AP Gov Exam Concepts
Amicus Curiae Briefs
"Friend of the Court". Lawyers write briefs on behalf of a suing party; Lobbying the court.
Reserved Powers of State Government
10th Amendment states that powers not given to national government and not restricted to states are given to states
Civil War Amendments
13th, 14th, 15th - To grant equality and citizenship to African Americans
How Many Dept. and Agencies are in Bureaucracy?
15 Departments; 50 Agencies
Barron v. Baltimore
1833: The Bill of Rights only applies to the National Gvt.
Gregg v. Georgia
1976: The death penalty is not cruel and unusual punishment and not a violation of the 8th Amendment
Protection of Legal Rights for Women
19th Amendment
How Many Amendments to the Constitution?
27 Amendments
Number of Electoral Votes to Win
270
How Many Pres. Appointees in Bureaucracy?
3,000; 600 subject to Senate confirmation; 2,400 serving "at pleasure of president"
Incumbency Reelection Rate
90% of the incumbents seeking reelection get reelected.
Issue Network
A broad alliance of interest groups, individuals, journalists, policy experts, and researchers who unite in order to promote a change in government policy.
Plurality Election
A candidate can win without receiving a majority, rather they receive the MOST votes—this is how electoral votes are determined in states Can happen when more than two candidates run
One Person, One Vote
A concept holding that each person's vote should be counted equally. Established in Baker v. Carr in 1962. Stopped mal-apportionment
Corporate Lobbyist
A corporation that attempts to lobby congressmen in order to achieve personal goals.
Seniority Rule
A custom that gives the most important jobs in Congress to the members who have served the longest
Plea Bargain
A defendant's admission of guilt in exchange for a less severe punishment
Reprieves
A formal postponement of the execution of a sentence imposed by a court of law.
Independent Regulatory Commissions
A government agency or commission with regulatory power whose independence is protected by Congress. It is an agency created by Congress that is generally concerned with a specific aspect of the economy
Shay's Rebellion
A grassroots uprising (1787) by armed Massachusetts farmers protesting foreclosures; encouraged founders to write the Constitution
Electoral College
A group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president
Motor Voter Law
A law allowing people registering for a driver's license to also register to vote.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
A law designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African-American suffrage
Plea Bargaining
A legal negotiation in which a prosecutor reduces a charge in exchange for a defendant's guilty plea
Recall Election
A method of removing an official from office
Affirmative Action
A policy designed to give special compensation to a previously disadvantaged group.
Isolationism
A policy of trying to isolate one's country from the affairs of all the other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic agreements, and other international agreements. Isolationists generally favor economic nationalism.
Democratic Party
A political party formed by supporters of Andrew Jackson after the presidential election of 1824.
Limited Government
A political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.
Linkage Institution
A social institution linking ordinary people to the government and vice versa. State of Union is not one
Federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
Hyper-Pluralism
A theory of American democracy contending that groups are so strong that government, which gives into many different groups, is thereby weakened
Council of Economic Advisers
A three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy.
527 Groups
A type of U.S. tax-exempt organization organized under Section 527 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
13th Amendment
Abolished slavery. First of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War (1865-70)
24th Amendment
Abolition of poll taxes
Political Participation
Actions of private citizens by which they seek to influence or support government and politics.
12th Amendment
Added the separation of the president and vice president onto two different ballots
Free Speech & Assembly
Allow for people to assemble for protest openly, and speak for what they want
22nd Amendment
Amendment that created a 2 term limit on presidents.
16th Amendment
Amendment to the United States Constitution (1913) gave Congress the power to tax income.
21st Amendment
Amendment which ended the Prohibition of alcohol in the US, repealing the 18th amendment
Interstate Compact
An agreement among two or more states. Congress must approve most such agreements.
Executive Agreement
An agreement made between the president and another country; does not require congressional approval
Critical Elections
An election where new coalitions of voters have formed, beginning a new party era
Political Efficiency
An individual's belief that his or her political participation can make a difference
Diplomat
An official representing a country abroad
Federal Judges
Appointed by President to be approved by majority of Senate and serve for life
Lasting Influence of Supreme Court Appointments
Appointments serve for life, so while the president who appointed them is no longer in office, the judge with their ideology is still on the court
Federal Judge Nominees
Approved by Senate if Supreme Court; Members of Senate where court covers approve those judges
Congressional Power
Article I of the Constitution sets forth most of the powers of Congress. Congress has authority over financial and budgetary matters, the exclusive power to declare war, to raise and maintain the armed forces, has the power to establish post offices and post roads, issue patents and copyrights, fix standards of weights and measures, establish courts inferior to the Supreme Court, "To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers", to oversee the executive branch, and the impeachment power.
Parts of the Constitution
Article I: Legislative Branch/Congress Article II: Executive Branch/ White House Article III: Judicial Branch/ Federal Courts Article IV: Relations Among States Article V: Amending the Constitution Article VI: Supremacy Clause Article VII: How to Ratify
Under What Article is Bureaucracy Mentioned?
