THE 2023 AP US GOVERNMENT REVIEW

signing statement

A written declaration that a president may make when signing a bill into law. Usually, such statements point out sections of the law that the president deems unconstitutional.

24th Amendment

Abolishes poll taxes

Critical election/party realignment

Elections where major sectors of the electorate shift their allegiance, thus bringing a new party into power across the government

Anti-Federalists

Favored a weak central government and strong state governments Believed the Bill of Rights was necessary to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence (natural rights should be protected by government authorities) Favored the states checking the power of the central government Believed an American republic would grow so large it would transform into an authoritarian system

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Federal agency responsible for preventing terrorist attacks within the United States, reducing America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimizing the damage and assisting in recovery from attacks that do occur.

block grants

Federal grants given more or less automatically to states or communities to support broad programs in areas such as community development and social services

categorical grants

Federal grants that can be used only for specific purposes, or "categories," of state and local spending. They come with strings attached.

Revenue Sharing

Federal sharing of a fixed percentage of its revenue with the states

discretionary spending

Federal spending on programs that are controlled through the regular budget process

mandatory spending

Federal spending required by law that continues without the need for annual approvals by Congress.

Engel v. Vitale

Does the reading of a nondenominational prayer at the start of the school day violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment? Yes, this was a violation of the Establishment Clause found in the 1st Amendment. The state cannot hold prayers in public schools, even if participation is not required and the prayer is not tied to a particular religion. Constitutional Issue: Establishment Clause found in the 1st Amendment

Gideon v. Wainwright

Does the right to an attorney in the 6th Amendment extend to defendants in state courts through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment? In a unanimous decision for Gideon, the Court determined that the 6th Amendment's right to counsel in felony criminal cases is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial through the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. Constitutional Issue: 6th Amendment's right to counsel (attorney) & 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause Legacy: The court also agreed that the protection was so important that it would apply to state courts as well as federal courts. (Incorporation case)

selective incorporation

Judicial doctrine that applies some of the Bill of Rights on a "piecemeal" basis (one right at a time) to state governments by incorporating them through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.

pork-barrel legislation

Legislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary of unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a member's chance of reelection (turtle tunnel)

Liberal Ideology

Less willing to commit troops to action Supports affirmative action policies Supports gay marriage Supports abortion Views government as a regulator Favors increase on taxes of the rich; favors increase spending on poor Invest in prevention programs and rehabilitation to reduce crime More regulations on businesses

State voting laws influence voter turnout

State laws can affect voter turnout. Some state laws create structural barriers that make it more difficult to vote (for example, requiring voters to present state IDs) and others try to make voting easy (by allowing early voting or election-day registration). These voter registration laws and procedures are determined at the state level, and therefore vary a great deal between states.

15th Amendment (1870)

States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race.

House of Representatives

Terms: 2 years Membership: 435 Constituents: Congressional Districts Unique Powers are Initiates all spending bills through the House Ways and Means Committee, Brings impeachment charges More centralized and formal Incumbents almost always win re-election

The Senate

Terms: 6 years 100 members 1/3rd up for election every two years Represents an entire state Unique powers are Advice & Consent Clause to approve treaties by 2/3rds vote, Confirm judicial & executive appointments, Try impeachment charges (removal power) Less centralized & less formal Turnover rate is minimal

The process and outcomes in US Congressional elections are impacted by:

The incumbency advantage phenomenon: since 1982, House incumbents have won 90% of their re-elections; Senate incumbents have won 80% Open and closed primaries Caucuses General (Presidential) and Mid-Term elections

Popular sovereignty addressed in the Constitution

The people indicate support for their government when they vote in public elections and work to influence public policy decisions and otherwise encourage their representatives in government to be accountable to them. Article I of the Constitution requires members of the House of Representatives to be elected directly by the people. The 17th Amendment made US Senators directly elected by the people.

Civil Liberties

constitutionally established guarantees and freedoms that protect citizens, opinions, and property against arbitrary governmental interference

tracking polls

continuous surveys that enable a campaign to chart its daily rise or fall in support

civil service system

the practice of hiring government workers on basis of open competitive examinations and merit

Oversight function

the process by which Congress, through its committees, checks to see that the executive branch agencies are carrying out the policies that Congress has set by law

political socialization

the process of acquiring personal political orientations. Most political learning and behavior is based on informal learning through the traditions and beliefs of family, friends, and local culture. The majority of young people will vote based on the political preferences of their parents. In early adulthood the mass media replaces parents as the main source of political information.

