy of the US?
Prior to WWII, isolationism Post-WWII, internationalism US led in creation of UN
What creates a policy window?
Problems, policies, and politics must converge to create an opportunity for government action
Silent Spring
Rachel Carson 1962 expose on environmental damage due to toxic and hazardous waste -ushered in environmental decade, creation of EPA in 1970 new regulations on water and air pollution
electorate
The citizens eligible to vote
Grandfather Clause
Voter qualification provision in many southern states that allowed only those citizens who is grandfathers had voted before reconstruction to vote unless they passed a wealth or literacy test
Race
Whites vote most (Afr. Amers. had long time voting restrictions)
Race
Whites: Republican Blacks: Dem Hispanic: Dem
What were the components of the Civil Rights Act?
Wide ranging legislation passed by the Congress to outlaw segregation in public facilities in discrimination in employment, education, and voting; created the equal employment opportunity commission Outlawed arbitrary discrimination in voter registration and expedited voting rights law suits Barred discrimination in public accommodations engaged in interstate commerce Authorized the DOJ to initiate a lawsuit to D segregate public facilities in schools Provided for the withholding of federal funds from discriminatory state and local programs Prohibited discrimination in employment on grounds of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, or SEX Created the equal employment and opportunity commission EEOC to monitor and enforce the bans on employment discrimination
Library of Congress
administers the CRS
Cabinet
an advisory group chosen by the president to help him make decisions and execute laws
affirm/reverse
decision last court reached (because almost all SC cases appellate)
jurisdiction
defined area in which a government or court has ability to intervene/has power over cases
developmental policies
designed to strengthen a government's economic standing, such as building roads or other infrastructure -best left to states (according to Peterson)
Trial courts
determine the facts of the case
Public funds
donations from general tax revenues to the campaigns of qualifying candidates.
Amicus curiae
friend of the court brief
General amnesty
general pardons to grant amnesty to large classes of individuals for illegal acts -i.e. Carter unconditional amnesty to approx 10,000 men who had fled US/hid to avoid Vietnam draft
Sovereign Immunity
states (and fed) cannot be sued in a court UNLESS reps of that state choose to waive their sovereign imumunity at beginning of process all cases where fed/state is sued done so when state waives immunity -you cannot technically sue the gov. (but often gov. allows itself to be sued by waiving it- usually routinely waived) The prohibition against suing the government without the government's consent.
positive ad
stress the candidate's qualifications, family, and issue positions with no direct reference to the opponent -favored by incumbent candidate
Popular Sovereignty
the notion that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people -has basis in natural law
How did FDR change the role of the president as a policy maker?
when FDR sent his first legislative package to Congress, he broke the traditional model of lawmaking -Now the pres + exec branch not only executed the laws, but generally suggested them and proposed budgets to Congress to fund those proposals -As envisioned by the Framers, the responsibility of making laws fell to Congress. -Now FDR was claiming a leadership role for the president in the legislative process -FDR shifted the presidency into a law- and policy makers role
What makes the president influential through his power of appointment?
"Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for" -can make nearly 3,500 appointments -power to remove many of his appointees at will -Many appointees substantial influence on public policy -especially w/appointments to fed. courts, president's influence can last far past his term of office
Recall
"de-elections" An election in which voters can remove an incumbent from office prior to the next scheduled election -historically rare
Why does the president get more media attention than the other branches?
"first among equals" white house beat = one of most prestigious posts a political reporter could hold attention of the press to the White House = president able to appear on live TV on very short notice
Writ of certiorari
"to be informed" request for the Supreme Court to order up the records of the lower courts for purposes of review all writs of cert must meet two criteria 1)The case must come from a U.S. court of appeals, a court of military appeals, district court, or a state court of last resort. 2)The case must involve a federal question (questions of federal constitutional law or involve a federal statute, action, or treaty)
identify independent executive agencies
(1) is it a cabinet position? (2) is it regulating something? (3) is it charging for its services? If the answers to all three of these questions is no, then you know it's an independent executive agency.
How do interest groups play a role in the nomination of judges?
- 1991 112 groups testified for against the controversial nomination of Clarence Thomas to US Supreme Court - 2009 218 groups testified for or against the nomination of Sonya Soto Mayer to SC - Interest groups pay for trips that judges may attend "informational conferences" or simply to interact with the judges by paying for club memberships/golf outings
Why is it difficult to get domestic policy initiatives started? Why are the states referred to as the laboratory of democracy?
- At state and local levels, policymaking often begins, setting the stage for federal government action -policymaking powers shared by Congress president courts, the states and social forces (attitude towards size/scope of gov) constrain development of government policies
What are the greatest policy challenges the US faces in the near future?
- Health care cost continue to rise - Implementation of an CLB has not met goals for standards in performance - Need for a comprehensive policy to address energy and climate change
Why do interest group go to National Conventions?
- Opportunity to meet and greet many of the Republican and Democratic parties elites in one location - Super PACs in particular hosted a wide array of dinner speeches and events
What are some of the shortcomings of the No Child Left Behind law?
- Places too much emphasis on standardized testing as means of measuring student achievement - Encourage his teachers to teach to the test rather than helping students learn analytical thinking skills - May cause schools and teachers to sacrifice education and subject areas that are untested such as civics, art, or music -some contend it further nationalizes elementary and secondary education which is best administered by state and local government's -Little funding to help with implementation to meet mandates
Material Benefits
- Provided to convince potential members to join - AAA offers roadside assistance/trip planning services to its members - AARP offers discount programstwo it's 40 million members over the age of 50
Why are PACs so important?
- Raise money for direct contributions to political candidates in national elections - PAC money often averages over half a house candidates total spending
Articles of Confederation entailed:
-A national government with a Congress empowered to make peace, coin money, appoint officers for an army, control the post office, and negotiate with Indian tribes -each states retention of its independence in sovereignty, or ultimate authority, to govern within its territories -One vote in the legislature, the Congress of the confederation for each state, regardless of size -The vote of nine states to pass any measure (a unanimous vote for any amendment) -The selection payment of delegates to the Congress by the states
What made the AFL so influential?
- The AFL brought skilled workers from several trades together into one stronger national organization for the first time - as AFL grow in power, many business owners began to press individually or collectively to quash the unions - Business interests push states for open shop laws to outlaw unions in their factories = AFL becomes more political -was forced to react to the success of big businesses use of legal injunction super Hibbett union organization - 1914 massive lobbying by the AFL Led to passage of Clayton act, allowed for unions to organize free from prosecution, guaranteed members rights to strike
What are the powers of the Speaker?
- most powerful person in House -presides over House, oversees House business -official spokesperson for the House -second in the line of presidential succession (after VP) -expected to smooth the passage of party-backed legislation through the House -To aid in this process, the Speaker generally has great political influence within the chamber and in policy negotiations with the president
Why do the groups come out with ratings on voting records?
-0 to 100 - Help their members/the general public evaluate the voting records of members of Congress - Members/voters make informed voting decisions - American conservative union/Americans for democratic action
Lobbying Disclosure Act
-1995 public opinion polls showed Americans believed the votes of members of Congress were available to the highest better - Resultantly Congress passed this; the 1st effort to regulate lobbying since the 1946 act - employed strict definition of lobbyist (one who devote at least 20% of a clients or employers time to lobbying activities) - Required lobbyists to: 1) register with the clerk of the house and the secretary of the senate two) report their clients and issues + the agency or house they lobbied three) estimate the amount they are paid by each client - Reporting requirements made it easier for watchdog groups/media to monitor lobbying activities
What are some of the problems associated with the Electoral College?
-5 presidents have been elected that didn't win the popular vote -1824 (Adams/Jackson) -1876 (Hayes/Tilden) -1888 (Harrison/Cleveland) -2000 (Bush v. Gore) -2016 (Trump/Clinton)
Personal liberty
-A key characteristic of US democracy -Initially meaning freedom from governmental interference, now includes demands for freedom to engage in a variety of practices without governmental interference or discrimination
Why do candidates have a love/hate relationship with conventional news media coverage?
-free media attention may help candidates increase their name recognition -it may prove frustrating for campaigns, which do not control the content of the coverage
What were the three issues which got people to create the first national interest groups?
-Christian religious revivalism sweeping the nation, many of the first national groups single-issue deeply rooted in it -Concern with humanitarian issues such as temperance, peace, education, slavery, and woman's rights -American Anti-Slavery Society; William Lloyd Garrison -WCTU -The Grange
How did Great Society change the bureaucracy?
-Civil Rights Act of 1964 = creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC) 1965 -Congress also created the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Transportation in 1965 and 1966 -These expansions of the bureaucracy corresponded to increases in the president's power and his ability to persuade Congress that new commissions and departments would prove an effective way to solve pressing social problems
What power does the legislative have over the judicial?
-Congress determines the number of judges on each court -also the boundaries of judicial districts + circuits
What checks on the judiciary were put in place by the Framers?
-Congress given authority to alter the Court's ability to hear certain kinds of cases -Congress can also propose constitutional amendments that, if ratified, can effectively reverse judicial decisions -Congress can impeach and remove federal judges -President, with the "advice and consent" of the Senate, appoints all federal judges -The Court can, in turn, check the presidency by presiding over presidential impeachment
6.2___What are demographic characteristics of a member of Congress?___What is a member's chance for reelection?___
-Congress is better educated, richer, more male, and whiter than the general population -Over two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate also hold advanced degrees over half of Congress are millionaires
What are the ground rules for gerrymandering?
-Congressional as well as state legislative districts must be apportioned on the basis of population -District lines must be contiguous; one must be able to draw the boundaries of the district with a single unbroken line -Purposeful gerrymandering of a congressional district to dilute minority strength is illegal under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 -Redrawing districts to enhance minority representation is constitutional if race is not the "predominate" factor -States may redistrict more frequently than every ten years
Reading Assignment #2 ___How are presidential and congressional elections different? What is the incumbency advantage?___
-Congressional elections receive much less attention -The people in office tend to remain in office (more certain in House than Senate) -staff support, visibility, the "scare-off" effect
How did conservative value interest groups come about in the 1970s?
-Conservatives were concerned by activities of liberal public interest groups founded during the 1960s and 1970s -responded by forming religious and ideological groups that became a potent force in U.S. politics -1978, Rev. Jerry Falwell founded first major new religious group, the Moral Majority -Moral Majority widely credited with assisting in the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 + Dem senators -televangelist Pat Robertson, Christian Coalition 1990. -National Rifle Association (NRA), opponent of gun control
What do the authors mean by the interest group state?
-During the 1960s and 1970s, the Progressive spirit reappeared in the rise of public interest groups -African Americans, women, the elderly (AARP), the poor, and consumers, environment -civil rights and anti-war struggles left many Americans feeling cynical about government (not responding to needs of the people) -believed that if citizens banded together, they could make a difference -Common Cause + Public Citizen formed
How do parties help organize the Congress?
-Each caucus/conference has specialized committees that fulfill certain tasks -House Republicans; Committee on Committees that makes committee assignments -Democrats' Steering Committee performs this function -Each party has congressional campaign committees to assist members in their reelection bids
Impeachment
-Formal accusation against a president or other public official of "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." -the first step in removal from office -House impeaches by a simple majority vote -Senate tries the president for the charges, with the chief justice of SC presiding. -2/3 majority vote in Senate to remove Andrew Johnson/Bill Clinton only two impeached (both not removed)
How do interest groups correspond with Madison's idea of factions in Federalist #10
-Framers believed the division of power between national and state gov. and across the three branches would prevent any one individual or group of individuals from becoming too influential -Thus, the "mischief of faction" feared by James Madison in Federalist No. 10 could be lessened -Framers could not have envisioned the vast sums of money or the technology that would be available to some interest groups as the nature of these groups evolve over time
According to the text, what is the actual percentage of people who know or care about politics?
5-10%
What are some of the precedents that George Washington established?
-He took every opportunity to establish federal supremacy -i.e. put down the Whiskey Rebellion,(established authority of the executive branch to collect taxes levied by Congress) -Cabinet system -chief executive's prominent role in the conduct of foreign affairs -president's authority to declare neutrality
Seniority
-Historically, committee chairs were the majority party members with the longest continuous service on the committee. -Committee chairs in the House, unlike the Senate, are no longer selected by seniority, or time of continuous service on the committee -Instead, to ensure that candidates demonstrate party loyalty, party leaders interview potential chairs
Committees House vs. Senate
-House members hold fewer committee/subcommittee assignments than Senators -Whereas the committee system allows House members to become policy or issue specialists, Senate members often are generalists -Senate committees have the same power over framing legislation that House committees do, but the Senate, as an institution more open to individual input than the House, gives less deference to the work done in committees -In the Senate, legislation is more likely to be rewritten on the floor, where all senators can generally participate and add amendments
Why does the House place a premium on organization and leadership positions?
-House of Reps much larger than the Senate -From the beginning, House has shown tighter organization, more elaborate structure, and governance by stricter rules -Loyalty to party leadership and voting along party lines more common in House than Senate -House leaders also play a key role in moving the business of the House along -Speaker of the House, majority and minority leaders, and Repub/Dem House whips
How were business interests known to politicians in the 19th century?
-Increasingly large trusts, business partnerships, and conglomerations in the oil, steel and sugar industries became sufficiently powerful to control the votes of many representatives in state and national legislatures. -most effective organized interest of the day was the railroad industry -Central Pacific Railroad sent its own lobbyist to D.C. in 1861, became clerk of the committees of both houses of -Congress awarded the Central Pacific Railroad vast grants of land + large subsidized loans -The RR company became so powerful it achieved nearly total political control of CA legislature
invisible primary
-Informal raising of support (and money) before first primaries early attempts to raise money, line up campaign consultants, generate media attention, and get commitments for support even before candidates announce they are running
How has the office of the VP changed in recent years?
-Jimmy Carter first president to grant his VP Walter Mondale more than ceremonial duties. -The last two vice presidents, Dick Cheney and Joe Biden, have attained significant powers and access to the president, elevating the office to new heights
First Continental Congress
-The intolerable Acts drove all colonies except GA to send delegates to Philly 1774 -purpose = to respond to alarming threats to liberty, restore relationship to crown that existed before the 7 years war -called for immediate repeal of Int Acts -Dec of Rights and Grievances
How are Congressional staffers an advantage to incumbents?
-permanent and nonpermanent staff, scores of unpaid interns -promote legislators through constituency services
What does it take to become a member of Congress?
-Membership in one of the two major political parties -The ability to raise money -Incumbency and redistricting also affect members' chances at reelection.
What are the two most influential business interest groups?
-NAM (National Association of Manufacturers) -against organized labor -US Chamber of Commerce -came into being 1912 w/fed assistance
Penny press
-New York son 1833 - Low price of one penny, sought to expand its audience by freeing itself in the grip of a single political party - Forerunner of modern newspapers, which relied on mass circulation and commercial advertising to produce profit
white house staff
-Often more directly responsible to the president -these advisers are not subject to Senate confirmation, nor do they have divided loyalties. -Their power derives from their personal relationship with the president, and they have no independent legal authority -numbers have grown as responsibilities of president have grown (around 500 staffers now)
Net Neutrality
-Open Internet rule - FCC ruled in November 2011 that ISPs (Internet service providers) may not block or slow the transmission of legal content - Victory for web based company such as Google and Yahoo, which argued that any other ruling would infringe on First Amendment rights
Enumerated Federal Powers
-Postal -Armed forces -Coin money -Declare war and peace -provide for army and navy -tax imports -regulate interstate commerce -foreign affairs
Why are PACs controversial?
-embodiment of corrupt special interests that use campaign donations to buy the votes of legislators - PACs effectively use contributions to punish legislators and affect policy, at least in the short run. -Legislators who vote contrary to the wishes of PAC see their donations withheld, but those who are successful in legislating as the PAC wishes gain the reward of even greater donations
Article I, Section 8 contains
-enumerated powers -elastic clause
Where does lobbying happen in the executive branch?
-executive branch has increasingly concerned itself with shaping legislation - president - Numerous levels of the exec branch bureaucracy -White House staff -National women's Law Center has been instrumental in seeing that title I X is enforced fully by Department of Education
How did the New Deal expand the size and power of the Executive Branch?