Article II
Privileges & Immunities Clause
Article IV; Prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner
Articles of Confederation vs. Constitution
Articles of Confederation had a weak central government and the states were too strong. There was no way for the national government to collect taxes to pay of debt, and currency varied between states. In the Constitution, a strong national government was established and they could collect taxes and make laws that affected the nation.
Creating New Federal Courts
Assigned to Congress in Article I
What is Bureaucracy Based On?
At first patronage; now it is based on merit.
18th Amendment
Ban on sale, manufacture, and transport of alcoholic beverages. Repealed by 21st amendment
If VP Spot is Vacant Then Nomination Must....
Be confirmed by both houses
Franking Privilege
Benefit allowing members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free
Block Grants and Federalism
Block grants are grants given to the states from the national government for a broad area of spending. This is most favored by the states
Federal Grants-in-Aid
Block grants, Categorical Grants, etc.
Brown vs. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education was a unanimous ruling issued in 1954. It overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, which had upheld state segregation laws for public facilities under the "separate but equal" doctrine. The Brown v. Board decision concluded that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," and the Court held that segregation of students in public schools violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Wesberry v. Sanders
Called for apportionment of representative seats in Congress to be as equal as possible
Hard Money
Campaign funds donated directly to candidates; amounts are limited by federal election laws
Results of Appealing Case to Supreme Court
Can be a landmark case and will shape the laws of the nation.
Candidate Centered Campaigns
Candidate emphasizes him/herself, usually incumbents or well known figures.
Plurality Election
Candidate with the most votes wins. AKA "Winner Take All" elections.
Changes in Presidential Election Processes (After 1960)
Candidates must run in primaries. Because of primaries, candidates must raise more money. Party leadership has been weakened. The conventions have become formalities.
Voting Patterns
Certain demographics tend to vote certain ways on certain issues.
Seven Roles of President
Chief of State; Chief Executive; Chief Legislator, Chief Economic Planner; Party Chief; Chief Diplomat; Commander in Chief Constitution does not state: Chief Economic Planner; Party Chief
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
Citizens United v. FEC was a 5-4 ruling issued in 2010. The dispute involved a conservative non-profit corporation interested in broadcasting a film critical of Hillary Clinton. Doing so violated the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which prohibited such corporate or union expenditures. The Court held that, "If the First Amendment has any force, it prohibits Congress from fining or jailing citizens, or associations of citizens, for simply engaging in political speech." The ruling enabled unlimited election spending by corporations and by groups known as super PACs.
Civil Rights vs. Civil Liberties
Civil Rights - Protect individuals/groups from discrimination; Example: Civil Rights Act of 1964 Civil Liberties - Protect individuals from government actions; Example: Bill of Rights
Establishment Clause
Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.
Collective Security
Collective security is in theory a powerful force in promoting peace and deterring aggression. When one member state is harmed all member states are obliged to respond. It can be difficult in practice, however, for the states involved to sustain the wide range of commitments and support required.
Voter Turnout Highest In
College-Educated Voters
Congressional Standing Committees
Committees with fixed membership and jurisdiction, continuing from Congress to Congress
Impacts of Divided Government
Compromise is more difficult; Increase in gridlock and things not getting done; Frustration/increased distrust with government Divided government has been more frequent since the 1970s
Who Creates Cabinet-Level Executive Depts?
Congress
20th Amendment
Congress begins on January 30th; President starts on January 20th "Lame-duck" Amendment
Commerce Clause
Congress can regulate trade between nations, between states (interstate), and among Indian tribes.
Congressional Oversight of Bureaucracy
Congress makes sure that the bureaucracy acts properly
Politico
Congress member votes with his/her party; Party Whip works to keep party members "in line"
Congressional Oversight
Congress's exercise of its authority to monitor the activities of agencies and administrators
How Was Bureaucracy Created?
Congressional Action
27th Amendment
Congressional Pay; Congress's power to fix the salaries of its members
Judicial Activism
Consider the Constitution as a living document and adjusting with the times, and a philosophy that the courts should take an active role in solving problems
Important Election of 1980 - Reagan
Continued political realignment and increase in Conservative Christians supporting the Republicans
Demographic of Delegates to Pres. Nom. Conventions
Delegates nominated in party conventions usually represent a specific majority of that party, such as the Democratic nominee Barack Obama represents minorities and the republican nominee represents the wealthy whites
Writ of Certiorari
Demanding lower courts to send up files on a case
Warren Court (1953 - 1969)
Desegregated schools (Brown v. Board) Exclusionary rule (Mapp v. Ohio) (Selective Incorporation) Attorneys for individuals with low incomes (Gideon v. Wainwright) Miranda Warning (Miranda v. Arizona) Abortion was NOT part of the Warren Court (1973)
Rules Committee (House)
Determines the rules for bills - date, time for debates, amendments Closed rule - set time limits, no amendments allowed Open rule - looser time limits, amendments are allowed
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Determining monetary policy in the US
Deterrence
Deterrence is an effective way of using a large military force to promote peace. It relies on the principle that nations will not engage with a military vastly superior to their own. The United States employs deterrence to reduce the threat of foreign attacks.