National Organization for Women (NOW)

the purpose is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all the privileges and responsibilities thereof in truly equal partnership with men

Treaty ratification and confirmation role in the Senate

the two most common and effective ways to check the power of the executive branch. The Senate confirms appointments of top executive officials by majority vote and ratifies treaties by the advice and consent of a 2/3rds vote

fiscal policy

the use of government spending and revenue collection to influence the economy

Party platforms are important because:

they provide a general guide for the types of policies winning candidates are likely to vote for if elected

Speaker of the House of Representatives

top leadership position of the majority party; he/she actively works to set that party's agenda; elected by members of the majority part Determines priority of bills and refers them to committees Appoints House members to standing and conference committees Signs all bills and resolutions passed by the House

Logrolling

vote trading; voting to support a colleague's bill in return for a promise of future support

prospective voting

voting based on the imagined future performance of a candidate

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

which was an effort to ban soft money (money donated to parties in a way that leaves the contribution unregulated) and reduce attack ads with "Stand by Your Ad" provision: "I'm (candidate's name) and I approve this message."

Bully Pulpit

the President uses the power of his office to communicate at will to a national audience (through TV, radio, and the internet) in order to directly persuade the public to support his policies or oppose ideas introduced from political opponents

Electoral College

the body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-president; this was a compromise

efficacy

the degree to which one thinks their vote matters (high level is good you will vote; low level is bad you will not vote)

Role of the Committee of the Whole

the entire House of Representatives sits as a committee and operates under informal parliamentary rules. Example: State of the Union address

Natural Rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property; central to John Locke's theories

Globalization

the increasing interconnectedness of economies, political systems and societies on a global scale

sampling error

the level of confidence in the findings of a poll. The more people interviewed, the more confident one can be of the results. Most political polls include a sample of 1000 respondents with an error under 5%

Senate Majority Leader

the most powerful position in the Senate; elected by members of the majority party in the Senate Lead speaker for the majority party during floor debates Develops the calendar

precedent

How similar cases have been decided in the past.

Importation of slaves

Twenty years after the adoption of the constitution, congress banned importation of enslaved Africans.

Explain how gridlock demonstrates a key characteristic of the US government as envisioned by the framers.

While people may get frustrated with gridlock in the government, it is a sign that checks and balances built into the government are working. Checks and balances prevent changes in law and policy from moving too quickly.

Life cycle effect

Concept that people change as they grow older because of age-specific experiences and thus are likely to hold age-specific attitudes.

Explain how structural barriers impact third-party and independent candidate success

Winner-take-all system allows two major parties to dominate national and state elections

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Congress unable to levy or collect taxes No centralized military power to address Shays' Rebellion Congress unable to regulate foreign and interstate commerce No national court system Government dominated by the states

Tasks performed by departments, agencies, commissions include

Writing and enforcing regulations Issuing fines on groups and individuals who violate regulations Testifying before a Congressional committee Form Iron Triangles

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

a bipartisan federal agency of six members that oversees the financing of national election campaigns

trustee model

a model of representation in which a member of the House or Senate follows his or her own conscience when deciding issue positions

delegate model of representation

a model of representation in which representatives feel compelled to act on the specific stated wishes of their constituents

unanimous consent

a motion by all members of the Senate who are present to set aside formal rules

exit poll

a poll of people leaving a polling place, asking how they voted.

open primary

a primary election in which voters are not required to declare party affiliation.

closed primary

a primary election in which voting is limited to already registered party members

random sample

a sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion

supply-side economics

a school of economics that believes tax cuts can help an economy by raising supply

mass survey

a way to measure public opinion by interviewing a large sample of the population

Keynesian economics

(also called demand-side economics) refers to increased government spending and tax cuts to raise demand for goods and services

Patriot Act 2001

- Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism - investigate terrorists: telephones, internet, money, grand jury

McCulloch v. Maryland

1. Did Congress have the authority under the constitution to commission a national bank? The Elastic Clause gives Congress the authority "to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper" and the national bank was deemed "necessary and proper". 2. Did the state of Maryland have the power to tax the national bank operating within its borders? The state of Maryland could not tax the Bank of the U.S. because "the constitution and the laws made in are supreme". Constitutional Issues: The Necessary & Proper Clause aka the Elastic Clause (Congress can make any law that is necessary and proper; gives flexibility in lawmaking) Supremacy Clause (The Constitution and federal laws are superior to state constitutions and laws) Legacy: This case established the power between the states and federal government in favor of the national government. Further, the case opened the door to the expansion of federal power through the implied powers of the Elastic Clause.