-Since the 1930s, the general trend has been for presidential-as opposed to congressional decision making to assume greater importance. -plan for national recovery called the New Deal, -creation of new federal agencies to implement the New Deal (created new bureaucracy to implement his pet programs) -personalized presidency w/fireside chats To his successors, FDR left the modern presidency, including a burgeoning federal bureaucracy, an active and usually leading role in both domestic and foreign policy and legislation, and a nationalized executive office that used technology-first radio, then TV, and now the Internet-to bring the president closer to the public than ever before.
Conference Committee
-Special joint committees -created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate -composed of members from the House and Senate committees that originally considered the bill
How did Andrew Jackson change the tone and the qualities of the presidency?
-first strong national leader who represented more than just a landed, propertied elite. -Jackson personified the western, frontier, egalitarian spirit, and his election launched the beginning of Jacksonian democracy -buttressed the developing party system by rewarding loyal followers of his Democratic Party with presidential appointments -made use of the veto power against twelve bills, surpassing the combined total of his six predecessors -reasserted the supremacy of the national government (and the presidency) by facing down South Carolina's nullification of a federal tariff law
Civil War
-forever changed the nature of federalism -concepts of nullification + dual federalism, as well as their emphasis on the role of the states, destroyed along with the confederacy
Elastic Clause
-found in Article I, Section 8 of Constitution -gives Congress the authority to enact laws "necessary and proper" for exercising any of its enumerated powers
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
-The Supreme Court upheld the power of the national government and denied the right of a state to tax the federal bank, using the Constitution's SUPREMACY CLAUSE. -The courts broad interpretation of the necessary and proper clause pave the way for later rulings upholding expansive federal powers -nec and prop still used today to justify fed action in many areas, including social welfare programs
The scare-off effect of incumbency
-ability of office holder to fend off challenges from quality challengers bc of institutional adv. of office -high name recognition, large war chests, free constituent mailings, staffs attached to legislative offices experience w/successful campaign
Congressional Research Service (CRS)
-administered by the Library of Congress -responds to more than a quarter-million congressional requests for information each year -staff conducts nonpartisan studies of public issues as well as major research projects for committees at the request of members -also prepares summaries and tracks the progress of all bills introduced
Intensity
-another shortcoming of polls is their inability to measure the intensity of feeling on certain issues -feelings about big government/terrorism/death penalty may be much more intense than those about the Electoral College/absentee ballot laws
How Congress's role has changed
-changes in demands made on the national government = executive and judicial branches have gained powers at the expense of the legislative branch. -power and importance of individual members have grown -Today, balance the roles of lawmaker, budgeter, policy maker + rep of their district/state/party/sometimes their race/ethnicity/gender.
Why do presidential candidates spend so much time meeting people?
-effort to show voters they are hardworking, thoughtful, and worthy of the office they seek -value of visiting numerous localities both to increase media coverage and to motivate local activists who are working for the candidate's campaign.
Why do members usually support their party 90% of the time?
-historically high congressional party unity -rejuvenated use of incentives/mechanisms of party control -campaign support through party organizations or member-to-member PACs -leadership in both houses may offer committee assignments or chairs as rewards to members who toe the party line -president may act as chief of the party/attempt to coerce members to support his legislative aims (Tom DeLay- Majority whip during Clinton admin)
What is Congressional oversight?
-holding (routinely televised) committee hearings in which members' question bureaucrats to determine if they are enforcing and interpreting the laws as intended by Congress. -use its powers under the War Powers Resolution or the Congressional Review Act of 1996 to examine actions taken by the president -Senate has authority to offer advice and consent on executive and judicial branch nominees Congress's ultimate oversight power = impeachment
Who really presides over the Senate?
-junior members of the majority party Since presiding over the Senate can be a rather perfunctory duty, the VP nor the president pro tempore actually performs the task very often. Instead, this particular duty rotates among junior members of the majority party of the chamber, allowing more senior members to attend meetings of greater importance.
Interstate Compacts
-legal foundation for interstate cooperation Contracts between states that carry the force of law; generally now used as a tool to address multi state policy concerns
Issue networks
-looser, informal, more complex (extension of iron triangle) that includes lawyers, consultants, academics, public relations specialists, sometimes even the courts who together seek to influence policy -Unlike iron triangles, issue networks change constantly as new parties become involved in issue areas/others phase out
What are the powers both chambers have?
-make laws and raise and spend revenues -declare war -raise an army and navy -coin money -regulate commerce -establish the federal courts and their jurisdiction -set forth rules of immigration and naturalization -"make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers."
Why were the colonists distrustful of executive authority?
-many had fled GB to escape royal domination, so they distrusted and disdained the governors (the earliest executive authorities in the colonies) as representatives of the crown -no longer felt strong ties to the king/his power bc several generations removed from England
visibility
-most incumbents highly visible in their districts -easy access to local media, cut ribbons, attend funerals, community events
Special District
-most numerous form of government -A local government that is restricted to a particular function -exist for services such as libraries, sewage, water, parks -proliferation of special districts in part due to desire to avoid restrictions on funds faced by municipalities or other jurisdictions -school districts = most common form of special district
Why are incumbents more likely to get reelected to the Congress?
-name recognition -access to free media -inside track on fund-raising -district drawn to favor the incumbent
The Constitutional requirements for holding the office
-natural-born citizen of US -at least 35 years old -US resident for at least 14 years
Why is the House rules committee so important?
-no counterpart in the Senate exists -plays a major role in the House's law-making process -Speaker directly appoints its chair and majority party members -reviews most bills after they come from a committee and before they go to the full chamber for consideration -Traffic cop function: -gives each bill a rule (the date the bill will come up for debate and the time that will be allotted for discussion) -often specifies what kinds of amendments can be offered -Bills considered under a closed rule cannot be amended Committee on Rules regulates access to the floor for legislation approved by other standing committees, control by the majority party is essential for it to manage the flow of legislation.
Status of the executive under the Articles of Confederation
-no executive branch -men who served as presidents of Continental Congress titular
President Pro Tempore
-official chair of the Senate ("pro tern") -majority party selects -presides over the Senate in absence of VP -today, primarily an honorific office generally awarded to the most senior senator of the majority party -once elected, stays in office until Senate majority party changes
caucus
-oldest, most party-oriented method of choosing delegates to the national conventions -At a caucus, spend hours learning about politics/the party. Listen to speeches by candidates/their reps, receive advice from party leaders and elected officials ---> cast a well informed vote.
Speaker of the House
-only House officer specifically mentioned in Constitution -chamber's most powerful position -The entire House of Representatives elects the Speaker at the beginning of each new Congress -member of the majority party (traditionally) -generally has served in the House for a long time -decides who will speak on the floor, and rules on points of order
What goes into a member's choice of committee?
-own interests or expertise -particular committee's ability to help their prospects for reelection "seek to acquire those that will add to the value of their portfolios" -desire to have power and influence within the chamber ex. Energy and Commerce Committee facilitates reelection by giving House members influence over decisions that affect large campaign contributors Education and the Workforce or Judiciary, attract members eager to work on the policy responsibilities assigned to the committee even if the appointment does them little good at the ballot box. Appropriations and Budget Committees have monetary impact
How has the decline of political parties affected voter turnout?
-parties not as effective as they once were in mobilizing voters, ensuring they are registered, and getting them to the polls -at one time were grassroots organizations that forged strong party-group links with their supporters. -candidate- and issue centered campaigns and the growth of expansive party bureaucracies have resulted in somewhat more distant parties with which fewer people identify very strongly.
What are exceptions to these general rules?
-popularity surges recent presidents have experienced a surge in their approval ratings during the course of their presidencies Popularity surges usually allow presidents to achieve policy goals even if the policies are unpopular with the public Often coming on the heels of a domestic or international crisis such as the 1991 Persian Gulf War or the 9/11 terrorist attacks, these increased approval ratings generally do not last long, as the cumulative effects of governing once again catch up with the president.
War Powers Resolution
-president can only send troops into action with the authorization of Congress or if we are attacked -president must notify Congress within 48 hours of committing troops to foreign territory -president must withdraw troops within 60 days unless Congress votes to declare war -has had limited effectiveness in claiming an oversight role for Congress
Shared Powers
-prisons -infrastructure -courts -taxes -borrow money -charter banks -spend money for general welfare
Media Consolidation
-private ownership of the media insurers independence, something that cannot be said about state controlled media in countries such as China - But it brings market pressures to journalism that do not exist and state run systems - As with all free market enterprises, the pressure in privately owned media is to increasingly consolidate media ownership, to reap the benefits that come from larger market shares and fewer large scale competitors - The top six media chains account for more than 90% of news media content - Media conglomerate such as Gannett, MediaNews group, and news Corporation own most daily newspapers; fewer than 300 of the approximately 1400 daily newspapers are independently owned -unlike traditional industries in which the primary concern associated with consolidation is price manipulation, consolidation of the media post is far greater potential risks - As the media have increasingly become dominated by a few mega corporations, observers have grown fearful that these groups could limit the flow of information and ideas that defined the essence of a free society in that make democracy possible - Profit driven media chains aimed at expanding market shares and pleasing advertisersMay overwhelmingly focus on sensational issues and avoid those I could and Elliot their audiences, anger executives, or compromise relationships with government regulators - threat to democracy
What do interest groups do for members aside from give them money?
-provide information to supportive or potentially supportive legislators, committees, and their staffs -feasibility and impact of such legislation, how to implement, constitutionality -grassroots appeals to pressure legislators, urging members to call, write, fax, e-mail, text, or tweet
Reserved State Powers
-public health, safety, and morals of citizens -schools -intrastate commerce -welfare -police
What are some of the arguments against a primary?
-qualities tested by primary don't guarantee good president (i.e. handling media) better test of stamina than brain power -primaries attract more participants than caucuses, but caucus participants are more informed
Cases that get most attention from SCOTUS
-raise important/unresolved/undecided legal issue -if lower court rules against precedent
other pres methods to control bureacracy
-reorganize the bureaucrac -change an agency's annual budget requests -ignore legislative initiatives originating within the bureaucracy
What are the weaknesses of straw polls?
-response bias -sample selection of pollsters
What does a campaign manager do?
-runs nearly every campaign at the state and national level. -travels with the candidate and coordinates the campaign -person closest to the candidate who makes essential day-to-day decisions, such as whom to hire and when to air ads -helps to determine the campaign's overall strategy and keep it on track -works directly for the campaign; therefore, campaign managers can usually run only one campaign during a given election cycle
Corruption in the penny press
-sought wide readership, start attracting customers with sensational and scandalous stories -The sordid side of politics became the entertainment of the times (i.e. Grover Cleveland illegitimate child) -payoffs to the press were common, Andrew Jackson gave one in 10 of his early appointments to oil reporters - 1872 presidential campaign, republican slipped cash for about 300 newsman -wealthy industrialists purchased investigative cease-fires for tens of thousands of dollars
Joint Committee
-standing committees that include members from both houses of Congress -set up to conduct investigations or special studies -focus public attention on major matters, such as the economy, taxation, or scandals
RA #4 9.5 How do justices come to their decisions?
-stare decisis -judicial philosophy (restraint/activism) -original intent -ideaology
appeal case to SCOTUS
-state declares law passed by fed. unconstitutional (ACA - unconstitutional to mandate people buy health insurance)
How did Lincoln expand the powers of the President during a time of war?
-suspended the writ of habeas corpus, which allows those in prison to petition for release, citing the need to jail persons suspected of disloyal practices -expanded the size of the U.S. Army above congressionally mandated ceilings -ordered a blockade of southern ports without the approval of Congress. -closed the U.S. mail to treasonable correspondence Lincoln argued that the inherent powers of his office allowed him to circumvent the Constitution in a time of war or national crisis
Tings the Articles of Confederation didn't have the power to do:
-tax -Could coin money but had no resources to back the value of its currency -did not allow Congress to regulate commerce among the states or with foreign nations -fearful of a tyrannical ruler, no executive branch equals no body to enforce laws passed by the legislative branch -no judicial system equals no one to handle economic conflict/boundary disputes among states -GREATEST WEAKNESS = Failure to provide for a strong central government
Select (or special) Committee
-temporary committees -appointed for specific purposes, such as investigating the 9/11 attacks
What did the framers envision the see as the behaviors and nature of the House of Representatives?
-they envisioned Congress's authority as much narrower than it is today -wished to create a legislative body that would be able to make laws as well as raise and spend revenues.
Committee chairs
-tremendous power + prestige -authorization to select all subcommittee chairs, call meetings, and recommend majority members to sit on conference committees -may even opt to kill a bill by refusing to schedule hearings on it -large committee staff at their disposal -often recipients of favors from lobbyists, who recognize the chair's unique position of power -Six years of service on a particular committee is the limit on all committee chairs. Interpersonal skills, influence, and expertise are a chair's best resources.
Describe the activities of lobbyists in the Congress?
-try to make their interests heard and understood -congressional testimony on behalf of a group - Individual letters or emails from interested constituents - Campaign contributions - Out right payment of money for votes
Whip
-try to whip fellow Democrats or Republicans into line on partisan issues -elected by party members in caucuses -assist Speaker and majority/minority leaders in their leadership efforts -maintain close contact with all members on important votes, prepare summaries of content and implications of bills, take vote counts during debates and votes -serve as communications links: distribute word of the party line from leaders to rank-and-file members and alerting leaders to concerns in the ranks
Rule of Four
-trying to appeal case to SCOTUS write an appeal (legal argument) explaining why there is an important constitutional issue at stake in your case -clerks read through all appeals, for SOME, write brief, explain why Court should take it If 4 justices agree to hear case, issue Writ of Certiorari
Office of Management and Budget
-works exclusively for the president -employs hundreds of budget and policy experts Major responsibilities: -prepare president's annual budget proposal -assess costs of the president's proposals -review the progress, budget, and program proposals of the executive department agencies OMB reports allow the president to attach price tags to his legislative proposals and defend his budget created in 1921 (Bureau of the Budget --> Nixon 1970 name change to OMB) to help the president inform Congress of the amount of money needed to run the executive branch of government 1939, added to Executive Office of the President
Over which cases do Federal district Courts have original jurisdiction?
1) federal government is a party 2) federal question based on a constitutional claim, a treaty with another nation, or a federal statute 3) civil suits where citizens are from different states and the amount of money at issue is more than $75,000
What are four ways that candidates manipulate press coverage?
1) isolate the candidate from the press: reduces chances that reporters will bait a candidate into saying something that might damage his or her cause 2) stage media events: activities designed to include brief, clever quotes called sound bites and staged with appealing backdrops so that they will be covered on the TV news and in the newspaper 3) spin: they put forward the most favorable possible interpretation for their candidate (and the most negative for their opponent) on any circumstance occurring in the campaign. 4) circumvent traditional reporters: appearing on talk shows/comedy shows
What are the four ways incumbents typically lose elections?
1) redistricting 2) scandals 3) presidential coattails 4) mid-term elections
List three reasons why ballot initiatives might be undemocratic
1. Now they are unduly influenced by interest groups (the "initiative industry;" law firms that draft leg., petition to guarantee ballot access, direct-mail firms, + campaign consultants who specialize in initiative elections) 2. Ballot wording may skew voters' choices/ be too complex for voters to determine 3. Ballot initiatives not subject to the same campaign contribution limits of candidates (a single wealthy individual can bankroll a ballot measure)
What are two arguments in favor of ballot measures?
1. The process has historically been used to champion popular issues that were resisted at the state level by entrenched political interests (banning child labor, promoting environmental laws, women's suffrage, campaign finance reform) 2. Passing popular conservative proposals (tax relief, banning gay marriage)
How did Dual Federalism rise and fall?