Role as Chief Diplomat
Directs foreign policy, makes treaties (formal agreements between 2 or more countries), executive agreements, recognize or not recognize governments of other countries and accept their ambassadors and set up embassies
District Court vs. Appellate Court
District courts hear cases for the first time. If one of the sides is unhappy with result, they appeal to appellate courts.
Divided Party Control of Pres. & Congress
Divided Government
Federal System of Government
Divides power between a national government and state governments
Incorporation Doctrine (Selective Incorporation)
Doctrine that makes the first ten amendments applicable to the states.
Role as Commander in Chief
Does not have the power to declare/make war, only can ask congress to do so, authority to use atomic weapons, authority to take actions at home to support war efforts, power to use military to control serious disorders in the nation
Drawing Congressional Districts
Drawn by state legislatures every 10 years following census (redistricting).
Dred Scott v. Sandford
Dred Scott was a slave who attempted to sue for his freedom. Dred Scott v. Sandford was a 7-2 ruling issued in 1857. The Court held that people of African descent lacked citizenship according to the Constitution, so Scott did not have standing to file his suit. This ruling overturned the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had restricted slavery to certain U.S. territories.
Special Session
During times of crisis or emergency President can bring back one or both houses of congress to deal with issue if congress on a break
Checks & Balances
Each branch makes sure the others are working the way they are supposed to, and is used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch.
Individual Senators Influence Over Legislative Process
Each senator votes and they have a much bigger influence over lawmaking than house members.
Ways and Means Committee (House)
Economic committee - taxation, tariffs, etc.; If a member serves on this committee, they CANNOT serve on another
Republican Southern Strategy
Elecotral strategy to increase southern white votes
Trustee
Elected officials use their own views, or is based on the public good, not necessarily on the views of the constituents
Primary Elections
Election in which voters choose the candidates from each party who will run in the general election
Elite & Pluralist Theory of Politics
Elite theory is the advocacy or existence of an elite as a dominating element in a system or society. Pluralist theory is a theory that competition among all affected interests shapes public policy.
Role as Chief Executive
Enforces laws, appoints and removes federal officials and federal judges (senate approval is needed), impoundment - can refuse to spend money on programs (unconstitutional), executive orders - rules that have the force of law, can grant reprieves, pardons, and amnesty
Engel v. Vitale
Engel v. Vitale was a 6-1 ruling issued in 1962. The Supreme Court ruled that government-written prayers could not be recited in public schools because such prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Court held that the promotion of a religion violates the First Amendment, even if the promotion is not coercive.
Influences of the Constitution
Enlightenment - John Locke and Montesquieu Articles of Confederation - very weak central government Shays' Rebellion - demonstrated the weakness of the Articles - strong government needed to keep order
Judicial Review
Established by Marbury v. Madison; Supreme Court can go over Congress' law to determine constitutional validity of a legislative act.
17th Amendment
Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures)
25th Amendment
Establishes procedures for succession to the presidency
House of Representatives Elections
Every year, house members that are up for reelection are elected on.
Presidential Veto
Executive Check on the Legislative Branch, a power of the President to reject a bill and prevent it from becoming a law
Who Can Maintain National Lobbying Organizations?
F.E.C - Federal Election Commission
Due Process
Fair treatment of the law. The government must act fairly and in accord with established rules in all that it does
Territorial Courts
Federal courts that administer justice to people living in U.S territories
Categorical Grants in Aid
Federal government giving money to the states for a particular purpose.
First Political Parties in America
Federalist and Democratic-Republican; Led by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson
Framer's Intent of Economic Powers
Federalists wanted a strong national government, written constitution, government needed to protect nation, solve domestic problems, checks and balances, Madison & Hamilton Anti-Federalists wanted strong state governments, oppose written constitution, they feared strong national government yet wanted executive similar to Monarchy
Free Exercise Clause
First Amendment requirement that law cannot prevent free exercise of religion
Framer's View of Primary Functions of Gov.
Form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty
How Does Madison Want to Control Factions?
Forming a large Republic with rules & regulations, ex. Bill of Rights, Separation of Powers, Checks & balances
Congressional Incumbency Advantage
Franking, name recognition, money, more media attention, casework
Pardons
Freedom from punishment
4th Amendment
Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures
Checks on Bureaucracy
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); Open Meetings Law; Government Accountability Office (GAO)
First Amendment
Freedom of religion, speech, and the press; right of petition and assembly
Supreme Court Justices' Background
From esteemed law schools and large background
Reynolds v. United States
George Reynolds was a member of the LDS Church and who, after marrying his second wife while still married to his first wife, was charged with bigamy as per the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act. In the unanimous 1878 Reynolds v. United States ruling, the Supreme Court held that religious duty is not a defense for criminal indictment.
Pork Barrel Legislation
Getting legislation to benefit their own constituents
Interest Groups Greatest Influence
Getting policies implemented
Gibbons v. Ogden
Gibbons v. Ogden was an 1824 case regarding the regulation of steamboat navigation in New York. The Court ruled that under Article I's Commerce Clause, Congress has the power to regulate any aspect of commerce that crosses state lines, including modes of transportation. It furthermore declared that such regulation preempts conflicting regulation by the states. Since Gibbons, the Commerce Clause has provided the basis for sweeping congressional power over a multitude of national issues.