Impeachment Process

1. House passes articles of impeachment by majority 2. Senate tries and 2/3rd's vote is needed to convict

Describe the different structures, powers, and function of each house of Congress

1. The Senate is designed to represent states equally, while the House is designed to represent the population. 2. Different chamber sizes and constituents influence formality of debate. 3. Coalitions in Congress are affected by term-length differences.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

1965; invalidated the use of any test or device to deny the vote and authorized federal examiners to register voters in states that had disenfranchised blacks; as more blacks became politically active and elected black representatives. Drastically increased minority registration.

USA Freedom Act

A 2015 law that came into effect the day after the USA PATRIOT Act expired. This act restored many provision of the PATRIOT Act but limited the collection of telecommunication metadata of citizens by the National Security Agency.

State of the Union Address

A Constitutional required speech given annually by the president to a joint session of Congress and to the nation announcing the president's agenda

Free Exercise Clause

A First Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.

stare decisis

A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." Most cases reaching appellate courts are settled on this principle.

Popular Sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group

judicial activism

A judicial philosophy in which judges make bold policy decisions, even charting new constitutional ground. Advocates of this approach emphasize that the courts can correct pressing needs, especially those unmet by the regular political process.

judicial restraint

A judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policy making roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures

Title IX

A law that bans gender discrimination in schools that receive federal funds. Example: Athletic programs must be equal

Miranda Rights

A list of rights that police in the United States must read to suspects in custody before questioning them, pursuant to the Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona. (right to remain silent)

Republicanism

A philosophy of limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people. The government is based on consent of the governed.

Affirmative Action

A policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities

Rational Choice Theory

A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as politicians. It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of possible alternatives.

Limited Government

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Filibuster

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue.

Hold

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator temporarily blocks the consideration of the bill or nomination.

Cloture

A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate. 60 votes needed

focus group

A small group of people who meet under the direction of a discussion leader to communicate their opinions about an organization, its products, or other given issues.

Swing State

A state that could go either way in a presidential elections (unlike "safe states"). Target of a lot of attention in elections. Also known as "battleground states" or "purple states" (Ohio, Florida)

Federalist #10

A strong faction cannot tyrannize the public through superior force. The cause of factions is unequal distribution of wealth and the main task of government is to balance their interests. To control factions, Madison proposed a republic, which can govern a greater expanse of territory than a pure democracy. Lays out the argument (countering the claims of Brutus No. 1) that a large republic would work better that a small one - there would be more worthy candidates to choose from and less likelihood of any one faction dominating

Madisonian Model

A structure of government proposed by James Madison in which the powers of the government are separated into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

Bureaucracy

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials

retrospective voting

A theory of voting in which voters essentially ask this simple question: "What have you done for me lately?"

Social Contract

An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed

lameduck period

An elected official who has not been reelected but holds office until the successor takes over. Congress most likely will not confirm any of the President's nominees towards the end of a presidency.

proportional representation

An electoral system used throughout most of Europe that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in an election.

House Rules Committee

An institution unique to the House of Representatives that reviews all bills (except revenue, budget, and appropriations bills) coming from a House committee before they go to the full House

presidential methods of exercising control over bureaucracies

Appointing the right people to head the agency. Presidents can fire any bureaucratic executive he appoints Issuing executive orders

Federalist #78

Argued for the importance of federal judges & justices to have lifetime terms so that they could be insulated from politics and the pressures of public opinion (no need to be reappointed or reelected) Pointed out that the judiciary was the least threatening of the branches as it could not control the army ("sword) or budget ("purse") and relied on the executive to enforce its decisions The independence of the courts would allow them to put the Constitution first, as the law of the land, and check the constitutionality of the actions of the legislative and executive branches - first argument for judicial review