16th + 17th Amendments expanded national gov. catalyst = economic events leading up to Great Depression -1920s common bank failures -1921 slump in crop prices -1926 construction industry into decline -1929 inventories of consumer goods and automobiles at all-time high -1929 stock prices crashed, taking with them the entire natl economy -no action taken by Coolidge/Hoover, not until FDR did it all change
Seneca Falls Convention
1848 first women's rights convention Most attending continue to press for women's rights alongside abolition of slavery
Chinese exclusion Act
1882 first act to restrict the immigration of a nationality Invited more discriminatory laws against Chinese, like the Jim Crow for blacks
Dawes Act (1887)
1887 Government switched from separation (confiscating land, making reservations) to ASSIMILATION -boarding schools -banned native langs and rituals -armed Indians not US citizens/right to vote until 1924
Interstate Commerce Commission
1887. Congress reaction to public outcries over exorbitant rates charged by railroad companies for hauling freight first independent regulatory commission creation of the ICC also marked a shift in the focus of the bureaucracy from service to regulation, giving the government-in the shape of the bureaucracy-vast powers over individual and property rights.
Tillman Act
1907 prohibited corporations from making direct contributions to candidates for federal office
Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
1920s as a result of growing federal regulation and the bureaucracy, many policy makers sensed a need for greater centralization and order in the budgetary process --> passed act -required the president, for the first time, to submit a budget to Congress -The president's proposal would include the prior year's spending, projections, and proposals for the next year -Congress, in turn, could alter the allocation of appropriations but could not increase the total level of spending proposed by the president. -To aid the executive branch in this role, the act also created the Bureau of the Budget (name of this agency changed to the Office of Management and Budget 1970)
When and how did the scope of domestic policy grow?
1930s, progressivism New deal created modern welfare state and first entitlement programs (Social Security, Aid to families with dependent children)
What was the specific purpose of MLK's March on Washington?
1963 JFK requested Congress passed a law banning discrimination in public accommodations Seizing the moment, MLK calls for monumental march on Washington DC to demonstrate widespread support for far ranging antidiscrimination legislation National legislation a long discrimination was the only answer as southern legislators would never vote to repeal Jim Crow laws
Telecommunications Act
1996, sweeping act deregulating whole segments of the electronic media - Sought to provide an optimal balance of competing corporate interest, technological innovations, and consumer needs - Resulted in the sudden merger of previously distinct kinds of media in order to create a more multi media approach to communicating information and entertainment - This merger pave the way for the formation of multi media corporations such as Viacom, Time Warner, and Comcast in the mediate consolidation discussed earlier in this chapter
Kyoto Protocol
1997 signed by most of the worlds industrial nations committing them to reducing greenhouse gas emissions - US did not sign (GWB cited negative effect on US economy)
Gratz v. Bollinger
2003 the court struck down Michigan's undergraduate point system, which gave minority applicants 20 automatic points simply because they were minorities Help set stage for a new era in affirmative action Although the use of strict quotas in automatic points is not constitutional, the court clearly believes that some preferential treatment has its place at least until greater racial and ethnic parity is achieved
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
2010 legislation aimed at reducing the number of uninsured individuals and decreasing healthcare costs
Arizona v. U.S.
2012: Supreme Court ruled that the state had come to conflict with existing federal law (illegal immigration issue) According to US Constitution, federal law must always be supreme
How many wars has the US declared? How many foreign conflicts has the US entered? What does this say about the balance of power between the branches for making military policy?
5 wars
How has the War Powers resolution actually increased executive power to wage war?
9/11 George W. Bush, sought joint resolution authorizing the use of force against "those responsible for the recent attacks launched against the United States." -This resolution actually gave the president more open-ended authority to wage war than President Johnson had received from the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964. October 2002, Bush declared Iraq to be a "grave threat to peace," Congress voted overwhelmingly to allow the president to use force in Iraq "as he determines to be necessary and appropriate," thereby conferring tremendous authority on Bush and future presidents to wage war.
Domestic Policy
A category of public policy that includes abroad in varied range of government programs affecting the lives of citizens within a country
Party identification
A citizen's personal affinity for a political party, usually expressed by a tendency to vote for the candidates of that party
Interest group
A collection of people or organizations that tries to influence public policy -different from parties because they do not run candidates for office -many forms: public interest groups, business and economic groups, governmental units such as state and local governments, and political action committees (PACs)
mandate
A command, indicated by an electorate's votes, for the elected officials to carry out a party platform or policy agenda - A president's claim of broad public support
Preemption
A concept that allows the national government to override state or local actions in certain policy areas
Press Release
A document offering an official comment or position on an issue or news event - Usually faxed, emailed, or handed directly to reporters
Charter
A document that, like a constitution, specifies the basic policies, procedures, and institutions of LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Charters for local governments must be approved by state legislatures. -necessitated by Dillon's rule
Muckraking
A form of journalism, en vogue. In the early 20th century, devoted to exposing misconduct by government, business, and individual politicians -The progressive movement gave rise to this new type of journalism in the 1920s
Yellow Journalism
A form of newspaper publishing en vogue in the late 19 century that featured pictures, comics, color, and sensationalized news coverage -designed to increase readership it capture a share of the burgeoning immigrant population
The Taliban
A fundamentalist Islamic group that controlled Afghanistan from 1996 until US military intervention in 2001. The Taliban provided refuge for al-Qaeda, allowing terrorist training camps to operate in the country
Trade association
A group that represents a specific industry -NAM (National Association of Manufacturers) -against organized labor -US Chamber of Commerce
Economic interest group
A group with the primary purpose of promoting the financial interests of its members -generally most effectively organized of all interest groups
Bill of Attainder
A law that punishes a person accused of a crime without a trial in court
Margin of error
A measure of the accuracy of a public opinion poll Typically 4%
Random Sampling
A method of poll selection that gives each person in a group the same chance of being selected -not very useful for predicting voting
National Convention
A party meeting held in the presidential election year for the purposes of nominating a presidential and vice presidential ticket and adopting a platform
Patron
A person who finances a group or individual activity
Progressive federalism
A pragmatic approach to federalism that views relations between national and state governments as both coercive and cooperative
Dillon's Rule
A premise articulated by Judge John F Dillon in 1868 which states that local governments do not have any inherent sovereignty and instead must be authorized by state governments that can create or abolish them -local govs have no express powers under the US Constitution
How can the President shape policy with the budget?
A president sets national policy and priorities through his budget proposals and his continued insistence on their congressional passage. The budget proposal not only outlines the programs he wants but also indicates the importance of each program by the amount of funding requested for each and for its associated agency or department.
closed primary
A primary election in which only a party's registered voters are eligible to cast a ballot
open primary
A primary in which party members, independents, and sometimes members of the other party are allowed to participate
campaign consultant
A private-sector professional who sells to a candidate the technologies, services, and strategies required to get the candidate elected -pollster = campaign consultant who conducts public opinion surveys
Congressional District Plan
A proposed electoral college reform Would give each candidate one electoral vote for each congressional district that he/she wins in a state winner of the overall popular vote in each state would receive two bonus votes -Used by Maine and Nebraska
runoff primary
A second primary election between the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the first primary
Federal Reserve Board
A seven-member board that sets member banks reserve requirements, controls the discount rate, and makes other economic decisions.
National Party Platform
A statement of the general and specific philosophy and policy goals of a political party, usually promulgated at the national convention -The most visible instrument that parties use to formulate, convey, and promote public policy -written every four years -in two-party system, are you why one party's platform is superior to the other's -2/3 promises in winning party's platform completely or mostly implemented -1/2 pledges of the losing party as well
Sample
A subset of the whole population selected to be questioned for the purpose of prediction or gauging opinion
Poll Taxes
A tax levied in many southern states and localities that had to be paid before an eligible voter could cast a ballot
What is a test case?
A test case is a case filed in the attempt to achieve a precedent
How are third parties at a disadvantage for federal election funds?
A third-party candidate receives a smaller amount of public funds proportionate to his or her November vote total, if that candidate gains a minimum of 5 percent of the vote. -in such a case, the money goes to third-party campaigns only after the election is over; no money is given in advance of the general election.
Stratified Sampling
A variation of random sampling where the population is divided into subgroups and weighted based on demographic characteristics of the national population -key is not allowing people to volunteer to be interviewed -most rigorous sampling technique -based on US Census data -used by reputable polling organizations
prospective voting
A voter's evaluation of a candidate based on what he or she pledges to do about an issue if elected
Proportional representation
A voting system that apportions legislative seats according to the percentage of the vote won by particular political party
electioneering
Activity that seeks to influence the outcome of an election. Independent electioneering (SuperPacs & 527s) is protected free speech and so cannot be limited by government. direct group involvement in the electoral process. Groups can help fund campaigns, provide testimony, and get members to work for candidates, and some form political action committees (PACS)
Why is cross membership an issue for interest groups?
Affects cohesiveness, divided loyalties equals more conflicts equals less attendance
What are the civil rights concerns of the Hispanic Community of the US?
Affirmative action Admission of Hispanic students to state colleges and universities Health care for undocumented immigrants Challenging redistributing plans that make it more difficult to elect Hispanic legislators Rights for Hispanic workers Oppose restrictions on drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants Make sure redistributing plans do not silence Hispanic voters
Apportionment
After each U.S. Census, adjusts the number of seats allotted to each state based on population
How do oral arguments take place?
After the Court accepts a case and each side has submitted briefs and amicus briefs, oral argument takes place. Generally, only the immediate parties in the case take part in oral argument, although it is not uncommon for the U.S. solicitor general or one of his or her deputies to make an appearance to argue orally as an amicus curiae. fraught with time-honored tradition and ceremony. attorneys are allotted one half-hour to present their cases, including the time required to answer questions from the bench.
Majority/Minority leaders
After the Speaker, the next most powerful people in the House are the majority and minority leaders elected in their individual party caucuses or conferences.
What significance does a Senate Judiciary recommendation (or lack of) play in the confirmation process?
After the conclusion of hearings, the Senate Judiciary Committee usually makes a recommendation to the full Senate. Any rejections of presidential nominees to the Supreme Court generally occur only after the Senate Judiciary Committee has recommended against a nominee's appointment.
How are federal departments organized?
Agencies fall into four general categories: (1) Cabinet departments (2) government corporations (3) independent executive agencies (4) independent regulatory commissions
Executive Agreements
Agreements between the United States and other nations, negotiated by the president, that have the same weight as a treaty but do not require senatorial approval. since 1900, many presidents have favored them over treaties.
Bureaucratic Theory
All institutions, governmental and non-governmental, have fallen under the control of a large and ever-growing bureaucracy that carries out policy using standardized procedures - Bureaucrats become dominant, eventually will take power from others, elected officials especially
Elite Theory
All societies are divided into elites and masses - The elites have power to make an implement policy, while the masses simply respond to the desires of the elites - Unequal distribution of power in society is normal and in evitable - elites still subject to public opinion and they don't buy definition oppress the masses
What is the legal loophole that allowed Native Americans to open casinos?
American Indians have filed hundreds of test cases in fed courts about tribal fishing rights, tribal land claims, and taxation of tribal profits Tribes have sued to reclaim land, these land rights allowing American Indians to open casinos on tribal lands often abutting cities and states where gambling is illegal
How did National Health care legislation die? How did it come back?
American Medical association strong opposition 1930s - 1990s horror stories about socialized medicine, then extended period of Republican legislative control
Why is the Congress held in such low esteem by the people themselves?
American people frustrated by the increasing PARTISANSHIP and UNPRODUCTIVITY of Congress -2012, the congressional approval rate reached an all-time low of 10 percent -individual members of Congress w/generally higher approval ratings than Congress as a whole, received dismal 41 percent approval rating
Mercantilism
An economic theory designed to increase a nation's wealth through the development of commercial industry and a favorable balance of trade (=strict import/export controls on colonies - nav acts)
initiative
An election that allows citizens to propose legislation or state constitutional amendments by submitting them to the electorate for popular vote - alongside referendum, known as a "ballot measure"
Critical Election
An election that signals a party realignment through voter polarization around new issues and personalities -precedes party realignment -reaction to crucial developments such as: -war -economic depression -1800, 1860, 1932 -1932: Great Depression caused large numbers of voters to repudiate Republican policies and embrace the Democratic Party -blue-collar workers, labor union members, white Southerners, and the poor gravitated towards Dems
referendum
An election whereby the state legislature submits proposed legislation or state constitutional amendments to the voters for approval. - Legislators often use referenda when they want to spend large sums of money or address policy areas for which they do not want to be held accountable in the next election cycle - alongside initiative, known as a "ballot measure"
Public policy
An intentional course of action or inaction followed by government in dealing with some problem or matter of concern
World Trade Organization
An international organization that replaced the GATT in 1995 to supervise and expand international trade Clinton democratic/ economic enlargement . NAFTA
The European Union
An organization that joins 27 countries in Europe into a union that includes free trade, a central bank, a common currency, ease of immigration, a European Parliament, and other political institutions to govern and administer the organization Democratic enlargement involved securing democratic change in Eastern Europe by bringing former Soviet allies into NATO and supporting their admission into the EU
Public interest group
An organization that seeks a collective good selectively and materially benefit group members. -ex. Many progressive era groups, upper+middle class women to aid immigrants/poor -ex. Today, environmental, civil liberties, peace, church groups, MoveOn.org -many not well-funded, but highly visible and can actually wield more political clout than other, better-funded groups
Political party
An organized group with shared goals and ideals that joins together to run candidates for office and exercise political and electoral power goal = win office in order to influence public policy 1) the governmental party---the office holders who organize themselves and pursue policy objectives under a party label 2) the organizational party---the workers and activists who make up the party's formal organization structure 3) the party in the electorate---the voters who consider themselves allied or associated with the party
Unfunded Mandates
Another component of Congress's efforts to devolve greater authority back to the state governments during the 1990s - Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 - Prevented Congress from passing costly federal programs without debate on how to fund them and addressed a primary concern of state governments that federal programs were encompassing a growing part of their state budgets and were in violation of their sovereign policy-making authority -proven notoriously difficult to enforce, many states charge the national government was continuing to create federal programs w/ insufficient funding -NCLB (2001)
Title IX
Any school that receives federal funding K through 12 or higher education must comply with title I X of the educational amendments of 1972, barring any discrimination on the basis of sex in admissions, student financial aid, or athletics
What is President Obama's policy for oil use in the US?
Approved southern portion of Keystone XL pipeline allowed plans for new offshore drilling sites
Court Packing
Attempt by Roosevelt to appoint one new Supreme Court justice for every sitting justice over the age of 70 who had been there for at least 10 years. Wanted to prevent justices from dismantling the new deal. Plan died in congress and made opponents of New Deal inflamed. Where FDR tried to add more members to the Supreme Court to pass his programs. His proposals for increased gov role of fed being shot down
16th Amendment
Authorized Congress to enact a NATIONAL INCOME TAX -increased power of the fed bc it gave them almost unlimited revenues, which allowed them to enter into policy areas in which it previously had few funds to spend
Why is fracking controversial?
Concerned about groundwater and drinking water contamination and about potential links to earthquakes
Party Caucus
Beginning of each new Congress, the members of each party formally gather in their party caucus (or conference) roles include: -nominating or electing party officers -reviewing committee assignments -discussing party policy -imposing party discipline -setting party themes -coordinating media, including talk radio -called caucus by Dems, conference by Repubs
How did public opinion change the scope and focus of the Civil Rights Movement?
Between 1959 and 1965 Southern attitude towards integrated schools changed enormously The proportion of southerners who responded that they would not mind the child's attendance at a racially balanced school LBJ put civil rights of the top of his legislative priority list Movement change focus from peaceful protest in litigation to legislative lobbying, Scott brought in for integration of school and public facilities in voting rights to preventing household and job discrimination and alleviating poverty
How do justices make decisions?
Both parties submit written briefs, explaining legal argument Clerks read over, clerks make their brief (carry good amount of weight) Oral Argument - 1 hr both sides (little of argument actually delivered-- justices interrupt) -open to public/press
Why did the US change its tariff policy to one of free trade and lower tariffs?
Changed policy because believed protectionist trade policy had led to the rise of dictators and the beginning of WWII Bretton Woods System, IMF, World Bank, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1947: mission to facilitate international trade negotiations and promote free trade
order of speaking in deciding
Chief Justice followed by seniority
What is the main difference between a referendum and an initiative?
CITIZENS (initiative) vs. STATE LEGISLATURE (referendum) propose legislation/ amendments of state constitutions
How did Jimmy Carter change US foreign policy?
Changed emphasis of American foreign policy from management of Cold War to the promotion of HUMAN RIGHTS (Protection of people's basic freedoms and needs) -targeted the dictators US had relied upon to contain communism
How do cases come to the justice's attention?