Gideon v. Wainwright
Gideon v. Wainwright was a unanimous ruling issued in 1963. The Court held that the assistance of counsel is: a fundamental right under the Constitution, binding on the states, and essential for a fair trial and due process of law.
23rd Amendment
Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state and granted the District of Columbia 3 Electoral Votes
Judicial Restraint
Going word for word on the Constitution, a theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power.
Clear and Present Danger
Government can interfere with speech if it will lead to evil or illegal acts and it is a standard for judging when freedom of speech can be abridged.
Griswold v. Connecticut
Griswold v. Connecticut was a 7-2 decision issued in 1965. The Court invoked a right to marital privacy in order to overturn a Connecticut law that prohibited contraceptives. While the Bill of Rights doesn't explicitly mention privacy, the Court held that this right could be found in the "penumbras" and "emanations" of other constitutional protections. Later decisions by the Court, including Roe v. Wade, extended these principles of privacy.
Coalition Building
Groups coming together to achieve a goal
501 c4 Groups
Groups that are commonly called "social welfare" organizations that may engage in political activities, as long as these activities do not become their primary purpose; means they can use up to 49% of their raised funds for this purpose
Grutter v. Bollinger
Grutter v. Bollinger was a 5-4 decision issued in 2003. The case involved the University of Michigan Law School admissions program, which gave special consideration to certain minority groups when considering university acceptance. The Court held that this affirmative action policy did not violate the 14th Amendment because the law school had a compelling interest in promoting class diversity.
Attorney General
Head of the Department of Justice
Role as Chief Economic Planner
Helps keep the economy prosperous, submits an annual economic report to congress, power to control prices and fix wages, duty to prepare federal budget every year, Council of Economic advisers help with budget issues along with the Office of Management and Budget
Impeachment Process
House brings impeachment charges against president and Senate tries charges: Majority house and 2/3 Senate.
Rules Committee
House committee that establishes the regulations and limits for debate on bills
Electoral Behavior in the US
How people vote and what side they align with.
Pocket Veto
If President does not sign or veto bill in 10 days, then it is automatically vetoed
Rule of Four
If four of the Supreme Court judges wish to take up a case, only then it will be heard
Congressional Response to Supreme Court Ruling
If not favorable can pass an amendment; pass a new law, etc
Presidential Influence on Federal Judiciary
If there is a part open on Supreme Court, President can nominate judges
Exclusionary Rule
Improperly gathered evidence may not be introduced in a criminal trial
McCulloch v. Maryland
In 1816 Congress chartered the Second Bank of the United States, and in 1818 Maryland passed legislation to impose taxes on this bank. McCulloch v. Maryland was decided unanimously by the Court in 1819, and established two important principles in constitutional law: (1) The Constitution grants implied powers to Congress for implementing the Constitution's express powers. These implied powers are an integral component of a functional national government. As a result, Congress has the power to establish a bank as an instrument of the government in order to facilitate the collection and disbursement of revenue. (2) Federal laws have supremacy over state laws; consequently, Maryland did not have the power to interfere with a federal bank by taxing it.
Direct Primaries vs. Convention System
In direct primaries, voters choose candidates; ****
When is President Likely to get Congress Approval
In foreign affairs rather than in domestic affairs
Roe v. Wade
In the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, the Court ruled 7-2 that abortion is a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. The Court held that state laws criminalizing abortion violate a right to privacy that is implied by the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. The ruling also established a balance between a woman's privacy and the state's obligation to protect the woman and the potentiality of human life by granting states with the power to regulate pregnancies in the third trimester.
National Security Council
Includes the president's key foreign and military advisers
Ind. Regulatory Agencies & Separation of Powers
Independent Regulatory Agencies are part of the executive branch, therefore, they are overseen by the other branches
Super PACs
Independent groups that may not make contributions to candidate campaigns or parties, but may engage in unlimited political spending independently of the campaigns
Party Polarization
Indicated by votes in which a majority of voting Democrats oppose a majority of voting Republicans.
Political Factions (Federalist Papers)
Interest Groups
Uncontrollable Spending in Federal Budget
Interest and Entitlement Programs
14th Amendment
It granted citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," which included former slaves recently freed. In addition, it forbids states from denying any person "life, liberty or property, without due process of law" or to "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." By directly mentioning the role of the states, the 14th Amendment greatly expanded the protection of civil rights to all Americans
Voter Turnout Rate
It is becoming lower, it is the percentage of eligible voters coming to vote; percentage of eligible voters who actually vote
Imprisonment Without Trial
It is illegal
Solicitor General
Justice Department officer who argues the government's cases before the Supreme Court
Kelo v. City of New London
Kelo v. City of New London was decided in 2005 in a 5-4 ruling. The Supreme Court held that the benefits that a community accrues from economic growth, including job creation, increased tax revenues, etc., make private redevelopment an allowable "public use" as per the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment.
Korematsu v. United States
Korematsu v. United States was a 6-3 ruling issued in 1944. The Court held that the need to protect against espionage outweighed the individual rights of Americans of Japanese descent.
Best Budget Predictor
Last year's budget resolution plus a little more for uncontrollable expenditures.