Federalist #70

Argues for a single, energetic executive who can act swiftly to defend the nation, respond to crisis, and administer the law Points out that having multiple executives might protect against the abuse of power by an individual, but would lead to inaction, conflict, and division - energy, or the ability to act decisively/quickly, was vital for the executive

Breakdown of the US Constitution

Article I: Legislative Branch Article II: Executive Branch Article III: Judicial Branch Article IV: Relations Among States Article V: Amendment Process Article VI: Supremacy Clause Article VII: Ratification

Roe v. Wade

Does the U.S. Constitution protect the right of a woman to obtain an abortion? The Court ruled in favor for Roe. According to the majority, the "liberty" protected by the 14th Amendment due process clause includes a fundamental right to privacy. Further, the 9th Amendment's reservation of rights is broad enough to include abortion. Constitutional Issue: 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause

9th Amendment

Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution

Brutus #1

Citizens must be cautious about empowering a strong central government because they are unlikely to ever get control back. The new constitution gives so much power to a central government that the state governments may no longer be able to function. The "necessary and proper" clause and the supremacy clause make the central government an uncontrollable power. There is no limit to Congress' power to tax because it decides what is meant by "common defense" and "general welfare." Taxation allows the central government to extend control over every facet of the nation. The federal courts, will destroy the state courts. In such a large republic, it will be too hard for the representatives to understand the will of the people. A large republic will create a class of elected officials who will abuse their power and enrich themselves and their friends.

Establishment Clause

Clause in the First Amendment that says the government may not establish an official religion.

Article I, Section 8 (expressed powers)

Coin Money Declare War Make Post Offices Regulate Commerce (Commerce Clause) Borrow Money Punish counterfeiters Establish a uniform rule of naturalization

Schenck v. United States

Did Schenck's conviction under the Espionage Act for criticizing the draft violate his 1st Amendment Free Speech rights? The Court ruled unanimously for U.S. that, no, Schenck's free speech rights were not violated. In the context of World War I, the Espionage Act's criminalization of speech dangerous to the operation of the military was not a violation of the 1st Amendment. Constitutional Issue: 1st Amendment's Freedom of Speech Legacy: This case established the "clear and present danger" test, which states that the Constitution does not protect speech that incites violence or chaos (ex: yelling fire in a crowded movie theater).

Wisconsin v. Yoder

Did Wisconsin's requirement that all parents send their children to school at least until age 16 violate the First Amendment by criminalizing the conduct of parents who refused to send their children to school for religious reasons? The Supreme Court held that the Free Exercise Clause found in the 1st Amendment, prevented the state of Wisconsin from compelling the respondents to send their children to formal secondary school beyond the age of 14. Constitutional Issue: 1st Amendment's Free Exercise Clause

NY Times v. US

Did the Nixon administration's efforts to prevent the publication of what it termed "classified information" violate the First Amendment's right to a free press? NY Times wins/Boosted the freedom of the press, establishing a "heavy presumption against prior restraint" even in cases involving national security Constitutional Issue: 1st Amendment's Freedom of the Press & Prior Restraint (government action that prohibits speech or other expression before the speech happens)

Shaw v. Reno

Did the North Carolina residents' claim, that the State created a racially gerrymandered district, raise a valid constitutional issue under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause? Although it was a legitimate goal for state legislatures to take race into account when they draw electoral districts in order to increase the voting strength of minorities, they may not make race the sole reason for drawing district lines. Constitutional Issue: 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause

Baker v. Carr

Did the Supreme Court have jurisdiction over questions of legislative apportionment? Yes Constitutional Issue: 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause—refers to the idea that a governmental body may not deny people equal protection of its governing laws. Legacy: Opened the door to equal protection challenges to redistricting and the development of the "one person, one vote" doctrine by ruling that challenges to redistricting did not raise "political questions" that would keep federal courts from reviewing such challenges.