Chief's clerks review the petitions then send them to the individual justices' offices. cert pool, review petitions, those cases deemed noteworthy by the justices then make it onto what is called the discuss list (30% petitions) justices review the cases on the discuss list. The chief justice speaks first, then the rest of the justices, according to seniority. The decision process ends when the justices vote, and by custom, certiorari is granted according to the Rule of Four-when at least four justices vote to hear a case.
Municipalities
City governments created in response to the emergence of relatively densely populated areas
Why did the federal government take a lead role in protecting civil rights in the 1860s/ Why did they do so?
Civil rights act made African-American citizens and gave Congress in the federal courts the power to intervene when states attempted to restrict the citizenship rights of male African-American Americans in matter such as voting Congress reasons that African-Americans were unlikely to succeed if they had to file this garment nation complaints in state courts where most judges were elected Passage of a federal law allowed African Americans to challenge discriminatory state practices in federal courts where the president appointed judges for life
NY Times v. US (1971)
Clearly a firm to the principle of prior restraint -Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot prevent publication by the New York Times of the Pentagon papers -only a free in unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in the government, defined that the president has inherent power to haul the publication of news by resort to the courts would wipe out the first amendment
What is the role of clerks in the opinion writing process?
Clerks spend most of their time researching material, reading and summarizing cases, and helping justices write opinions. Clerks also make the first pass through the petitions that come to the Court, undoubtedly influencing which cases get a second look. They often help draft opinions and serve as informal conduits for communication between the justices' chambers. As the number of clerks has grown, so has the length of the Court's written opinions.
Don't Ask Don't Tell
Clinton tried to ban discrimination against homosexuals in the armed forces Compromised w/DADT Military would no longer ask sexuality, but could be discharged if they revealed their sexuality 2010 ruled unconstitutional, Obama repealed later that year
Why did the Federal government take a greater interest in education during the1950's?
Cold war- Focus on enhancing math and science programs (esp. after launch of Sputnik)
Discharge Petition
Committees report out to the full House or Senate only a small fraction of the bills assigned to them a discharge petition signed by a majority (218) of the House can force bills out of a House committee
Standing Committee
Committees to which bills are referred for consideration called "standing" because they continue from one Congress to the next Standing committees have considerable power. They can kill bills, amend them radically, or hurry them through the process. examples: committees on agriculture, education, the judiciary, veterans' affairs, transportation, and commerce
Political culture
Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate (ex. Amer political culture emphasizes liberty and equality, popular consent, majority rule, pop sov, individualism religious faith + freedom) -binds citizens together, American Dream
EPA
Congress created the EPA as an independent agency in 1970 to administer federal programs aimed at controlling pollution and protecting the nation's environment. As an independent agency, the EPA is less indebted to the president on a day-to-day basis than if it were within a Cabinet department, although the president still has the power to appoint its director and often intervenes in high-profile environmental issues and decisions.
Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)
Congress did not enact serious, broad campaign finance regulation, however, until the 1970s, in the wake of the Watergate scandal. -established disclosure requirements; the Presidential Public Funding Program provided partial public funding for presidential candidates who meet certain criteria; and the Federal Election Commission (FEC), an independent federal agency, was created to enforce the nation's election laws.
How do members of Congress compare with the people they represent?
Congress is better educated, richer, more male, and whiter than the general population Over two-thirds of the members of the House and Senate also hold advanced degrees Many members of both houses have significant inherited wealth
Implementation
Congress sets general guidelines for agency action How agencies execute congressional wishes is called implementation, the process by which a law or policy is put into operation
Privatization/Contractors
Consequently, the military has enlisted private contractors at unprecedented rates to fill many bureaucratic positions in these potentially dangerous sites Many of these private contractors are former government employees who can make almost twice the amount of money working for private companies
What are the law making powers of the other branches?
Constitution gives formal law-making powers to Congress alone -presidents issue proclamations and executive orders with the force of law -bureaucrats issue quasi-legislative rules and are charged with enforcing laws, rules, and regulations -Supreme Court and lower federal courts render opinions that generate principles also having the force of law
How does the president keep the Congress informed on the functioning of government?
Constitution requires the president to inform the Congress periodically of "the State of the Union" and authorizes the president to convene either one or both houses of Congress on "extraordinary Occasions." The power to convene Congress had more importance when Congress did not sit in nearly year-round sessions.
What is the standard for presidential impeachment like?
Constitution specifies Congress can impeach a president for treason, bribery, or other "high crimes and misdemeanors." Framers intended this phrase to mean significant abuses of power -impeachment is Congress's ultimate oversight of the U.S. president and federal court judges -Constitution is quite vague about impeachment
Tracking polls
Continuous surveys that enable a campaign or news organization to chart a candidate's daily rise or fall in support
University of California (1978)
Court concluded that back he is rejection had been illegal because the use of strict quotas was an appropriate The medical school however was free to "take race into account"
Dredd Scott v. Sanford
Court ruled that the Missouri compromise, which prohibited slavery north of us at geographical boundary, was unconstitutional Court added that slaves were not US citizens and as a consequence could not bring suit in federal court
Solicitor general
Court's "ninth and a half member." the office of the solicitor general, on behalf of the U.S. government, appears as a party or as an amicus curiae, or friend of the court, in more than 50 percent of the cases heard by the Court each term.
dual court system
Courts were established by Congress (Judiciary Act 1791) -district courts and circuit courts (appellate courts) 13 appellate courts in US relatively unknown check: Congress has ability to abolish all fed courts (except SCOTUS)
What was George W. Bush's foreign policy prior to 9/11?
Critical of Clinton's foreign policy Wanted to "exercise power without arrogance" - abandon overly broad definition of American national interests that led to frequent interventions into humanitarian crises -rejected Kyoto protocol -withdrew from anti-ballistic missile treaty -refused to participate in formation of the International Criminal Court
Why do lobbyists work with natural allies in the Congress?
Dash many effective lobbyist=former members of Congress/staff aids/Washington insiders - Iron triangles form - more effective to provide information for supporters/those who are undecided
Why is our policy development often done incrementally and not dramatically?
Decentralized policymaking process Policymakers do not always have complete information on the long-term costs and benefits of proposed policy solutions
What is the status of Indian land in the US?
Department of Interior handles Indian trust funds, which are to be paid to Indians for the use of their land Indian tribes file suit for billions of dollars for the leasing of American Indian lands
Why have recalls increased?
Development of new technologies (Internet) that make fund-raising and signature gathering easier - Online news sources may turn local recall elections into national news
Why did public opinion quickly turn against the invasion of Iraq?
Did not anticipate long/contested occupation, "mission accomplished" when Baghdad fell, but ground war continued Casualties rose above 4,000 and wounded above 30,000
What is "going public"? When does a president choose to go public? Why do presidents now go on talk shows like the Daily Show?
Direct presidential appeals to the electorate, such as those often made by recent presidents, are referred to as "going public." -Going public means that a president bypasses the heads of members of Congress to gain support from the people, who can then place pressure on their elected officials in Washington
Why has the AMA opposed a national health care system?
Distrusted government intervention in their affairs in fear that regulations would limit their discretion as well as their earnings Worried that government intrusion into healthcare field would limit physicians fees, restrict the amount of time approved for specific types of hospital visits, and constrain charge for prescription drugs
Declaration of Independence
Document drafted largely by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 that proclaimed the right of the American colonies to separate from Great Britain "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
matching funds
Donations to presidential campaigns whereby every dollar raised from individuals in amounts less than $251 is matched by the federal treasury
Party realignment
Dramatic shifts in partisan preferences that drastically alter the political landscape -existing party affiliations subject to upheaval -many voters change parties -youngest age group of voters may permanently adopt the label of the newly dominant party -preceded by one or more critical elections
Sampling error
Drawing an improper sample - one error of polls the accuracy of an poll depends on the quality of the sample -if a pollster fails to sample certain populations -small samples can be accurate if each unit in the universe have equal opportunity to be sampled -common sampling error is underrepresenting the opinions of the poor an homeless
change in circuit courts
Each circuit court initially created to function as a trial court for important cases, originally comprised one district court judge and two Supreme Court justices who met as a circuit court twice a year. Not until 1891 did circuit courts (or, as we know them today, courts of appeals) take on their exclusively appellate function and begin to focus solely on reviewing the findings of lower courts.
What is an effective management style for the president? Ineffective?
Effective: recognize that their day-to-day activities should be designed to bolster support for their policies and to secure congressional and popular backing Ineffective: tend to regard the White House as "a stage for the presentation of performances to the public" or a fitting honor to cap a career
primary election
Election in which voters decide which of the candidates within a party will represent the party in the general election
Incentive Techniques
Encourage people to act in their own best interest by offering payoffs or financial inducements for compliance -tax deductions for charitable donations - Farmers subsidies -sanctions (high taxes) discourage purchase/use of products like tobacco/liquor, pollution fees
Hortatory Techniques
Encourage people to comply with policy by appealing to their better instincts - Don't be a litterbug - just say no to drugs
Under NCLB, what are the results if schools fail to meet federal benchmarks?
Encouraged to offer it ancillary education services such as tutoring to improve students educational Achievement -School choice: if a child is attending a failing school students and their parents may have the option to enroll at an institution that is successfully meeting educational achievement goals
Marbury v. Madison
Established judicial review
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Established judicial review; "midnight judges" John Marshall and power of the Supreme Court
How has the government sought to stem the tide of obesity in the United States?
Evidence supported by medical research has moved obesity onto the agenda as public health issue - Michelle Obama let's move campaign 2010 - Obama National childhood obesity awareness month -US Department of Agriculture issued new rules for federally subsidized school lunches requiring increased servings of fruit and vegetables in decreased salt and fat
How were the powers of war and foreign policy split between the executive and the legislative branches of government?
Executive most powerful branch in formulation and implementation of foreign+defense policy. Is commander in chief of armed forces. Authority to negotiate and sign treaties. Appoints ambassadors and key foreign and military officials. Congress also influences and shapes policy through oversight, treaties, appointments, appropriations, and the War Powers Resolution. Power to fund army and navy and declare war. Must ratify president's treaties by 2/3 majority. Senate gives advice and consent. The judiciary has a more limited role in foreign and defense affairs, usually addressing questions of executive authority. All actions subject to judicial review. Additionally, interest groups such as the military-industrial complex play an important role
How do executive orders shape the bureaucracy?
Executive orders are rules or regulations issued by the president that have the effect of law -a president can direct an agency to act, but it may take some time to carry out the order (LBJ gender executive order)
What has been the generalized pattern of civil rights in the United States? t
Expansion of civil rights to more and more groups
What was the US's objective with the invasion of Afghanistan?
Expel Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda and sever Afghanistan's ties with international terrorist groups
The death of the two term tradition
FDR ran successfully 4 times in 1930s-1940s (Great Depression then WWII) Despite his popularity, negative reaction to his long tenure in office led to passage of 22nd Amendment
FCC
Federal Communications Commission -since the initial passage of The telecommunications act, the FCC has continued to relax ownership standards, leading to even greater media consolidation - Today a single company may own up to 45% of media in a given market
FEC
Federal Election Commission, the bureaucratic agency in charge of monitoring campaign activity
Federal Communication Commission
Federal agency that regulates the radio, television, wire, satellite and cable communications.
Programmatic Requests (aka "Pork")
Federal funds designated for special projects within a state or congressional district -informally known as earmarks Direct specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees - Use of them has exploded in the past two decades - Transportation budget in particular has benefited - Not competitively awarded, have thus become very controversial bc of the use of paid political lobbyists to try to secure federal funds for the clients, be it states, cities, universities, or nonprofit groups
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Federal law defining marriage as between one man and one woman
Civil Right Cases
Five cases brought under the civil rights act of 1875 In 1883 the Supreme Court decided that discrimination in a variety of public accommodations, including theaters, hotels, and railroads, could not be prohibited by the act because such discrimination was private, not state, discrimination Congress had no authority to outlaw private discrimination in public accommodations Reinforcement for the Jim Crow system Southern states view the courts ruling as an invitation to got the reach in intent of the 13th 14th and 15th amendments
How has the electoral map changed in recent years?
Florida gained 2 seats NY + OH lost 2
What are the creative ways that colleges tried to satisfy the Plessy decision? What does it tell us about the bigotry in the US?
Forcing blacks to sit outside room as well lectures were going on, the equal accommodations being dingy basement rooms, offering to pay tuition for out-of-state schools
Agenda Setting
Forming the list of issues to be addressed by government
George Gallup
Founded modern-day public opinion polling in the 1930s
What are the primary ways that the federal government assists college students?
Funding of research grants and financial assistance - Low interest college loans known as Pell grants - Work-study programs
No Child Left Behind-NCLB
Further increased role of fed in education policy -Standard testing accountability - Stated to comply with federal rule they wanted to receive funding - created School choice
Government Accountability Office
GAO is Congress's watchdog over executive branch spending GAO tracks how money is spent by the exec branch and also monitors how policies are implemented If the GAO uncovers problems with an agency's work, it notifies Congress immediately. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was set up in the executive branch to help with creating the president's budget The GAO, the Congressional Research Service (CRS), and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provide Congress with its own bureaucracy to research and monitor what the executive branch and bureaucracy are doing.
GLAD
Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders Have won important legal victories concerning HIV/AIDS discrimination, insurance policy survivor benefits, some employment issues
Government Accountability Office
Geo conduct hundreds of studies of government agencies and programs either at the request of members of Congress or on its own initiative
GOTV
Get out the vote -many interest groups think they can influence public policy by putting like-minded reps in office - Efforts include: identifying perspective voters/transporting them to the polls -produce issue oriented ads for newspaper/radio/TV/Internet designed to educate public + increase voter interest - MoveOn.org/progress for America
Clean Water Act of 1972
Goal of making all American surface water swimmable in fishable by 1985 - Gave Stacy authority to implement the policy within federal guidelines and controlling water quality standards and technological controls on discharges of pollutants Provided funding for states to construct new waste water treatment plants
Why did Eisenhower send federal troops to Little Rock, Ark?
Governor Orvil Phobos had national guardsmen surround little rocks high school to prevent African-American students from entering Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to prove TechTV the rights of the nine African-American students attending the high school
Categorical Grant
Grant that appropriate's federal funds to states for specific purpose - Precise formula often based on population, subject to detailed conditions imposed by the national government, often states must contribute money to match federal funds -with large sums of money at stake, states will often neglect their own wants and needs to follow the natl gov May be used by national government to alter states policy priorities or to coerce states to adopt particular policy objectives -Medicaid, pollution control, economic development, law enforcement are areas receiving categorical grants
Strict Scrutiny
Heightened standard of review used by the Supreme Court to determine the constitutional validity of a challenged practice When fundamental freedoms such as those guaranteed by the First Amendment or suspect classification such as race or involved, the court uses this higher standard of review If a statute or governmental practice makes a classification based on race, the statute is presumed to be unconstitutional unless the state can provide compelling affirmative justifications proves that the lawn question is necessary to accomplish a permissible goal and is the least restrictive means of accomplishing that goal
How can debates both help and hurt candidates?
Help: -consolidating their voter base -correcting misperceptions about the candidate's suitability for office Hurt: can control what they say, not what the news media highlights after the debates: cannot avoid the perils of spontaneity/slip ups
No Child Left Behind
High standards and measurable goals as a method of improving American education across states States left to decide if the new requirements worth complying with in exchange for the limited federal funding
Income
Higher income = more likely to vote
Who is underrepresented in the bureaucracy?
Hispanics and women
What has been the trend in Senatorial ratifications of treaties in recent years? What does it say about the relationship between the Senate and the President?
Historically, the Senate ratifies about 90 percent of the treaties submitted by the president.
Impeachment
House impeaches, charges pres, VP, other "civil officers," fed. judges, with "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors." Senate conducts impeachment trials, 2/3 yea vote removes fed. official from office
Removal of the President
House of Representatives = investigate and charge president/vice president with treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors -senate = try (hold the trial) the president/vice president on the charges -convict and remove = 2/3 vote of Senate
Why would a candidate turn down $91.2 million in "free" money?