American with Disabilities Act
Law that prohibits employers from discriminating against people with physical disabilities
Role as Party Chief
Leader of his party, helps members run for office, fund raises for his party, gives patronage (appoints people to office in return for their support during his campaign), problem: interest of all of the country vs. party's interest
Court of Military Appeals
Legislative court that reviews disputed military court martial cases.
Stare Decisis
Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases
Libel and Slander
Libel (printed) and slander (spoken) are false statements that damage one's reputation.
Core Value of US Political Culture
Liberty, equality, democracy, individualism, unity, and diversity.
Conservatives
Like to stick to the traditional ways of government and tend to oppose change
Powers NOT Given to The President
Line-item veto (many governors can, but not president); Declaring war; Creating new cabinet positions/departments - President proposes, but Congress must approve
Constituent Service Communication
Linkage institutions; the media, lobbyists, etc.
Constituent Services - How Maximize?
Listen to what they have to say, and act based on constituent preferences and feelings
Best Strategy for Interest Group
Lobbying members of Congress to make small changes in existing policy
Interest Group Activities
Lobbying, Litigation, Public Appeal, Donating Money...
Doctrine of Original Intent
Looking at the Constitution based on the intention of the framers
Loving v. Virginia
Loving v. Virginia was decided in 1967 with a unanimous ruling. The Supreme Court held that Virginia's anti-miscegenation statute, which outlawed interracial marriage, violated both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
26th Amendment
Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18
Demographics of Democratic Voters
Mainly young educated people. Or African Americans or Hispanic people, and poor people
Entitlement Spending
Mandatory spending on programs that are based on number of people in them. Spending that Congress has authorized by prior law, primarily providing support for individuals
Mapp v. Ohio
Mapp v. Ohio was decided in 1961 in a 6-3 ruling. Based on the exclusionary rule, the evidence obtained in violation of Mapp's rights could not be used in a federal prosecution. In this case, the Court held that the exclusionary rule, through a principle known as selective incorporation, also applies to the states. Selective incorporation interprets the Fourteenth Amendment to "incorporate" most portions of the Bill of Rights.
Marbury v. Madison
Marbury v. Madison was a unanimous decision issued by the Supreme Court in 1803. The Court held that Congress cannot pass laws that oppose declarations in the Constitution. It also decided that it is the role of the judicial system to interpret the scope of the Constitution. This established the principle of judicial review.
Cloture Motion (Senate)
Mechanism requiring sixty senators (2/3) to vote to cut off debate and it is the only way to shut down a filibuster.
Which Division of Congress Incumbency Help More
Members of the House of Representatives benefit more than members of the Senate
Miranda v. Arizona
Miranda v. Arizona was a 5-4 decision made in 1966. The Court held that statements made in response to police interrogation are admissible at trial only if the prosecution: can show that the defendant was informed of the right to consult with an attorney before, and during the questioning, and was also informed of the right against self-incrimination. For the statements to be admissible, the defendant must have learned, understood, and voluntarily waived these rights.
Executive Agreements Have Been Cited As Evidence...
Modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority
Soft Money
Money raised in unlimited amounts by political parties for party building purposes.
Multilateral Negotiation
Multilateral negotiations involve more than two parties. They are difficult to complete because reaching a consensus becomes increasingly difficult as more participants get involved. When successful, however, multilateral negotiations lead to more effective results.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO comprises 29 member nations in North America and Europe. The agreement helps deter aggression from outside nations by considering an assault on one member nation as an attack on the entire alliance.
National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius
NFIB v. Sebelius was a 5-4 decision issued in 2012. The Court upheld Congress's power to enact most provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The Court decided that the financial penalty for not obtaining health insurance may reasonably be characterized as a tax. Accordingly, this individual mandate was held to be a constitutional exercise of Congress's power to tax.
NY Times v. Sullivan
New York Times v. Sullivan was a landmark freedom of the press case from 1964. The Southern states had taken many libel actions against news organizations over critical coverage of civil rights issues. This case established the actual malice standard which has to be met for news stories about public officials to be considered as defamation and libel. Actual malice means that the publisher knew that the statement was false, or acted in reckless disregard of its truth or falsity.
Horse Race Journalism
News coverage that focuses on who is ahead rather than on the issues
Main Debate b/n Federalists & Anti-Federalists
No personal rights in the Constitution
Divine Right Theory
Not an aspect of political culture founding fathers present at Const. Conven. It means that god created the state and that God had given those of royal birth a "divine right" to rule
Court of Appeals
Not considered to be one of special or legislative courts in fed court system. A court with appellate jurisdiction that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts.
Political Parties
Not specified in Constitution; groups of people who organize to help elect government officials and influence government policies
Primary Formal Role of Attorney General
Number one lawyer in US; Represents the US in court cases
Death Penalty Rulings
Numerous rulings on methods of death penalty and constitutionality of the death penalty because of 8th Amendment. Right now it is constitutional
Obergefell v. Hodges
Obergefell v. Hodges was decided in 2015 by a 5-4 ruling. The Court held that the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment require states to license marriages between two people of the same sex, and to recognize same-sex marriages that were licensed in other states.