Marbury v. Madison

Do the plaintiffs have a right to receive their commissions? Can they sue for their commissions in court? Does the Supreme Court have the authority to order the delivery of their commissions? The Court found that Madison's refusal to deliver the commission was illegal, but did not order Madison to hand over Marbury's commission via writ of mandamus. Instead, the Court held that the provision of the Judiciary Act of 1789 enabling Marbury to bring his claim to the Supreme Court was itself unconstitutional. Constitutional Issue: Judicial Review Legacy: In so holding, the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, i.e., the power to declare a law unconstitutional.

Citizens United v. FEC

Does a law that limits the ability of corporations and labor unions to spend their own money to advocate the election or defeat of a candidate violate the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech? The Court ruled in favor of Citizens United in a 5-4 decision, arguing that the 1st Amendment prohibits limits on corporate funding of independent broadcasts in candidate elections. Constitutional Issue: 1st Amendment's Freedom of Speech Legacy: This has led to elections, even at the local and state levels, becoming more and more expensive.

Tinker v. Des Moines ISD

Does a prohibition against the wearing of armbands in public school, as a form of symbolic protest, violate the students' freedom of speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment? The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Tinkers. The Court held that the students did not lose their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech when they stepped onto school property. Constitutional Issue: 1st Amendment's Freedom of Speech

Brown v. Board of Education

Does segregation of public schools by race violate the Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment? The Court ruled unanimously for Brown that, yes, segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection clause. Constitutional Issue: 14th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause) Legacy: This decision overturned the Plessy "separate but equal" doctrine and began the process of dismantling segregation. Example of the Supreme Court overturning another Supreme Court.

US v. Lopez

Does the 1990 Gun-Free School Zones Act, forbidding individuals from knowingly carrying a gun in a school zone, exceed the power of Congress to legislate under the Commerce Clause? The United States lost. This established limits on the Commerce Clause and set a precedent that Congressional regulation through the Commerce Clause can only occur when an economic activity has a substantial effect on interstate commerce. Constitutional Issue: the Commerce Clause Legacy: This case dramatically decreased the power of Congress to regulate state behaviors through the Commerce Clause. This case was a win for states rights' advocates.

McDonald v. Chicago

Does the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms apply to state and local governments through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause and thus limit Chicago's ability to regulate guns? The Court in favor of McDonald, arguing that the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms for the purpose of self-defense is fully applicable to the states under the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause. Constitutional Issue: 2nd Amendment (right to bear arms) & 14th Amendment (due process clause) Legacy: This case "incorporated" the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states. (Incorporation case)

National Party Conventions

Held to select the each parties official Presidential & adopt the party's platform; delegates to convention were usually members of local party elitists

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail," 1963

Eloquent letter explaining his, and his colleagues,' actions (that had landed him in jail) and laying out their philosophical justification Argued for nonviolent direct action to bring attention to injustice and demand change in society Exposed the great injustices in Birmingham and other parts of the Deep South suffered by African-Americans Argued that it was impossible to wait any longer and that those not suffering did not feel the same urgency Discussed America's failure to live up to its ideals Calls for civil disobedience of immoral and unjust laws Countered the claim that civil rights protesters were agitating, they were merely pointing out tensions that already existed (uncomfortable truths) Owns extremism in support of a noble cause, such as fulfilling the promise of America (so long as it fits the tenets of nonviolence)

Majority and minority whips

Ensure a majority of votes are secure before putting legislation on the floor

Articles of Confederation

Established a government (confederation) for the new, independent states - America's 1st Constitution States maintained their sovereignty - state legislatures had most of the power (no unity) Created a unicameral Congress made up of delegates from the states Made the federal government weak and ineffective Could not regulate commerce and led to economic turmoil Had no Executive to enforce acts of Congress or Federal Courts to settle disputes

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures)

Explain how the interactions between the media and voters affect government

Even critical consumers of media may be influenced by media coverage of an election or of issues up for decisions by the government. The influence resulting from the interactions of media and voters can affect who wins elections, what issues are addressed, and how those issues are resolved. Influence also works in the other direction as well because government will often try to deliver on issues important with their constituency's desires based on poll results.