If the candidate accepts the money, it becomes the sole source for financing the campaign -A candidate may refuse the money and be free from the spending cap the government attaches to it -capped at $91.2 mil In 2008, Barack Obama was the first presidential candidate to opt out of the public financing system.
Markup
If the subcommittee votes in favor of the bill, it is returned to the full committee There, it goes through markup, a session during which committee members can offer changes to a bill before it goes to the floor. The full committee may also reject the bill before it goes to the floor in either house.
What is an argument against Affirmative Action?
If the use of labels to discriminate against a group was wrong, the use of those same labels to help a group is wrong Thank laws should be neutral, are colorblind Policies designed to give special attention or compensatory treatment to members of a previously disadvantaged group are unconstitutional
Why must the solution to the problem have a consensus behind it?
If there's no consensus, few will advocate moving it forward if there doesn't seem to be an acceptable solution
How does the government ensure public health?
Immunizations, education, advertisements, regulations - Immunization of young children (polio/measles last chickenpox) - Subsidizes immunizations for low income populations - finances medical research primarily through the national institutes of health
What role do interest groups play in the confirmation process?
In 1987, for example, the nomination of Judge Robert H. Bork to the Supreme Court led liberal groups to launch an extensive radio, TV, and print media campaign against the nominee. coalition of conservative evangelical Christian organizations, including Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council, have held a series of "Justice Sunday" events featuring televangelists and politicians promoting the confirmation of judges with politically conservative and religious records.
What is President Obama's energy goals?
Increased funding for research and development of clean technologies, incentives to create clean energy jobs, and increased measures to provide nuclear safety while maintaining nuclear deterrence Further reduce dependence on foreign oil by a third
Why are health care costs rising?
Increased lifespan means long term care prescription drugs and Costly medical procedures
On the Record
Information provided to a journalist that can be released and attributed by name to the source
On Background
Information provided to a journalist that will not be attributed to a named source
Deep Background
Information provided to a journalist that will not be attributed to any source
Off the Record
Information provided to a journalist that will not be released to the public
inoculation ad
Inoculation advertising attempts to counteract an anticipated attack from the opposition before such an attack is launched
Think tanks
Institutional collection of policy-oriented researchers and academics who are sources of policy ideas -Heritage, Cato, Open Society } partisan -Brookings } nonpartisan
Lobbyist
Interest group representative who seeks to influence legislation that will benefit his or her organization or client through political and/or financial persuasion
Grassroots lobbying
Interest groups persuading ordinary voters to serve as their advocates - Urging listeners/supporters to contact their representatives in DC
501(C) Groups
Interest groups whose primary purpose is not electoral politics. -mandated that no more than half of a 501(c) group's budget be spent on campaign politics. -became significant when the SC lifted the BCRA's ban on issue advocacy -not required to disclose the source of their donations. -favor Republicans
Interest Group Theory
Interest groups, not elites or bureaucrats, control the governmental process - so many potential pressure points exist in the three branches of the national government as well as the state level, that interest groups can step in on any number of competing sides - Government mediates among competing interests
Ombudsman
Internal media critics who assess how well their newspaper and its supporters are performing their duties
Public opinion polls
Interviews or surveys with samples of citizens that are used to estimate the feelings and beliefs of larger populations (such as all Americans or women)
What happened to the women's movement after the passage after the 19th Century?
It disintegrated Women returned to their home groups ex. WCTU to pursue individualized goals
Korematsu v US
Japanese internment Court upheld constitutionality, with strict scrutiny, internments served a compelling governmental objective and were not discriminatory at their face
Religion
Jews: Dems Protestants: Repubs Catholics: Dems --abortion issue-->Repubs vote w/winning party
Informal amendment to the Constitution
Judicial interpretation Social + Cultural change Technological Change
How can the decision to not hear a case be nearly as important as the decision to hear a case?
Justices can also exercise a significant role in policy making and politics by opting not to hear a case. allows the prior ruling to remain as precedent
Why are some people not happy with electronic voting machines?
Lack of a paper trail leaves electronic machines vulnerable to fraud/ worry that machines could crash during election
Ex Post Facto Laws
Law that makes an act punishable as a crime even if the action was legal at the time it was committed
Black Codes
Laws denying most legal rights to newly freed slaves; passed by southern states following the Civil War Prohibited blacks from: -voting - Sitting on jury's - Appearing in certain public places Laid groundwork for Jim Crowe laws which would later institute segregation
Jim Crow Laws
Laws enacted by Southern states that required segregation in public schools, theaters, hotels, and other public accommodations
Equal Pay Act of 1963
Legislation that requires employers to pay men and women equal pay for equal work Women's rights activist begin to look for statutory solutions to discrimination in part because of limits of intermediate standard of review and the fact that the equal protection clause applies only to governmental discrimination
Stare Decisis
Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases
Second Continental Congress
Lexington/Concord/Bunker Hill fighting, then 2nd cc -G Wash made commander in chief -Olive Branch Petition, simultaneously waging war and seeking peaceful settlement
Regulatory Policies
Limit choices in order to restrict unacceptable behavior - Land-use regulations (protect environment) - Typically more controversial because costs are concentrated well benefits are shared by larger community
Honest leadership and Open government Act
Lobbying reform banning gifts to members of Congress and their staffs, toughening disclosure requirements, and increasing time limits on moving from the federal government to the private sector -many complaints did not go far enough - Been on gift applied only to private lobbyists - State/local agencies/public universities still free to offer tickets for football + basketball games as well as provide meals and travel
Federalist 51
Madison addressed concerns about absence of Bill of Rights -separation of powers would prohibit any one branch from either dominating the national government or violating the rights of citizens
Federalist 10
Madison addressed concerns about absence of Bill of Rights -voters would not always succeed in electing "enlightened statesmen" as reps -therefore greatest threat to individual liberties would come from factions within the gov (placing narrow interests above national interests/rights of citizens) -happy combination provided by new fed sys that would minimize impact of factions, too large for single faction to control
Gender
Majority of American electorate (more than 50% of pop) Vote at slightly higher rate than men
Earmarks/programmatic requests
Many pork programs are programmatic requests (once called earmarks) -funds designated for specific projects within a state or congressional district -makes legislators hard to defeat, but also gets fed (esp. Congress) much public criticism
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA)
McCain-Feingold Act BCRA regulates political advertising and funding -limited the broadcast of issue advocacy ads within 30 days/primary and 60 days/general election (SC declared unconstitutional) - set hard limits on campaign contributions from a number of sources, including individuals, political parties, political action committees, and members of Congress -BANNED soft money in fed elections/limited in state/local
What is the government's motivation in creating well-educated citizens since the earliest days of the Republic?
Means of legitimizing democratic institutions in the minds of young people and establishing social and political order
News media
Media providing the public with new information about subjects of public interest - One component of the larger mass media - Newspapers - Social media sites
What is the important funding distinction between Medicare and Medicaid? How does it affect programming?
Medicare is financed and administered by the national government Medicaid is a joint venture between the -medicaid programs very widely from state to state national and state government's. Fed pays 50 to 75% of funding in form of block grants
NAWSA
National American women suffrage Association Devoted primarily to securing women suffrage Other women's groups pushed for temperance, maximum hours for women, minimum wage for women, improved sanitation, public morals, and education
NAACP
National Association for the advancement of colored people Group devoted to addressing the problems of blacks (racism/racial segregation)
Motor Voter Act
National Voter Registration Act of 1993 The law requires states to provide the opportunity to register through driver's license agencies, public assistance agencies, and the mail -significant national attempt to ease the bureaucratic hurdles associated with registering to vote -estimated that it has increased voter registration by 5-9%
NOW
National organization for women more traditional women's liberation group After the EEOC failed to enforce the civil rights act of 1964 as an applied to sex discrimination, female activist formed the national organization for women NOW was modeled closely after the NAACP Two primary goals achievement of a quality either by passage of an equal rights amendment to the constitution or by judicial decisions intended to broaden the scope of the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment
How did the end of Reconstruction doom African Americans to second class status
National troops were no longer available to guard polling places in to prevent whites from excluding black voters, and southern states quickly move to limit African-Americans access to the ballot
Appointive Policy Positions
Nearly 3,500 bureaucrats are presidential appointees Some subject to Senate confirmation Appointees in turn responsible for appointing high-level policy-making assistants who form the top of the bureaucratic hierarchy called "Schedule C" political appointees.
How did the New Deal represent growth of federal powers?
New deal equals the name given to the program of "relief, recovery, reform" begun by Franklin D Roosevelt in 1933 to bring United States out of the Great Depression -created new federal agencies and programs proposed by FDR - FHA (Federal housing administration) - CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) -AAA (Agricultural adjustment administration) Prevent levels of government to work cooperatively with one another -
Why did the ERA fail in its ratification effort?
Not all women agreed with the concept of full equality for women Muller v Oregon Roe v. Wade 1973 provided ERA's opponents with fuel Argued that the ERA and feminist were anti-family in at the ER I would force women out of their homes and into the workforce and that the amendment had potential to make Women eligible for the unpopular military draft
Race to the Top
Obama - Encourage states to develop their own innovative education reforms
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Officially recognized fund-raising organizations that represent interest groups and are allowed by federal law to make contributions directly to candidates'' campaigns. -made legal in 1974 by amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act -unlike interest groups, do not have formal members, simply have contributors who seek to influence public policy by electing legislators sympathetic to their aims
What are the problems down the road for Medicare?
One of the largest and fastest-growing portions of state budgets -Medicaid being expanded to include low-wage workers and their families - State health insurance exchange is expected to facilitate increased enrollment for those currently eligible - Increase Medicaid coverage to an estimated 95 million Americans by 2022, more than 840 billion more dollars
Statist
One who believes in extensive government control of personal and economic liberties
Social conservative
One who believes that the government should support and further traditional moral teachings
Interest groups lobbying courts: two forms
One: direct sponsorship: providing resources (financial, human, or otherwise) to shepherd case through the judicial system - Group maybe even become a named party as in Planned Parenthood of southeastern Pennsylvania v Casey -amicus curiae briefs
How does the SCOTUS encourage a culture of secrecy?
Oral arguments are not televised, and utmost secrecy surrounds deliberations concerning the outcome of cases. (In contrast, C-SPAN brings us daily coverage of various congressional hearings and floor debate on bills and important national issues, and CNN and sometimes other networks provide extensive coverage of many important state court trials) Refusal to televise its proceedings -- including public oral arguments, although it now allows the release of same-day audio recordings of oral arguments.
What were the effects of the OPEC energy crisis on the environmental policy of the US?
Organization of error of exporting petroleum companies announced embargo oil to any nation that supported Israel during its worth Egypt and Syria - somatic increase in cost of oil in US - First rationing of gas in US since WWII thrust energy to the front of the government's agenda - National speed limit 55 mph - earlier date for daylight savings - Fuel efficiency standards for cars -efforts to increase availability of energy for nation
527 Committees
Organizations created with the primary purpose of influencing electoral outcomes; the term is applied only to freestanding interest groups that do not explicitly advocate for the election of a candidate -subject to very limited government regulation -no limits are set on how much an individual or other organization may contribute or on how much a group may spend on electoral activities -Favor Dems
Committees of Correspondance
Organizations in each of the American colonies created to keep colonists abreast of developments with the British; served as powerful molders of public opinion against the British
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Part of article IV of the constitution guaranteeing that the citizens of each state are afforded the same rights as citizens of all other states -guarantees that the rights of a citizen in one state will be respected by other states
Extradition Clause
Part of article IV of the constitution that requires states to extradite, or return, criminals to states where they have been convicted or are to stand trial
crossover voting
Participation in the primary election of a party with which the voter is not affiliated
How is the electorate in the general election different than primary elections
Party activists are generally more ideologically extreme than party-identified voters in the general electorate, and activists participate in primaries and caucuses at a relatively high rate.
Authoritative Techniques
Peoples actions must be directed or restrained by government in order to prevent or lemonade activities or products that are unsafe, unfair, evil, or a moral - Consumer products meeting safety regulations, radio stations find heavily or licenses revoked for Broadcasting obscenities
How does implementation shape policy?
Policies constantly subject to challenge in routine evaluations and budget allocations or in constitutional challenge is in the courts
Affirmative Action
Policies designed to give special attention or compensatory treatment to members of a previously disadvantaged group
How are governmental policies evaluated for effectiveness?
Policy evaluation, the determination of a policy's accomplishments, consequences, or shortcomings -conducted by variety of players including congressional committees, presidential commissions, administrative agencies, the courts, university researchers, private research organizations, and the GAO
Pluralism
Political resources in the US are scattered so widely that no single group could ever game monopoly control over any substantial area of policy -each participant has some impact on how political decisions are made
Candidate-centered politics
Politics that focus on the candidates, their particular issues, and character rather than party affiliation -weakening of the party system gave rise to this -has given candidates considerable power in how they conduct themselves during election season/how they seek resources -interest groups + lobbyists have stepped into the void that weaker parties have left behind
Exit polls
Polls conducted as voters leave selected polling places on Election Day
Push polls
Polls taken for the purpose of providing information on an opponent that would lead respondents to vote against that candidate -reputable polling firms eschew these tactics -intended to push voters away from the other candidate, designed to manipulate
legitimacy
Popular election confers on government a legitimacy that it can achieve no other way -- they confirm the concept of popular sovereignty (legitimate political power is derived from the consent of the governed)
Supremacy clause
Portion of the article VI of the constitution mandating that national law is supreme two (that is, supersedes) all other laws passed by the states or by any other subdivision of government
Reserved powers
Powers reserved to the states by the 10th amendment that lie at the foundation of the states right to legislate for the public health and welfare of its citizens
Pocket veto
Pres. has 10 days to sign bill and make it law, at the end of this time, the bill becomes law without his signature if Congress is still in session If Congress adjourns before the ten days are up, the president can choose not to sign the bill, which is called a pocket veto only one path from there; be reintroduced at next session of Congress and go through whole process again
Executive order
Presidents may institute major policy changes by issuing an executive order, a rule or regulation set forth by the president that has the effect of law without congressional approval (i.e President Truman also used an executive order to end segregation in the military, and affirmative action was institutionalized as national policy through Executive Order 11246, LBJ)
How does the ACA work?
Primary purpose was to establish a government run health insurance exchanges to ensure that nearly all Americans would have access to healthcare coverage Financed by number of taxes and fees Increase in the Medicare tax for Americans are earning more than 200 K per year Americans do not have to buy into these eggs these exchanges they have the option of retaining their private health insurance if they so choose Bill also provides incentives for businesses to offer health insurance very costly proposition for many employers Prevents health insurance companies from denying Americans coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions
Executive Privilege
Produced by US v. Nixon (1974) An implied presidential power that allows the president to refuse to disclose information regarding confidential conversations or national security to Congress or the judiciary.
What is the current status of environmental policy in the US today?
Prominent role held by energy and environmental policy on national governments agenda ended one 1970s ended - National government has not aggressively tackled environmental issues with policy reforms since 1970s
Equal Rights Amendment
Proposed amendment to the Constitution that states "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex"
Muller v Oregon 1908
Protective legislation for women ruled constitutional
Distributive Policies
Provide benefits to individuals, groups, communities, or corporations - Most common, typically the least controversial fed action to solve public problems - Provide a tangible benefits to the recipient well cost or shared widely and not necessarily viewed as competitive - Student loans farm subsidies water projects
Capacity Techniques
Provide people with information, education, training, or resources that enable them to participate in desired activities (Job training, information about interest rates
Race to the Top Initiative
Provided funding for education through competitive grant programs rather than a formula based on student achievement on standardized test - In response states adopt common core curriculum, implement new systems for performance-based teacher a valuations, and convert low performing schools to charter schools
Title IX
Provision of the education amendments of 1972 that bar is educational institutions that receive federal funds from discriminating against female students Expanded opportunities for women in elementary secondary post secondary institutions (economic/tech classes, female sports teams)
What is the current opinion Americans have of the SCOTUS?
Public confidence in the Court, as with other institutions of government, has ebbed and flowed. Public support for the Court was highest after the Court issued U.S. v. Nixon (1974). At a time when Americans lost faith in the presidency because of the Watergate scandal, they could at least look to the Supreme Court to do the right thing. Although the percentage of Americans with confidence in the courts has .fluctuated over time, in 2012, an all-time low of 52 percent of Americans approved of the way the Supreme Court was doing its job.