News Media Ownership Concentration
Only a few companies own all of the news stations; Example: Disney
Jurisdiction of Supreme Court
Original and Appellate
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Outlawed discrimination in public places and employment based on race, religion, or national origin
Full Faith & Credit Clause
Part of Article IV; States must recognize public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state
Hatch Act
Passed in 1940, prohibits government workers from active participation in partisan politics.
Freedom of Information Act
Passed in the wake of the Watergate scandal, the 1974 act gave citizens access to federal records.
Popular Sovereignty
People rule, and, in a democracy, people are the source of power
Liberals
People who generally favor government action and view change as progress
Plessy v. Ferguson
Plessy v. Ferguson was decided in 1896 in a 7-1 ruling, with only Justice John Marshall Harlan dissenting. The ruling legitimized state laws that established racial segregation in the South, and paved the way for further segregation laws. Achievements from the Reconstruction Era were lost with the "separate but equal" doctrine.
Senatorial Courtesy
Policy that gives senators the right to be notified by the president of pending judicial nominations; Not used when considering appointing judges to Supreme Court
PACs
Political Action Committees, raise money for candidates &/or parties
Difference Between Pol. Parties and Interest Groups
Political parties run candidates for office, interest groups just donate money to candidates and bring attention to certain issues.
Interest Groups & Political Party Roles
Political parties run candidates for offices, and interest groups help bring attention
Republican Party
Political party established around an antislavery platform in 1854
Common Criteria When Voting for Pres. Candidates
Political party, ideology, where they stand on certain issues, platform
Important Election of 1932 - FDR and the New Deal
Political realignment - African Americans, Jews, and working class began to vote predominantly Democratic
Important Election of 1968 - Nixon
Political realignment - Southern states (whites) began to vote Republican
Pluralist Theory
Politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies
Madison Opinion on Factions
Potential to be bad, alarming or dangerous, but in fact they are very natural & normal
Const. Govt. Authority Divided Across Pol. Institutions
Power is split into departments dealing with specific interests divided throughout government
Implied Powers
Powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions. Not expressed, but may be considered through the use of the Necessary and Proper Clause; AKA Elastic Clause
Concurred Powers
Powers that both the national and state governments share. Example: Powers to tax, to borrow, to police, to have courts
Inherent Powers
Powers that the president has that are NOT explicitly stated in Constitution, but are inferred; Examples - recognizing other governments, immigration, acquiring territory
White House Staff
President appoints, can fire at will, and no Senate approval needed; the president's personal assistants and advisers
War Powers Resolution
President can send troops without congressional approval for up to 60 days
Making Treaties
President makes deal and 2/3 of Senate has to approve
Presidential Nominating Process
President nominates someone for position, Senate has to approve them with _* vote
Bully Puplit
President using the media
Impoundment
Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that Congress authorized and appropriated.
Speaker of the House
Presides over the House of Representatives and is third in line to presidency
Free Rider Problem
Problem arising when people get the collective good without ever considering active participation.
Gerrymandering
Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.
Unfunded Mandates
Programs that the Federal government requires States to implement without Federal funding.
11th Amendment
Prohibits citizens of one state or foreign country from suing another state.
8th Amendment
Prohibits excessive fines and excessive bail/and cruel unusual punishment
3rd Amendment
Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers during peacetime.
Role as Chief Legislator
Proposes laws, drafts legislative agenda, tools of lawmaking like veto bills or political favors to get his way, gives the state of the union address
Extradition Clause
Provides for the extradition of a criminal back to the state where he or she has committed a crime.
Group Voting Tendencies
Racial groups tend to vote for one candidate or party; For example: African American Democrats tend to support the more liberal candidates within their party
How Congress Practice Oversight on Bureaucracy
Recommending or not confirming appointments; Altering budget; Oversight hearings; Rewriting rules of legislation
University of California v. Bakke
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke was decided in 1978. The case split the Court on many issues, with the 9 justices issuing a total of 6 opinions. The ruling upheld affirmative action by declaring that race can serve as one of several factors used in college admissions; however, it also stated that specific racial quotas could not be used.
Role as Chief of State
Represents nation, performs ceremonial duties, hosts kings and queens, delivers public service announcements
War Powers Resolution Requires/Doesn't Require
Requires the president to inform Congress within 48 hours of any commitment of American troops abroad Does not require the president to follow the guidelines of the Constitution regarding war
Voting Eligibility Decided by States
Reserved Power...
Most Reported in Pres. Election
Results from public opinion polls that indicate which candidates are most likely to win
Where Do Bills Originate?
Revenue bills can only originate in the House
2nd Amendment
Right to keep and bear arms
9th Amendment
Rights not included in Constitution go to the people
Roth v. United States
Roth v. United States was a 6-3 ruling made in 1957. The Court reaffirmed that obscenity was not protected by the First Amendment and went on to define obscenity more strictly, working from the metric of the "average person, applying contemporary community standards."
Closed Rule
Rule that forbids members of Congress to offer amendments to a bill from the floor.
Gitlow v. NY
Ruled that Bill of Rights can be applied to states through 14th amendment
Who was 1st Woman Appointed to Supreme Court?