Federalist #51

Explains how separation of powers and checks and balances will keep the federal government under control and prevent the abuse of power Argues that each branch will have an incentive to make sure the others do not become tyrannical ("ambition must be made to counteract ambition," i.e. checks and balances) Admits that the legislative branch in the new federal government is the most powerful, but explains how bicameralism is a further protection against abuse of power Also discusses how the veto will keep the legislative branch under control Based on the Madisonian Model

Federalists

Favored a strong central government and weak state governments Argued that the Bill of Rights was not necessary (Congress did not have the constitutional power to deny natural rights) Favored a separation of powers among three branches of government with checks and balances Believed that a large republic would ensure individual freedoms

U.S. Constitution

Formal governing document that replaced the Articles of Confederation and addressed its many weaknesses Lays out the structure and powers of the federal government - which was to be a constitutional federal republic. Gave the federal government significantly more power, including the creation of a federal executive (POTUS) and judiciary (SCOTUS) Created a bicameral legislature (due to the Great Compromise) Also established limits to the abuse of power through the principles of popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism

Executive Orders

Formal orders issued by the president to direct action by the federal bureaucracy.

4th Amendment

Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures

1st Amendment

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote

23rd Amendment

Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state

Patronage

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

Oversight Methods

Hearings, controlling the money

Explain how the interactions between the House of Representatives and the Senate would be required to move a bill into law.

If a bill passes one house the only way for it to become a law is for the other house to pass it in the identical form. If a bill passes both house in different form, then a conference committee would need to iron out the differences between the two bills. After such time if a bill then is approved by both houses in identical form it must be signed by the President to become law. If the President vetoes the bill then both houses of Congress may vote to override which would require 2/3rds vote from both houses.

Explain how the interactions between the President and Congress can be affected by the media.

If the media coverage is sympathetic to the President's agenda and people are affected by the issue that may strengthen the citizen's sympathy as well. Citizens may then pressure their representatives in Congress to support the agenda of the President. If the media is unsympathetic then that can have the opposite affect where citizens might be inclined to pressure their representatives in Congress to fight against the President.

Senate confirmation power

Important check on the President

linkage institutions

Institutions that connect citizens to government. The mass media, interest groups, elections, and political parties are examples

Declaration of Independence

Letter written to formally declare the 13 colonies independent from Britain Provides justification for the break from Great Britain Is a declaration of natural rights - Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property (John Locke) Establishes a foundation for popular sovereignty - "consent of the governed" government's source of authority is the people List of grievances against King George III and Parliament o king is a tyrant o king imposed taxes on colonists o king kept standing armies in the colonies in times of peace

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms.

Famous Executive Orders include

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation; FDR's internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II; Truman's Desegregation of the Armed Forces

Conservative Ideology

Maintain "peace through strength"; more likely to support military action Opposes affirmative action Supports "right to life" Favors free-market solutions; advocates low taxes; increase military spending; reign in welfare programs Enact strict consequences for criminals and apply the law to everyone Less regulations on businesses

8th Amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment

14th Amendment Due Process Clause

No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

President Pro Tempore

Officer of the Senate selected by the majority party to act as chair in the absence of the vice president. Perk next in line after Speaker in line of succession.

Libertarian

One who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties Stop being policemen throughout the world Protect personal property; legalize pot Supports small business, end to property tax, balanced budgets; sees government spending is largely wasteful Crime should be limited to actions of force or fraud; end the war on drugs; prisons should be safe and clean

The Commerce Clause and the effect on the balance of power

Originally, the clause applied to the movement of goods and trade from state to state. Now, almost every activity is considered interstate commerce and the federal government can regulate it. During the Civil Rights movement, Congress used the clause to end discrimination in private businesses. However, US v Lopez (1995) limited Congress' use of the commerce clause when applied to public schools.

Explain why and how political parties change and adapt

Parties have adapted to candidate-centered campaigns, and their role in nominating candidates has been weakened

factors that influence who someone will vote

Party identification (which party you see yourself as) Ideology (Liberal/Conservative) Characteristics of the candidate Political issues at the time Religious beliefs or affiliation Gender (females more likely to be liberal) Race

White House Staff

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

Entitlements

Policies for which Congress has obligated itself to pay X level of benefits to Y number of recipients. Social Security benefits are an example.

reserved powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people. Examples: Regulate trade within the state Establish public schools Conduct Elections Establish local governments

Gerrymandering

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.