Pendleton Act
Public reaction to Garfield 's death and increasing criticism of the spoils system prompted Congress to pass the Civil Service Reform Act in 1883 (Pendleton Act) established merit system of federal employment on the basis of open, competitive exams and created a bipartisan three-member Civil Service Commission, which operated until 1978 Initially, covered only 10% of positions in the fed. civil service system, but later laws and executive orders extended coverage of the act to over 90%
De Facto Discrimination
Racial discrimination that results from practice (such as housing patterns or other social or institutional, non-governmental factors) rather than the law
De Jure Discrimination
Racial segregation that is a direct result of law or official policy
Why was Ronald Reagan's support for the Contras controversial?
Reagan authorized creation of Contras to combat Sandinista government trying to bring down pro-American dictatorial rule Connection between the controversial creation and funding of this rebel group and the sale of unauthorized arms to Iranian militants
Block Grant
Reagan's new federalism; the federal - state relationship proposed by Reagan and mysteries and during the 1980s hallmark of which is returning administrative powers of the state governments -hallmark of new federalism = block grants Large grant given to a state by the federal government with only general spending guidelines
What was Ronald Reagan's defense policy?
Reestablish credibility and restore military strength Reagan Doctrine: combating communism by providing military assistance to anti-communist groups (ie Contras in Nicaragua)
New Federalism
Ronald Reagan 1980- return of power to the states (devolution) -emphasis on block grants (many to education + health care) -TANF: Gingrich + Clinton, devolution revolution, administrative power for welfare programs to states
Why was a bus boycott initiated in Montgomery, AL?
Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to leave her seat in the front of the colored section of the bus to make room for a white male passenger After a year public transit system ordered to integrate by city officials
How did the SNCC and SCLC differ in their approach?
SCLC: Southern Christian leadership conference MLK Jr. SCLC had a southern base in was rooted in black religious culture emphasized importance of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience SNCC: student nonviolent coordinating committee he Whereas the SCLC generally worked with church leaders in the community, S and CC was much more of a grassroots organization more radical, tended to focus its organizing activities of the young both black and white
Freedom Riders
SNCC led college students/other civil rights activist traveled by bus throughout the south in effort to force bus stations to desegregate Often faced angry mobs of segregationists/brutal violence, local police chose not to defend the protesters basic constitutional rights Increasingly white college students from North begin to play important role in SNCC
Full faith and credit clause
Section of article IV of the Constitution that ensures judicial decrees and contracts made in one state will be binding and enforceable in any other state
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Section of article IV of the constitution that ensures judicial decrees and contracts made in one state will be binding and enforceable in any other state -facilitates trade and commercial relationships
Why was the South reluctant to free the slaves in the 1840s?
Self dependent on agriculture such as cotton tobacco and rice with cheap slave labor as its economic base Technological advances turning northern states into industrialized region which deep in the cultural and political differences between North and South
What was the role of the federal government in allowing the Jim Crow system stronger and more deeply entrenched?
Separate but equal doctrine in Plessy V Ferguson Jim Crow system expanded and became way of life and a rigid social code in the American south
What is the gender discrimination test set up in the case of Craig v. Boren?
Sex discrimination complaints would be judged according to a new judicially created intermediate standard of review a step below strict scrutiny To withstand constitutional challenge, classifications by gender must serve important governmental objectives and must be substantially related to achievement of those objectives
original court: "Smith v Jones"
Smith wronged by Jones Jones loses case, appeals Jones becomes plaintiff, case becomes Jones v Smith
Endorsements
Some interest groups recruit endorse, and or provide financial or other forms of support political candidates - Emily's list founded to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates - 2012, spent more than 30 million in direct contributions to candidates, volunteer mobilization, hiring campaign consultants, funding for some direct media - Candidate endorsements play a prominent role in focusing voters attention on candidates who advocate policies consistent with interest group beliefs
Collective good
Something of value that cannot be withheld from a nonmember of a group, for example, a tax write-off or a better environment.
Who was the first Hispanic to serve on the SCOTUS?
Sonia Sotomayor
How can the federal government make sure that states are in compliance with NCLB?
Standardized testing
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Statute that defines a disabled person as someone with a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more "life activities" Extends protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to all citizens with mental or physical disabilities Guarantees access to public facilities, employment, and communication services Requires employers to modify work equipment/schedules/make facilities accessible
SOPA
Stop online piracy act - Congressional action to limit online piracy, would have given officials the power to shutter entire Internet domains if federal law-enforcement officers suspected they were infringing on copyright laws - SOPA and PIPA Both defeated, more than 7 million people petitionedCongress - Fear that the government could potentially have the power to shut down any website at will
What are the advantages of Super PACs over conventional PACs
Super PACs must disclose the sources of their contributions to the FEC -but they may take money from any person or organization interested in influencing the political process -not subject to contribution or expenditure limits
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Supreme Court case that challenged Louisiana statute requiring that railroads provide separate accommodations for blacks and whites The court found that separate but equal accommodations did not violate the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment Separate but equal
US v. Nixon (1974)
Supreme Court ruled unanimously that no overriding executive privilege sanctioned the president's refusal to comply with a court order to produce information for use in the trial of the Watergate defendants Watergate produced executive privilege
National Women's Suffrage Association
Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Formed to achieve goal of women suffrage and other women's rights
Infotainment
TV programming that blends political news and information with entertainment - Has exploded as a way for citizens to engage with the political process - Late night comedy shows, daytime talk shows, and comedy news shows - SNL, Jay Leno, David Letterman late show, late night with Jimmy Fallon - On Fallon, President Obama slow jams the news and the first lady challenged Fallon to an obstacle course race through the White House -The daily show, the Colbert report, the O'Reilly factor - Soul allegiance to comedy, not the most important news
What is an argument in favor of Affirmative Action?
Taking race and gender into account in fashioning remedies for discrimination is the only way to overcome the lingering and pervasive burdens of racism and sexism. Constitution is not and should not be blind to color or sex
Narrowcasting
Targeting media programming at specific populations within society -made possible by cable and satellite TV making available additional channels and fierce competition to attract viewers -MSNBC and Fox news are examples (Liberal versus conservative) -can target racial, ethnic, religious groups -has grown with the rising use of smart phones and mobile apps - Promotes the intraspecific to segments of the population, often appeals to pre-existing views of members -can result in further polarization of public opinion
front loading
Tendency of states to choose an early date on the nomination calendar -has altered the role of primaries/caucuses -benefits the front-runner; opponents have little time to turn the contest around once they fall behind -front-loading gives an advantage to the candidate who wins the "invisible primary," that is, the one who can raise the bulk of the money before the nomination season begins. -Internet fundraising has softened the invisible primary winner advantage, raise large sums from small donors nationwide virtually overnight
Why does the SCOTUS care about public opinion in the long run?
The Court also is dependent on the public for its prestige as well as for compliance with its decisions. In times of war and other emergencies, for example, the Court frequently has decided cases in ways that commentators have attributed to the sway of public opinion and political exigencies. In Korematsu v. U.S. (1944), for example, the high court upheld the obviously unconstitutional internment of Japanese, Italian, and German American citizens during World War II.37 Moreover, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist once suggested that the Court's restriction on presidential authority in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952), which invalidated President Harry S Truman's seizure of the nation's steel mills, was largely attributable to Truman's unpopularity in light of the Korean War.
Why was the post office important in the presidency of Andrew Jackson?
The Post Office had to enlarge to meet the needs of a growing and westward-expanding population The Post Office quickly became a major source of jobs President Jackson could fill by presidential appointment (spoils system)
US v. Lopez (1995)
The Rehnquist Court ruled that Congress lacked constitutional authority under the commerce clause to regulate guns within 1000 feet of schools - However well-intentioned, gun control laws even those involving schools, we're not substantially related to interstate commerce - Thus they were a state, not a federal, matter
Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857)
The Supreme Court concluded that the US Congress lacked the constitutional authority to bar slavery in the territories. --Narrowed the scope of national power, while it enhanced that of the states
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
The Supreme Court upheld broad congressional power to regulate interstate commerce. The courts broad interpretation of the Constitution's COMMERCE CLAUSE paved the way for later rulings upholding expansive federal powers (commerce includes commercial activities)
Policy adoption
The approval of a policy proposal by people with the requisite authority, such as a legislature or chief executive
Counties
The basic administrative unit of local government -generally have broad responsibilities, used by state governments for welfare and environmental projects, courts, and the registration of land, births, and deaths
Dual Federalism
The belief that having separate an equally powerful levels of government is the best arrangement -LAYER CAKE FEDERALISM -adherents typically believe national gov should not exceed its constitutionally enumerated powers -as stated by the 10th Amendment, all other powers are, or should be, reserved to the states or to the people
winner take all primary
The candidate who wins the most votes in a state secures all of that state's delegates -Democrats no longer permit its use bc they see it as less representative than a proportional system -Republicans prefer it bc enables a candidate to amass a majority of delegates quickly + shortens the divisive primary season
What is the point of subcommittee hearings?
The committee usually refers the bill to one of its subcommittees -subcommittee's staff researches the proposed legislation -then the chair decides whether to hold hearings The subcommittee hearings provide an opportunity for those on both sides of the issue to voice their opinions. -After the hearings, the subcommittee revises the bill and then votes to approve or defeat it -If the subcommittee votes in favor of the bill, it is returned to the full committee
Policy Formulation
The crafting of proposed courses of action to resolve public problems on the agenda
Suffrage Movement
The drive for voting rights for women that took place in the United States from 1890 to 1920 Claimed women as mothers should be in franchised Took on racist in nativist overtones (if African-Americans in immigrants can vote why not women)
general election
The election in which voters decide which candidates will actually fill elective public offices
Mass media
The entire array of organizations through which information is collected and disseminated to the general public - Print sources - Movies - TV - Radio - Internet-based material Distributed using: - Broadcast - Cable - Satellite - Broadband technologies
Population
The entire group of people whose attitudes a researcher wishes to measure What the sample is supposed to represent (all Americans, all voters, all Hispanics, all Republicans)
What part of the Constitution is the lynchpin of Civil Rights? Why?
The equal protection clause of the 14th amendment Protects a variety of groups from discrimination
What was the legal argument that Thurgood Marshall made in Brown v. Board of Education?
The equal protection clause of the 14th amendment made Plessy's separate but equal doctrine unconstitutional If the court was still reluctant overrule classy, the only way to equalize schools was to integrate them
Medicare
The federal program established during the Lyndon B Johnson administration that provides medical care to elderly Social Security recipients
Necessary and proper clause
The final paragraph of article 1 section 8 of the Constitution, which gives Congress the authority to pass all laws "necessary and proper" to carry out the enumerated powers specified in the Constitution; also called the elastic clause
10th Amendment
The final part of the bill of rights that defines the basic principle of American federalism in stating that the powers not delegated to the national government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or to the people
Prior restraint
The government may not limit any speech or publication before they actually occur
Civil Rights
The government protected rights of individuals against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment by government or individuals
Secular Realignment
The gradual rearrangement of party coalitions, based more on demographic shifts then on shocks to the political system -i.e. the shrinking of one party's base of support and the enlargement of another's -i.e generational replacement (dying off of older gen) ex: S from Dem to Repub
Détente
The improvement in relations between the US and Soviet Union that occurred during the 1970s
Cooperative Federalism
The intertwined relationship between the national, state, and local government's that began with the New Deal -MARBLE CAKE FEDERALISM
What happens at the justices' conference?
The justices meet in closed conference twice a week when the Court is hearing oral arguments. . Once the door to the conference room closes, no others are allowed to enter. The justice with the least seniority acts as the doorkeeper for the other eight, communicating with those waiting outside to fill requests for documents, water, and any other necessities. Conferences highlight the importance and power of the chief justice, who presides over them and makes the initial presentation of each case. Each individual justice then discusses the case in order of his or her seniority on the Court, with the most senior justice speaking next. Most accounts of the decision-making process reveal that at this point some justices try to change the minds of others, but that most enter the conference room with a clear idea of how they will vote on each case. The Roberts Court is much more informal than the Rehnquist Court. The justices' regular conferences now last longer and, unlike the conferences headed by Rehnquist, Roberts encourages discussion.
Why is it difficult to determine the winner in a tight race?
The margin of error in a close race makes predictions very difficult.
Power of individual Senators
The minority leader and the Republican and Democratic whips round out the leadership positions in the Senate and perform functions similar to those of their House counterparts. Leading and whipping in the Senate can be quite a challenge Senate rules always have given tremendous power to individual senators in most cases senators can offer any kind of amendments to legislation on the floor an individual senator can bring all work on the floor to a halt indefinitely through a filibuster unless three-fifths of the senators vote to cut him or her off.
Clean Air Act of 1970
The most significant piece of environmental legislation in American history - Congress established a national primary and secondary air quality standards for six air pollutants - Primary for the protection of human health, and the secondary standards were put to protect non-health values such as crops buildings lakes and Forests
Has the federal government taken decisive steps to deal with climate change? Explain
The national government offers tax incentives for energy efficient construction and has also encouraged the use of compact fluorescent lightbulbs
How has the power of the executive relative to the legislative branches fluctuated over time?
The post-Civil War Congress tried to regain control of the vast executive powers that the recently slain President Abraham Lincoln had assumed. Tenure of Office Act -> Jackson impeached attempt to remove the president greatly weakened his power, and the Congress again became the center of power and authority in the federal government Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, andLyndon B. Johnson viewed the presidency as carrying with it enormous powers. -Especially since the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Congress has ceded to the president a major role in the legislative process.
Implied powers
The powers of the national government derived fromArticle I, Section 8. includes: -enumerated powers -necessary and proper clause
Enumerated powers
The powers of the national government specifically granted to the Congress in article 1, section 8 of the Constitution
Polarization
The presence of increasingly conflicting and divided viewpoints between the Democratic and Republican parties
Popular Consent
The principle that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed (willingness to vote expresses consent to be governed)
Redistricting
The process of redrawing congressional districts to reflect increases or decreases in the number of seats allotted to a state, as well as population shifts within a state -After seats are apportioned, state legislatures must redraw congressional districts to reflect population shifts, thereby ensuring that each member in Congress represents approximately the same number of residents
Political socialization
The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs and values
reapportionment
The reallocation of the number of seats in the House of Reps after each decennial census (changes numbers of electors in states- i.e. population shift from Midwest/Northeast to South and West)
Nullification
The right of a state to declare void a federal law -part of basis for secession
Why do you think that African Americans used the courts, rather than electoral politics, to effect change?
The separate but equal doctrine in the proliferation of Jim Crow laws bard hopes for full equality for African-Americans Traditional legislative channels were unlikely to work given African-Americans limited or nonexistent political power Thus the federal courts in the litigation strategy were the only hope
Civic virtue
The tendency to form small-scale associations for the public good. -creates fertile ground within communities for improved political and economic development -if Americans are joining fewer groups, citizen engagement in government would likely suffer
Disturbance theory
The theory that interest groups form as a result of changes in the political system. -how pluralist theorists explain the formation of interest groups -one wave of groups will give way to another wave representing a contrary perspective (a countermovement) -thus, as argued by one theorist, all salient issues will be represented in government
Pluralist theory
The theory that political power is distributed among a wide array of diverse and competing interest groups.
Transactions theory
The theory that public policies are the result of narrowly defined exchanges or transactions among political actors. -arose out of criticisms of pluralist approach Two main contentions: -it is not rational for people to mobilize into groups -therefore, groups that do mobilize will represent elites -expect elite bias in interest group system -esp. In the case of collective goods, it makes little sense for individuals to join a group if they can gain the benefits secured by others at no cost and become "free-riders"
Majority Leader of the Senate
The true leader of the Senate -elected by majority party -Because the Senate is a smaller and more collegial (responsibility and authority shared equally by colleagues) body, the majority leader is not nearly as powerful as the Speaker of the House.
Free Riders
Those who don't work for the benefit of a group still reap the rewards of the groups activity
What is "business necessity" and how does it relate back to Title VII?