Sandra Day O'Connor by Ronald Reagan
Schenck v. United States
Schenck v. United States was a case concerning the enforcement of the Espionage Act of 1917 during World War I. Schenck was distributing leaflets that urged men to boycott the draft. The Court held that criticism of the draft was not protected by the First Amendment, because it created a "clear and present danger" to the U.S. armed forces during a state of war. This case helped to define the modern understanding of the First Amendment, and the opinion included the well know statement that, "The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theatre and causing a panic."
General Ticket System
Seats filled at-large (elected from the State as a whole) rather than from a particular district.
Federal Election Laws
Sets uniform date for elections in all states for federal offices and other election issues.
Why Are Small Interest Groups More Effective?
Small groups are better organized; less chance of free-rider problem; larger group's potential members are less likely to contribute; large groups have to provide selective benefits
Soft Power
Soft power is the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction. Nations sometimes use trade, economic assistance, culture, and education rather than the threat of military force (hard power) to shape another nation's attitudes and preferences. This is a nuanced and delicate strategy that can be highly effective in achieving diplomatic goals.
Not a Principle Underlying Bill of Rights
Some rights are fundamental and should not be subject to majoritarian control
Conference Committee
Special joint committee created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate
Federal Budget Entitlements
Spending that is mandatory; makes up large portion of budget
Baker v. Carr
State legislature districts have to be as close to equal as possible regarding population to make sure "one man, one vote"
15th Amendment
States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race.
10th Amendment
States that reserved powers are powers not given to the national government nor denied to the states
Amending the Constitution
Step 1: 2/3 of Congress PROPOSES an amendment Step 2: 3/4 of States RATIFY the amendment Article 5 of the Constitution
Nongovernmental Organizations Goal
Supporting or promoting a particular cause.
Separate But Equal
Supreme Court Case that created Segregation: Plessy vs. Ferguson. The doctrine that public accommodations could be segregated by race but still be equal.
Warren Court
Supreme Court of the 1960s under Chief Justice Earl Warren, whose decisions supported civil rights which became famous for landmark decisions such as Brown v. Board, Miranda v. Arizona, etc.
Gitlow v. New York
Supreme Court says the First Amendment applies to states and established Selective Incorporation 1925 Supreme Court case overturned Barron v. Baltimore and applied the Bill of Rights to states.
Texas v. Johnson
Texas v. Johnson was a 5-4 ruling issued in 1989. The Court held that Johnson's burning of the flag constituted expressive conduct and permitted him to invoke the First Amendment in defense. This decision invalidated the laws against desecrating the American flag that were in place in 48 of the 50 states.
Lemon v. Kurtzman
The 1968 Lemon v. Kurtzman ruling regarded the uncertain constitutionality of Pennsylvania's Nonpublic Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which allowed the Superintendent of Public Schools to reimburse private schools for the salaries of teachers in these schools (most of which were Catholic schools). In an 8-1 ruling, the Supreme Court found this Act to be an unconstitutional violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
Proposed Plans to Reform Electoral College
The District Plan; The Proportional Plan; Direct Population Election; The National Bonus Plan
Framer's Creation of Legislative Branch
The Framers of the Constitution wanted the legislative branch to be the center of policy making for the federal government
Ways and Means Committee
The House committee that deals with all tax measures.
Supreme Court Nomination Process
The President nominates someone and the Senate approves the nominee with a majority vote
5th Amendment
The Right to Remain Silent, Double Jeopardy, right to due process
Differences of House and Senate
The Senate has 100 members while the House 435; Senators serve six-year long terms while Representatives are elected for two years; The Senate supports the President in foreign policy matters while the House creates all revenue bills; The Senate has an aristocratic tradition while the House is more democratic and closer to the population; The Senate is chaired by the Vice President who is not a member while the House is chaired by the Speaker of the House; The Senate approves Presidential nominees for Federal Judges and Members of the Cabinet while the House has no say in this process; and there are two Senators for each State while the number of Representatives per State vary according to the population.
The World Bank
The World Bank is an international institution that seeks to reduce poverty globally by facilitating investments that support developing nations. The loans, training and guidance offered by the World Bank help reduce poverty in low- to middle-income nations.
Legislative Veto
The ability of Congress to override a presidential decision.
Iron Triangles
The alliance among congressional committees, interest groups, and federal departments/agencies
Committee Chair Power
The chair sets the committee's agenda, determining when, or whether bills will be considered. Other responsibilities of a committee chair typically include: Calling the committee together to perform its duties. Presiding and maintaining order over meetings.
Congressional Committee System
The congressional committees are subdivisions of the U.S. Congress that concentrate on specific areas of U.S. domestic and foreign policy and general government oversight. Often called the "little legislatures," congressional committees review pending legislation and recommend action on that legislation by the whole House or Senate. The congressional committees provide Congress with critical information related to specialized, rather than general subjects.
Global Interdependance
The dependence of countries on goods/ resources/ knowledge from others
Office of Management and Budget
The executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget
Foreign Policy Deference
The extent to which the courts trust executive judgement on foreign policy
Federal Reserve Board
The group of seven presidential appointees who govern the Federal Reserve System which is the central bank of the United States
Docket
The list of potential cases that reach the Supreme Court.