2nd Amendment

Right to keep and bear arms

Politico Model

Role played by elected representatives who act as trustees or as delegates, depending on the issue.

committee chairman

Sets committee's agenda, determining when or if bills will be considered Calls, presides, and maintains order over meetings

The three largest entitlement programs are

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

Checks and Balances Examples

The President may veto a law passed by Congress. Congress may then override the veto if a minimum of two-thirds of members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate vote to do so. This system takes longer, but prevents either Congress or the President from having absolute power in any decisions or in lawmaking. The Supreme Court may declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional. Because judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President, the power here is balanced between all three branches.

5th Amendment

The Right to Remain Silent/Double Jeopardy, right to federal due process

partyline voting

supporting a party by voting for candidates from one political party for all public offices across the ballot

discretionary authority

The ability of a bureaucracy to choose courses of action and make policies not spelled out in advance by laws.

Incumbency advantage phenomenon

The advantage gained by House members after serving more than one term. The advantage has increased over the last few years due to weak party identification, meaning voters are more easily swayed by current representatives of government as long as they exhibit good behavior and can increase opportunities (jobs, industry, building projects) for their constituents. Voters usually support the party of their Congressional preference. This preference can work in favor of a presidential candidate or be a huge barrier to win that district's vote.

midterm election

The congressional election that occurs midway through the president's term of office

Redistricting

The drawing of new electoral district boundary lines in response to population changes.

Fiscal Federalism

The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system; it is the cornerstone of the national government's relations with state and local governments.

12th Amendment

The presidential and vice-presidential nominees would run on the same party ticket. Before that time, all of the candidates ran against each other, with the winner becoming president and second-place becoming vice-president.

6th Amendment

The right to have an attorney for an accused person

Commander in Chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States

ambassadors

They represent the President in an official capacity and are charged with protecting and promoting national interests, organizing visits, welcoming visitors, and supporting resolutions.

Political Parties perform three main functions

They select candidates and connect voters to them through campaign activities (voter mobilization, funding candidates); they provide information to voters about candidates running for office (mailings, party platforms); they gather information about voters for use by candidates and policymakers (voting records, income levels, demographics)

Department of Education

This Department promotes national education and works to keep America competitive and to make sure that education is available to everyone. Administers student loans.

The Necessary and Proper Clause and the effect on the balance of power

This clause, also called the "elastic clause," is an enlargement of the powers expressly granted to Congress. As evidence in the McCulloch case, the clause upheld the creation of a central bank. Another example of the Necessary and Proper Clause in use by Congress is that Congress has the power to create a prison system and to punish people who violate criminal laws, even though that is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Great Compromise

This compromise was between the large and small states of the colonies. AKA the Connecticut Compromise which resolved that there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives, and equal representation would exist in the Senate. Each state, regardless of size, would have 2 senators. All tax bills and revenues would originate in the House. This compromise combined the needs of both large and small states and formed a fair and sensible resolution to their problems.

Department of Veterans Affairs

This department administers benefit programs for our veterans.

National Powers (exclusive) and or enumerated

Those powers found in Article I given only to the federal government

Article I, Section 8, Clause 18

To make all necessary laws. (sometimes called the "elastic clause").

Explain the role of the media as a linkage institution

Traditional news media, new communication technologies, and advances in social media have influenced how citizens acquire political information. The media's use of polling results to levels of trust and confidence in government can impact elections by turning events into "horse races" based more on popularity of candidates than qualifications

Department of Transportation (DOT)

U.S. federal government body with primary responsibility for transportation safety regulation

3/5ths Compromise

allowed slaves to be counted as 3/5ths of a person towards representation and taxation

executive agreement

an agreement between the president and the leader of another country

Issue Networks

an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a common cause or agenda in a way that influences government policy

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment

Caucus

are meetings in congressional districts to determine which candidate delegates from a state party will support (think Iowa)

Interest Groups

are organizations of people with similar policy goals that influence the political process to achieve them. Interest groups may support candidates for office, but they do not run their own slate of candidates. Interest groups are policy specialist; they do not try to appeal to everyone. Many interest groups form Political Action Committees (PACs) to raise and spend money to advocate their interests with policymakers. Interest groups use the following strategies to link their members with government decision-makers: petitions, lobbying, grassroots organization, and litigation (court), and media campaigns