Title VI I of the civil rights act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for a variety of reasons including race, sex, age, and national origin Business necessity means that certain practice has a demonstrable relationship to successful performance of a particular job Women have long been kept out of many occupations on the strength of the believe that customers prefer to deal with Maille personnel Airlines believe the passengers preferred being served by young attractive women Large factories manufacturing establishments in police and fire departments avoid hiring women by subjecting them to Arbitary height and weight requirements Like the tests declared illegal by the court relation between these requirements and job performance off and could not be shown, and the federal courts eventually ruled them illegal
Why did Warren say that separate but equal schools were always unequal?
To separate some school children from others solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way very unlikely ever to be undone We can include unanimously that in the field of public education the doctrine of separate but equal has no place
What makes Native Americans legally distinctive compared to other minority groups in the US?
US Constitution considers Indian tribes distinct governments
Why will a popular presidential election likely never happen?
US Constitution would have to be amended to abolish the Electoral College
Department of Homeland Security
US federal agency created in 2002 to coordinate national efforts against terrorism
UN Security Council
US, GB, France, China, SU permanent members A principal part of the United Nations charged with authorizing peacekeeping operations, international sanctions, and military action in order to maintain global peace and security
Straw Poll
Unscientific survey used to gauge public opinion on a variety of issues and policies -asking the same question of a large number of people unofficial vote
What are the pro and con arguments around the issue of vouchers?
Vouchers are certificates issued by the government that may be applied towards the cost of attending private or other public schools Supporters argue that if parents are move their students are failing schools the schools will quickly learn they have to improve educational quality - Opponents contend that allowing students to take money away from failing schools is counterintuitive and actually makes it harder failing schools to improve
RA #5 18.2 How did the rise in prominence of the United States affect its foreign policy?
WWII cemented US status as a world power
9/11 change in foregoing policy
War on Terror: an international action by President George W Bush after the 9/11 attacks to weed out terrorist operatives throughout the world
How does the budgetary policy shape domestic policy?
Went to policies adopted funding levels are recommended but must be finalized by another set of policymakers - how policy is funded has significant effect on at scope, impact, and effectiveness - OSHA limited funding allows them to inspect only small number of cases
Public Opinion
What the public thinks about a particular issue or set of issues at any point in time
Explain how abolitionism had a female influence. Why was this controversial?
Women were second-class citizens, not allowed to speak out in public participate equally in abolitionist activities cannot divorce their husbands or keep their own wages and inheritance could not vote
Appellate Jurisdiction
a court's ability to review and/or revise cases already decided by a trial court SCOTUS appellate jurisdiction: -all other cases -all federal crimes, except those involving impeachment, shall be tried by jury in the state in which the crime was committed -treason mandates at least two witnesses
Original Jurisdiction
a court's authority to hear disputes as a trial court; trial courts determine the facts of a case SCOTUS original jurisdiction: -cases involving state governments or public officials
Conventional Political Participation
activism that attempts to influence the political process through commonly accepted forms of persuasion -voting, writing letters, making campaign contributions
Unconventional Political Participation
activism that attempts to influence the political process through unusual or extreme measures -protests, boycotts, picketing.
Politico
acts as trustee or delegate depending on the issue On matters of great concern to their constituents, representatives most likely will vote as delegates; on other matters, perhaps those less visible, representatives will act as trustees and use their own best judgment.
Who are the "czars"?
administrators given authority by the president over important policy priorities - czars report directly to the president with updates concerning their target areas -This delegation of authority allows the president to over see special interests while spending his time on the pressing issues of state -Obama administration czars: "California Water Czar"; "Drug Czar."
The Executive Office of the President
agencies that advise in key policy: National Security Council (NSC), the Council of Economic Advisers, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Office of the Vice President, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Presidents can clearly indicate their policy preferences by the kinds of offices they include in the EOP Although the president appoints the members of each of these bodies, they must perform their tasks in accordance with congressional legislation. As with the Cabinet, depending on who serves in pivotal positions, these mini-agencies may not be truly responsible or responsive to the president.
identify independent regulatory commissions
agencies that regulate or punish wrongdoing for people, groups, corporations, etc. that do not follow the rules -have commission in the name -Examples are the FCC (regulate broadcasting, say something inappropriate and be fined or banned from the airwaves), the SEC (determining if people bought and sold stocks illegally or had information that the public didn't have), and the Federal Trade Commission (determining if a product is being advertised to do something that it can't possibly do)
Writ of Certiorari
all legal docs. associated w/case brought to DC, then justices consider case An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review
Congressional Review
allows Congress to exercise its oversight powers by nullifying agency regulations -House and Senate may also nullify actions of the Washington, D.C. City Council -Congress has sixty days after the implementation of an administrative action to pass a joint resolution of legislative disapproval. The president must also have signed the resolution. -Historically, congressional review has been used rather infrequently
Press Conference
an elected official appears in person to talk with the press at great length about an unrestricted range of topics
bicameral legislature
any two-house legislature
What cases do the DC Circuit Court of appeals hear?
appeals involving federal regulatory commissions and agencies (i.e. NLRB, SEC)
How do race and gender figure into the decision a president makes in judicial selection?
appoint female to gain more of the female vote race to keep racially balanced court (Clarence Thomas to replace Thurgood Marshall) As the ethnic diversity of the United States has increased, presidents have faced greater pressure to nominate a Hispanic justice to the Supreme Court. one woman on the Supreme Court was hardly proportional to women's representation within the legal profession --- Sotomayor + Kagan
How does ideology figure into the selection of federal judges?
appoint individuals who share their policy preferences have political goals in mind when they appoint a judge or justice molding the federal judiciary to their own political beliefs. their own party affiliation.
senatorial courtesy
appointments to district courts considered by individual senators
Why is an approval rating important for a president?
approval ratings used as tacit measures of their political capital: their ability to enact public policy simply because of their name and their office presidents w/ high approval ratings seem as more powerful leaders w/ a mandate for action low approval ratings often cripple presidents in the policy arena
What is a power only in the hands of the Senate?
approve major presidential appointments -federal judges -ambassadors -Cabinet- and sub-Cabinet-level positions must approve all presidential treaties by a 2/3 vote
How did John Marshall strengthen both the SCOTUS and the National government
ardent federalist, supremacy of fed over state, gave SCOTUS prestige
What is the role of the First Lady/ (Gentleman?)In assisting the President?
assisted presidents as informal advisers while making other, more public, and significant contributions to American society (Abigail Adams/Eleanor Roosevelt women's status, Michelle Obama health/physical activity)
negative ad
attack the opponent's character or platform -with the exception of the candidate's brief, legally required statement that he or she approved the ad, a negative ad may not even mention the candidate who is paying for the airing -number has increased dramatically during the past two decades
Social Contract Theory
basis for popular consent, government is a contract between the governors and those being governed, people must consent to how they are being governed
Why is it tough to pass a law in the Congress?
bill must survive several stages before it becomes a law -One or more standing committees and both chambers must approve it -if House and Senate versions differ, each house must accept a conference report resolving those differences Multiple stopping points provide many opportunities for legislation to die or members to revise the content of legislation may lead representatives to alter their views many times over
Government Corporations
businesses established by Congress to perform functions that private businesses could provide -gov. often forms corporations when the financial incentives for private industry to provide services are minimal -In other cases, Congress intervenes to salvage valuable public assets (Amtrak) -Unlike other governmental agencies, government corporations charge a fee for their services. US Postal Service, Amtrak, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) i.e. TVA provides electricity at reduced rates to millions of Americans in Appalachia (it was a poor region of Appalachia that had failed to attract private companies)
proportional representation primary
candidates who secure a threshold percentage of votes are awarded delegates in proportion to the number of popular votes won - Democrats now use this system in many state primaries, delegates to anyone who wins more than 15% of the vote in any congressional district - fairest way of allocating delegates to candidates, but renders majorities of delegates more difficult to accumulate --> can lengthen the presidential nomination contest
appellate jurisdiction
case called on to hear case, not original jurisdiction
What cases do Circuit Courts hear most often?
civil or criminal cases
Independent Executive Agencies
closely resemble Cabinet departments, but have narrower areas of responsibility -Generally, independent agencies perform services rather than regulatory functions -The president appoints the heads of these agencies, and they serve, like Cabinet secretaries, at his pleasure -exist apart from executive departments for practical or symbolic reasons -NASA, not in DoD -EPA, not in DoI
contrast ad
compare the records and proposals of the candidates, with a bias toward the candidate sponsoring the ad
Pardon
constitutionally sanctioned executive grant releasing an individual from the punishment or legal consequences of a crime before or after conviction, and restores all rights and privileges of citizenship -check on judicial power
Why is the job of a campaign finance director more important than ever?
cost of campaigns has risen/ fund-raising has become more important = finance chair has also grown in prestige and significance. coordinate financial efforts of the campaign -raising money, keeping records of funds received/spent, filing required paperwork w/FEC
Minority Leader
counterpart of majority leader in the party with the second highest number of seats
precedent
court rules about a matter, establishes precedent, other courts should rule in same matter from then
Judicial Restraint
courts should allow the decisions of other branches to stand, even when they offend a judge's own principles the courts should defer policy making to other branches of government as much as possible - defend position by asserting that unelected judges make up the federal courts, which renders the judicial branch the least democratic branch of government Restraintists refer to Roe v. Wade (1973), the case that liberalized abortion laws, as a classic example of judicial activism run amok. They maintain that the Court should have deferred policy making on this sensitive issue to the states or to the elected branches of the federal government.
Special interest caucuses
created around issues, home states, regions, congressional class, or other commonalities -Today all caucuses are informal in nature, (some, i.e. Black and Hispanic Caucuses, Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, far more organized than others)
Independent Regulatory Commissions
created by Congress to exist outside the major departments and regulate a specific economic activity or interest -NLRB, FCC, SEC Most were created specifically to be free from partisan political pressure -fixed staggered terms Unlike the case of executive department heads, the president cannot easily remove them Regulatory boards established since the 1960s concern themselves with how the business sector relates to public health and safety -(OSHA), for example, promotes job safety. - These boards and commissions often lack autonomy and freedom from political pressures; they are generally headed by a single administrator who is subject to removal by the president. Thus, they are far more susceptible to the political wishes of the president who appoints them
Federal Trade Commission
created by Congress to protect small businesses and the public from unfair competition, especially from big business
Citizens United v. FEC (2010)
declared unconstitutional BCRA's ban on electioneering communications made by corporations and unions -significant blow to BCRA's provisions, has had dramatic effect on the power of interest groups and corporations in campaigns and elections As a result of these rulings, campaign spending surpassed all recent records, spending approximately $6 billion on the 2012 election. The cumulative result of these decisions-and the Supreme Court's willingness to equate money with speech-has been to effectively gut campaign finance law in the United States. Though limits still exist on individuals' expenditures to parties and candidates, INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES, or funds spent to advocate for the election of a candidate without coordinating with that candidate's campaign committee, are virtually unlimited
How did the progressive era affect interest groups?
desire for reform = explosion of all types of interest groups including trade, labor, and the first public interest groups -Rapid industrialization, an influx of immigrants, and monopolistic business practices = crime, poverty, unsafe working conditions, widespread political corruption -Many Americans began to believe new measures would be necessary to impose order on this growing chaos
Why did Obama travel a lot during the first 6 months? How did this affect his public approval rating?
during first 6 months, Obama traveled abroad more than any other president -goal was to rebuild the international reputation of the US -Both he and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton went out of their way to embrace international values, especially in the Middle East This leadership left many Americans feeling sour, and believing that the president had neglected the many domestic problems facing the United States, including jobs, the economy, and health care reform.
Constitutional Courts
federal courts Constitution either established them or authorized Congress to establish them judges appointed by pres, life tenure
Independent Regulatory Commissioners
each president has the authority to appoint as many as one hundred commissioners, but they become independent of his direct political influence once they take office
Independent Regulatory Commission
entity outside a major executive department generally focus on particular aspects of the economy.
National Security Council (NSC)
established in 1947 to advise the president on American military affairs and foreign policy comprised of: president; VP; and the secretaries of state, defense, and treasury. chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff + the director of the CIA also participate.
Congressional Budget Act of 1974
established the congressional budgetary process we use today. -created the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) -created reconciliation- allows consideration of controversial issues affecting the budget by limiting debate to twenty hours, thereby ending the threat of a filibuster in the Senate -includes a timetable intended to make sure that action on the budget occurs without unnecessary delay -if budget resolution not approved by Oct. 1, fed may shut down (i.e. Bill Clinton) Although this is the formal process for passing a budget, Congress has not passed a full budget since 2001. (8 temp. budgets passed to keep gov. running)
Super PACs
established to make independent expenditures - Unlike traditional PACs, they cannot give money directly to candidates or party committees. However, they may advocate on behalf of candidates.
Spoils system
executive's ability to fire public-office holders of the defeated political party and replace them with party loyalists.
How candidates use new media outlets to their advantage?
faster printing technologies, reliable databases, instantaneous Internet publishing and mass e-mail, social media sites, autodialed prerecorded messages, and enhanced telecommunicationsand teleconferencing. -candidates can gather and disseminate information more quickly and effectively than ever. "rapid response" techniques: the formulation of prompt and informed responses to changing events on the campaign trail. Internet, growth of online social media sites -Many candidates also use new media to target specific constituencies -Robocalls remarkably efficient; campaign consultants can reach up to 2,500 telephones per minute at only pennies per call -buy ad space in targeted locations
How does the Judicial Branch control the bureaucracy?
federal judges issue injunctions or orders to an executive agency even before a rule is publicized, giving the federal judiciary a potent check on the bureaucracy agencies must give all affected individuals their due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution -i.e. SSA cannot stop a recipient's checks unless that individual receives reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing litigation/threat of litigation, often exerts a strong influence on bureaucrats. Injured parties can bring suit against agencies for their failure to enforce a law and can challenge agency interpretations of any law. In general, however, the courts give great weight to the opinions of bureaucrats and usually defer to their expertise
Why SCOTUS doesn't hear lots of cases from state supreme courts
federalism- don't want to overstep bounds/cross line between state and fed power
Filibuster
formal way of halting Senate action on a bill by means of long speeches or unlimited debate -grew out of the absence of rules to restrict speech in the Senate -content has no limits as long as a senator keeps talking -Often, team of senators takes turns speaking to continue the filibuster in the hope of tabling or killing a bill -use has increased in recent years -simply the threat of a filibuster can be quite potent; in the modern Senate, often takes assured votes of 60 senators for a bill to come to a final vote because of the threat of a filibuster
How is the Necessary and Proper Clause (often called the elastic clause) used today to justify all sorts of federal activities?
gives Congress the authority to enact laws "necessary and proper" for exercising any of its enumerated powers
What is the cycle of presidential approval that holds true for most presidents?
highest level of public approval at the beginning of their terms, try to take advantage of this "honeymoon period" to get their programs passed by Congress as soon as possible Each action a president takes is divisive, disapproval accumulates over terms Since Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, only four presidents have left office with approval ratings of more than 50 percent Many people attribute this trend to events such as Vietnam, the Iraq War, and economic recessions that have made the public increasingly skeptical of presidential performance
When does the VP become "acting President"
if the president is incapacitated or unable to fulfill his duties (25th Amendment)
Government Accountability Office
independent regulatory agency w/purpose of auditing the financial expenditures of the executive branch and federal agencies has 4 additional functions: -sets government standards for accounting -provides a variety of legal opinions -settles claims against the government -conducts studies upon congressional request
press secretary
individual charged with interacting and communicating with journalists on daily basis
ballot measures
initiative and referendum; both allow voters to enact public policy -subject of heated debate in the past decades
Why might voter ID laws be discriminatory?
intended to prevent voter fraud in theory -disproportionately limit the ballot access for women, minorities, the poor, the elderly, and the disabled
Strict constructionists
interpret the Constitution as the Framers wrote/ intended it Court should rely on the explicit meanings of the clauses in the document, which can be clarified by looking at founding documents, when determining the constitutionality of a statute or policy Advocates of judicial restraint generally agree that judges should be strict constructionists
What are the responsibilities of the White House Chief of Staff?
job is to facilitate the smooth running of the white house staff and the executive branch of government -protect the president from mistakes -help implement policies to obtain the maximum political advantage for the pres
Judicial Activism
judges should use their power broadly to further justice appropriate for courts to correct injustices committed by other branches of government -Implicit in this argument is the notion that courts need to protect oppressed minorities
Rule of Four
judges vote, certiorari is granted according to the Rule of Four -- when at least four justices vote to hear a case
Activists vs Restraintists politically
judicial activists -> politically liberal restraintists -> politically conservative -in recent years, conservative judicial activism has become prevalent -Liberal activist decisions often expanded the rights of political and legal minorities -conservative activist judges -> impose conservative rulings
What power does the judicial branch have over the legislative?
judicial review gives the Supreme Court the ability to review the constitutionality of acts of Congress in recent years, the Court has struck down congressional legislation at a rate of nearly three laws per term -Congress must be increasingly mindful of the Court's reaction w/ new laws
concurrent opinion
justice votes to affirm or reverse, but affirm or reverse in different way than the majority
Why is it important for a president to get off to a quick start?
key plans early in his administration because generally experience declining support (and approval ratings) for policies they advocate throughout their terms
majority opinion
language of the majority opinion sets the precedent -if Chief Justice votes w/majority, he writes majority opinion or chooses who he wants to write it -if he dissents, most senior justice of majority writes it or chooses who writes it
Article VI (the Supremacy Clause)
laws and treaties of the federal government are the "supreme law of the land"
Why is turnover high? Why is it a concern?
leave after only a short time on the job for more lucrative careers outside government Consequently, the military has enlisted private contractors at unprecedented rates to fill many bureaucratic positions in these potentially dangerous sites Many of these private contractors are former government employees who can make almost twice the amount of money working for private companies
Pork
legislation that allows representatives to bring money and jobs to their districts in the form of public works programs, military bases, or other programs
How is the Senate different in tone than the House?
less structured and dependent on organization more unwritten rules as opposed to formal rules historically governed by folkways-unwritten rules of behavior
federalist 10
liberty is safest in a large republic because many interests (factions) exist. Such diversity makes tyranny by the majority more difficult since ruling coalitions will always be unstable.