Civil Rights of the 1950s
The mass protest movement against racial segregation began in the 50s.
Quorum
The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress; Majority
Fiscal Federalism
The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system
Non-Interventionism
The policy of avoiding alliances with other nations, but still retaining free trade and open diplomacy. Non-interventionists believe that that a state should not interfere in the internal politics and internal policies of another state
Line Item Veto
The power of an executive to veto some provisions in an appropriations bill while approving others; President cannot do this
Richard Neustadt Believes Pres. Power Comes From...
The president's ability to persuade others to do what he or she wants
State of Union Address
The president's annual statement to Congress and the nation. Is a Constitutional Power
Legislative Process
The process of how a bill becomes a law
Selective Incorporation
The process whereby the Court has applied many parts of the Bill of Rights to the states.
Supremacy Clause
The provision declaring the Constitution to be the supreme law of the land
Imminent Domain
The right of the government to take away private property, but with just payment
6th Amendment
The right to a Speedy Trial by jury, representation by an attorney for an accused person
7th Amendment
The right to a trial by Jury in civil cases over $20.00
Cooperative Federalism
The theory that the states and the national government should cooperate in solving problems. Marble Cake Federalism.
Devolution
The transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states
Voting Behavior
The trend of how people are voting, influenced by political socialization.
Exit Polling
The way that the media can report on election results prior before the final counts have been tallied
Sanction
There are several types of sanctions one government can impose on another. These actions are typically in retaliation for or to discourage specific actions of another state.
How do Lobbyists Influence Legislators?
They can influence legislators by donating money to campaigns and by talking with them about certain policies that they want implimented
Influence of News Media on Public Opinion
They control what the public hears and shapes their opinions on candidates.
Influence on Voters in Presidential Election
They determine the popular vote, and based on that vote in each state, the winner in each state takes all of the electoral votes.
Interest Group Coalition Building
They form bigger presence and they are more effective at getting policies passed in their favor
Bureaucratic Advantage Over President
They usually have continuity of service in the executive branch that the president lacks. Control the budgetary process. Have an independence from the president that is guaranteed by the Constitution.
First African American on Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall
Tinker v. Des Moines
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District was a 7-2 decision issued in 1969. The Tinkers were public school students who wore black armbands to school to protest the Vietnam War. School policy disallowed such apparel, but the Supreme Court overturned this policy. The Court held that the First Amendment applies to public schools, and that if the school administration wishes to suppress free speech, they must demonstrate that the speech in question will "materially and substantially interfere" with the operation of the school.
Trust in Government Over Time
Trust in government has gone down significantly over the years, and many people are becoming independents
How Many US Presidents Impeached?
Two: Andrew Johnson & Bill Clinton
Referendum
Type of ballot that asks voters to approve or reject a state or local law
Two Types of Cabinet Departments
Umbrella and Single Purpose
United Nation Power Over Members
United Nations lacks any enforceable authority over its member nations. This lack of power, however, helps ensure that it remains an inclusive forum to share ideas, discuss cooperation and respond to global issues.
U.S. v. Nixon
United States v. Nixon was a 1974 decision that resulted in an 8-0 ruling against President Richard Nixon. Nixon was attempting to use executive privilege to withhold evidence during the Watergate scandal. The Court held that no person is above the law and that executive privilege cannot be used to withhold evidence that is demonstrably relevant in a criminal trial.
Straw Polls
Unscientific surveys used to gauge public opinion on a variety of issues and policies
Military Sanction
Using military force to encourage another nation to alter their behavior
Supreme Court Caseload
Very few cases (approx. 100) heard each term—justices decide which cases to hear or not hear
Motor Voter Laws
Voter registration opportunities must be provided when applying/renewing a license
Single-Member District System
Voters elect a representative form a district within a state, and that representative is selected from several candidates
Common Political Activities of Citizens
Voting, joining interest groups/political parties, contacting officials, participating in campaigns, protesting.
Categorical-Grants-in-Aid Do What
Weakens the powers of state governors and state legislatures
Diplomatic Immunity
When an ambassador is not subject to the laws of the state to which they are accredited. Diplomatic immunity became international law as a part of the 1961 Vienna Convention. Although it allows diplomats a sense of security, there are cases where it does not apply or can be waived by a diplomat's home country.
At-Large Voting
When an official represents the entire area as a whole and not a district
Divided Government Consequences
When one party controls one branch of government but not the other; it leads to confirmation delays and slower policy creation
Split Ticket
When someone votes for a person of one party for one position and someone from another party for another position; Example: President - Republican & House Representative - Democrat
The Committee of the Whole
When the House of Representatives sits as one large committee
Recess Appointments
While Senate on break, President can appoint people to vacant offices in need of their leaders. Appointment only good until end of that session of congress
Delegates to Major Party Conventions
Woman & minority participation has increased in recent years
Federalist No. 10
Written by James Madison. Argued that a strong, large republic would better guard against factions (interest groups). Madison argued that factions are natural but their effects must be controlled.
Presidential Cabinet
group of officials who head government departments and advise the president-established by George Washington-they were a group of advisers