Elections

are the most direct way that citizens connect with government institutions. They encourage the people to be active in public policy and depend highly on large voter turnout

Civil Rights Act of 1964

banned discrimination in public accommodations, prohibited discrimination in any federally assisted program, outlawed discrimination in most employment; enlarged federal powers to protect voting rights and to speed school desegregation; this and the voting rights act helped to give African-Americans equality on paper, and more federally-protected power so that social equality was a more realistic goal

Discharge petitions in the House

bring bills out of committee and to the House floor for consideration without a report from the committee by "discharging" the committee from further consideration of a bill or resolution. The discharge petition allows a majority of the House of Representatives to force a floor vote on a bill, even if the leadership, who usually controls what legislation makes it to the floor, is opposed.

Mandates (funded and unfunded)

terms set by the national government that states must meet regardless if funds are not provided. Examples: The Clean Air Act, Motor Voter Act, Americans with Disabilities Act

Dark money refers to

donated money that does not have to be reported by a campaign

participatory democracy

emphasizes broad participation in politics and civil society; a democracy which is conducted by people's active or direct participation. Examples: Voting in elections, Organizing petitions, assemblies, interest groups, & political parties, Funding candidates for election

elite democracy

emphasizes limited participation in politics and civil society. It claims that a single elite, not many competing groups, decides the critical issues for the nation, leaving minor matters for the middle level and almost nothing for the common person

Shay's Rebellion

exposed the severe weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation leading to the Constitution

voter registration laws

individuals bear the burden of qualifying to vote; voters have to be registered 30 days in advance in order to vote

benchmark poll

initial poll on a candidate and issues on which campaign strategy is based and against which later polls are compared

president's longest lasting influence

lies in the life-tenured judicial appointments

Generational effect refers to the

long-lasting impact of significant events on the generation that came of age at that time

26th Amendment

lowered the voting age to 18

monetary policy

managing the economy by altering the supply of money and interest rates

Public Opinion Polling

method used to survey a small representative group of individuals, used to determine public opinion.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

monitors the stock market and enforces laws regulating the sale of stocks and bonds

The president has the sole power to

negotiate treaties with other nations, subject to the agreement of 2/3rds of the Senate

14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause

nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws

Groups most likely to vote

people age 60 and older, whites, African-Americans, the wealthy, and the college-educated

Groups with historically lower voter turnout rates

people under the age of 30, Hispanics, and the uneducated

concurrent powers

powers shared by the national and state governments Examples: Levy taxes, Borrow money, Establish courts, Define crimes and set punishments, Eminent domain (take property for public use)

pocket veto

president's power to kill a bill, if Congress is not in session, by not signing it for 10 days

Informal powers of the president include

presidential negotiations of executive agreements with the heads of foreign government; unlike treaties, executive agreements do not require Senate ratification.

veto power

presidential power to stop a bill from becoming a law by rejecting it

free rider problem

problem is faced by groups when people do not join because they can benefit from the group's activities without officially joining or paying membership dues. The bigger the group, the more serious the problem. Incumbency advantage phenomenon

Civil Rights

protect individuals from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, national origin, religion, and sex; these rights are guaranteed to all citizens under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as acts of Congress

pluralist democracy

recognizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving to impact political decision making. They believe policies are established through bargaining and compromise and tend to be fair to all in the end.

The Cabinet

refer to the group of presidential advisors including 14 secretaries and the attorney general. Each member of the cabinet heads an executive department of thousands of federal employees and multi-million and multi-billion-dollar budgets

10th Amendment and the effect on the balance of power

reserves to the states and the people all powers not granted to the national government or prohibited to the states. Traditionally, these powers include health, education, and welfare. This amendment is the basis of federalism and state sovereignty. It does not effectively balance power with the national government but allows states control over matters that are not of national interest.

Importance of Third Parties

spoiler effect - costs the party most closely associated with the third party votes. Promoting Issues - if they get a decent amount of votes, causes both parties to take on the issues that appealed to the public.

Amendment Process

step 1: amendment proposed by 2/3 vote of both houses of congress OR a constitutional convention called by congress on petition of 2/3 out of 50 states. THEN amendment ratified by 3/4 of the 50 state legislatures OR 3/4 of special constitutional conventions called by 50 states THEN the new amendment!