War Powers Resolution
limit the president's authority to introduce American troops into hostile foreign lands without congressional approval.
dissenting opinion
minority opinion judges criticizing decisions of other judges
What is a criticism of creating a national election day holiday?
misused to extend vacations or long weekends
hard money
money subject to campaign finance limits and regulations by the FEC
Education
more educated = more likely to vote (income and education highly correlated) less hindered by registration requirements
What is the current shape of the office of Speaker?
more power to office early 1900s, control of committee assignments/appointing of committee chairs. revolt against strong speakers 1910 formal powers reduced rely on more informal powers based on their personal leadership/ability to persuade other members gingrich restored more formal powers to speaker
What did the results of the 2012 elections reaveal about the American electorate?
most Americans are ideologically moderate
Buckley v. Valeo (1976)
no limit could be placed on the amount of money candidates can spend from their PACs, or their own families' resources ---> bc spending is considered a First Amendment right of free speech
What do you think is the purpose of the questionnaire issued by the Senate Judiciary Committee?
nominations to federal bench must be confirmed by Senate nominations are referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee committee investigates the nominees votes on its recommendation for Senate action the committee may reject a nominee or send the nomination to the full Senate for a vote. After a formal nomination is made and sent to the Senate, the Senate Judiciary Committee embarks on its own investigation asks each nominee to complete a lengthy questionnaire detailing previous work (dating as far back as high school summer jobs), judicial opinions written, judicial philosophy, speeches, and even all interviews ever given to members of the press. Committee staffers also contact potential witnesses who might offer testimony concerning the nominee's fitness for office.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
nonpartisan agency to help members make accurate estimations of revenues and expenditures and to lay out a plan for congressional action on the annual budget resolution, appropriations, reconciliation, and any other revenue bills. In general, establishes levels of spending for the federal government and its agencies during the next fiscal year The CBO was created in 1974 to evaluate the economic effect of different spending programs and to provide information on the cost of proposed policies. It is responsible for analyzing the president's budget and economic projections. The CBO provides Congress and individual members with a valuable second opinion to use in budget debates. "gold standard" for numbers- trustworthy -created by Congressional Budget Act of 1974
Libertarian
one who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties
12.6 Why do so few people vote?
other commitments, difficulty of registration, difficulty of voting, the number of elections, voter attitudes, and the weakened influence of political parties
Policy Entrepreneur
outside the formal positions of government, introduce, translate, and help implement new ideas into public practice. take lead of promoting a policy
List and describe four methods that the Congress has to regulate the bureaucracy
oversight committee investigations, hearings, and its power of the purse. -Congress can confirm (or reject) nominees to top bureaucratic positions -authority to create or abolish departments and agencies/transfer agency functions -OVERSIGHT: program evaluations, oversight hearings reactive oversight = congressional response to a complaint filed by a constituent, a politically significant actor, or the media. (BP oil spill investigation) power of the purse To control the bureaucracy, it can use its abilities to authorize spending and appropriate funds for an agency's activities, much like the proverbial carrot and stick. 1) Budget authorization sets the maximum amounts that agencies can spend on particular programs (specialized legislative committees) 2) appropriation of funds before they can be spent. (House Appropriations Committee) n
Merit system
patronage-jobs, grants, or other special favors given as rewards to friends and political allies for their support.
Apathy
people usually only interested in things directly affecting them (health care, employment, bank bailouts) than something like foreign policy
Judiciary Act of 1789
pervasive role of politics in the judicial branch became evident with its passage established the basic three-tiered structure of the federal court system. first: federal district courts: at least 1 in each state second: circuit courts (courts of appeals): If people participating in a lawsuit (called litigants) unhappy with district court's verdict, they could appeal their case to the circuit courts third: SCOTUS: designates size of SC (6) because Constitution did not: chief justice + 5 associate justices
Free rider problem
potential members fail to join a group because they can get the benefit, or collective good, sought by the group without contributing to the effort -bigger the group bigger the free rider problem
Inherent powers
powers belonging to the president because they can be inferred from the Constitution (such as that authorizing him to conduct diplomatic negotiations)
What is Medicare Part D? What are some of its problems?
prescription drug benefit for senior citizens Coverage gap where participants responsible for 100% of prescription cost until they reach their yearly maximum for out-of-pocket expenses
What are the factors which go into the selection of a VP running mate?
presidents have historically chosen their VPs largely to balance the ticket; politically, geographically, or otherwise
What is the primary tool the president can use to control the bureaucracy?
presidents try to appoint the best possible people to carry out their wishes and policy preferences -presidents or the Cabinet secretaries usually appoint most top policy-making positions
Hold
procedure by which a senator asks to be informed before a bill(or nomination) is brought to the floor -signals that a colleague may have objections to the bill (or nomination) and should be consulted before further action is taken -may be anonymous or public -can be placed for any reason -reviewing -negotiating changes -attempting to kill a bill -can be lifted by a senator at any time
Senatorial courtesy
process by which presidents generally allow senators from the state in which a judicial vacancy occurs to block a nomination by simply registering their objection. "blue slip""
The Hatch Act
prohibited federal employees from becoming directly involved in working for political candidates -Federal employees still, however, are prohibited from and running for office in partisan elections
The two formal ways that the Constitution can be amended
proposal: 1) a vote of 2/3 members of both houses of Congress 2) a vote of 2/3 of state legislatures specifically requesting Congress to call a national convention to propose amendments ratifification: 1) Favorable vote in 3/4 state legislatures 2) Favorable vote in specially called ratifying conventions in 3/4 of the states (used once for 21st amendment)
criminal court
prosecutor is the people of the state or the fed i.e."The People of the Commonwealth of MA" the people are wronged in criminal case
12th Amendment
provided for separate elections for pres./VP
Administrative Adjudication
quasi-judicial process in which a bureaucratic agency settles disputes between two parties in a manner similar to the way courts resolve disputes -used to force persons/businesses to comply with agency rules or regulations -formal exercise of administrative discretion
Policy Coordinating Committees
recent presidential administrations have set up policy coordinating committees (PCCs) to facilitate interaction among agencies and departments at the subcabinet level in areas marked by extraordinarily complex policy problems -PCCs gained increasing favor after 9/11 -i.e. Homeland Security Council PCC (HSC-PCC) oversees multiple agencies and executive departments to ensure the creation and implementation of consistent, effective homeland security policies, as well as the coordination of such policies with state and local agencies
horse race coverage
reporters are obsessed with the horse race aspect of politics--who is ahead, who is behind, and who is gaining--to the detriment of the candidates' issues and ideas. - The tone of the media coverage can affect whether people decide to give money/other support to a candidate
Trustee
representatives who listen to the opinions of constituents and are then trusted to use their own best judgment to make final decisions
Delegate
representatives who vote the way their constituents would want them to, regardless of their own opinions
Solicitor General
represents US gov on all lawsuits against US represents the federal government in the Supreme Court
Why was an electoral college created?
resulted from a compromise between those Framers who argued for selection of the president by the Congress and those who favored selection by direct popular election system was constructed to: 1) work without political parties 2) cover both the nominating and electing phases of pres. selection 3) produce a nonpartisan pres.
Voting
reverse seniority
Appellate court
review findings of law made by lower courts
original jurisdiction
right for a court to hear it first
How can the view of "commerce" in the Gibbons case lead to an expansion of federal powers?
ruled that Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce includes commercial activity, and that the commerce power had no limits except those specifically found in the Constitution
Senatorial Courtesy
senatorial courtesy, a process by which presidents generally defer to the senators who represent the state where the vacancy occurs -senators may submit a favorable or unfavorable review of a nominee or choose not to comment gives senators large say in federal district court appointments
25th Amendment
set up Presidential Succession; Vice Presidential Vacancy; Presidential Inability - VP and a majority of the Cabinet can deem a president unable to fulfill his duties -VP becomes acting pres if pres incapacitated -pres can voluntarily relinquish power (colonoscopy
Legislative Courts
set up by Congress under implied powers for special purposes (US territorial courts, Veteran Claims) judges appointed by president, fixed, 15 year renewable terms
Welfare State
should health care be a fundamental right guaranteed by the fed? A government that undertakes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens through programs in public health and public housing and pensions and unemployment compensation etc.
Why do members side with their constituents most of the time?
social welfare, domestic policy, or other crucial issues = legislators don't often vote against their constituents legislators tend to act as trustees w/ issues from committees on which they serve/ have other experience (i.e. vocational) with items of little concern in their district/have limited knowledge, legislators tend to turn to other sources for voting cues consequences of voting against their constituents' views on "wedge issues"- topics like same-sex marriage, insurance coverage for contraceptives, and flag burning
independent expenditures
spending for campaign activity that is not coordinated with a candidate's campaign
What really is the only alternative to elections to change governments?
strikes, riots, coups d'etat
Age
strong correlation between age and voter turnout 26th Amendment lowered voting age to 18 -only about 50% eligible 18-29 yr old are even registered to vote (young people more mobile) 30+ vote most, decreases over age 70
How Congress learns more about topics
support personnel at the: -Congressional Research Service (CRS) -Library of Congress -Government Accountability Office (GAO) -Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Civil Service system
system the government uses to hire workers Jackson- spoils system Rutherford B. Hayes- favored merit system, based on qualifications, test scores, and ability, rather than loyalty (not passed)
Recess Appointments
temporary appointments made while Congress is in recess (thus, WITHOUT congressional approval) -method for presidents to persuade Congress to approve or disapprove nominees quickly
RA#2 6.3___How do committees, political parties and congressional leadership organize Congress?___
the 113th Congress will sit in two sessions, one in 2013 and one in 2014
Discretionary Authority/Administrative Discretion
the ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional or executive intentions -allows decision makers (whether they are in a Cabinet-level position or at the lowest GS levels) a tremendous amount of leeway -exercised through two formal procedures: (1) rule making (2) administrative adjudication
judicial philosophy
the activism/restraint debate
Gerrymandering
the drawing of congressional districts to produce a particular electoral outcome without regard to the shape of the district -The redistricting process often involves gerrymandering
What is a power only in the hands of the House?
the origin of all revenue bills
Judicial Review
the power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action
Line-item Veto
the power to disapprove of individual items within a spending bill rather than the bill in its entirety. -Many governors have this authority -finally enacted in 1996
Iron triangles
the relatively ironclad relationships and patterns of interaction that occur among federal workers in agencies or departments, interest groups, and relevant congressional committees and subcommittees -Today, iron triangles no longer dominate most policy processes -Some do persist (Department of Veterans Affairs, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Federal Bureaucracy
the thousands of federal government agencies and institutions that implement and administer federal laws and programs frequently called the "fourth branch of government" criticized as being too large/powerful/ unaccountable to the people or even to elected officials/wasteful state and local bureaucracies and bureaucrats, numbers are proportionately far larger
Why has the size of the cabinet increased over time?
this advisory group selected by the president includes the heads of major executive departments Cabinet's major function is to help the president execute the laws and assist him in making decisions Cabinet has grown alongside the responsibilities of the national government as interest groups, in particular, pressured Congress and the president to recognize their demands for services and governmental action, they often were rewarded by the creation of an executive department Since a secretary heading an executive department automatically became a member of the president's Cabinet, powerful clientele groups, including farmers (Agriculture), business people (Commerce), workers (Labor), and teachers (Education), saw the creation of a department as a way to expand their access to the national government. While the size of the president's Cabinet has increased over the years, the reliance of most presidents on their Cabinet secretaries has decreased
redistributive policies
those whereby the government collects money (usually through taxation) from one group of citizens to finance a service, such as health care or welfare, for another group of citizens -best left to fed (according to Peterson)
Jurisdiction
types of cases a court can hear two types: -original -appellate
What has changed about the confirmation process of presidential cabinet appointments? How has this affected the executive branch?
until Clinton administration, Senate confirmed vast majority (97%) of all presidential nominations now, investigations into nominees' pasts and political wrangling in the Senate can delay the approval of nominees for months. Rejections leave a president without first choices, affect a president's relationship with the Senate, and influence how the public perceives the president
Logrolling
vote trading -occurs with issues that are of little interest to a legislator (vote now for future vote on similar leg.) -often w/ specialized bills targeting money or projects to selected congressional districts
ticket splitting
voting for candidates of different parties for various offices in the same election -possibly bc of growth of issue-/candidate-centered politics
Why not vote online?
wary of the security online hackers, inability to prevent voter fraud unintentionally disenfranchise the poor
Amicus curiae briefs
when a case that a group is interested in, but not actually sponsoring, comes before a court, the organization often will file an amicus brief - Either alone or with other like-minded groups - To inform the justices of the groups policy preferences, generally offered in the guise of legal arguments -an interest group has sponsored or filed in amicus curiae briefs and most of the major US Supreme Court cases - Number has increased as interest groups increasingly view litigation as useful tactic
Divided Government
when different political parties control the presidency and Congress
Unified Government
when the presidency and Congress are controlled by members of the same party and share a similar policy agenda.
Interagency Councils
working groups established to facilitate the coordination of policy making and implementation across a host of agencies -an alliance that has arisen in bureaucracy as result of increasing complexity of many policy domains -i.e. U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness: works to coordinate the activities of the more than fifty governmental agencies and programs that work to alleviate homelessness
What suggests that the Framers did not intend to have justices influence policy as much as they do?
would not have provided for life tenure with "good behavior" for all federal judges in Article III. -Framers believed a federal judiciary posed little threat of tyranny
Signing Statements
written comments attached to a bill when pres signs legislation -sometimes include how he intends to disregard/ implement parts of legislation have become another way for the president to use his informal powers to make and influence public policy -For example, these statements invite litigation and may delay policy implementation -happen at the end of the legislative process, so they represent a largely unchecked way for the president to assert himself in the ongoing power struggle with Congress
Charles Beard's Thesis
wrote that Constitution was written to protect the economic interests of its writers and benefit wealthy financial speculators (widely discredited today)
What are the common cases the SCOTUS elects to hear?
• The federal government is the party asking for review • The case involves conflict among the courts of appeals. • The case presents a civil rights or civil liberties question. • The case involves the ideological or policy preferences of the justices. • The case has significant social or political interest, as evidenced by the presence of interest group amicus curiae briefs. • Solicitor General position
