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363 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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affirmative action
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government policies aimed at overcoming the consequences of historical discrimination against minorities
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Which Article of the constitution describes the judicial system?
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Article III
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Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
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(1954)
Issue: De Jure Segregation Decision: The "separate but equal" doctrine as it appolies to public education is unconstitutional; separate schools are inherently unequal. |
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reverse discrimination
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the discriminatory effect on white males that affirmative action policies have
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Buckley v. Valeo
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(1976)
Issue: Freedom of Speech Decision: Upheld the limits on individual contributions to political campaigns in federal election provided for in the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act, but declared unconstitutional the limits on expenditures as well as limits on what an individual could contribute to his/her own campaign. |
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anti-trust laws
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Federal laws (starting with the Sherman antitrust Act of 1890) that try to prevent a monopoly from dominating an industry and restraining trade.
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Dred Scott v. Sanford
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(1857)
Issue: Slavery and Property Rights Decision: African Americans were not citizens of the United States, and Scott had no right to sue; the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional; slaves were property and protected as such under the Constitution. |
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Appropriations And Budget
Budget Requests |
A request for a different budget other than the annual budget
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Engel v. Vitale
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(1962)
Issue: Establishment Clause Decision: Requiring the recitation of a non-sectarian, government-sponsored prayer in the public school violates the principle of the separation of church and state; ban on prayer in public schools |
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civil liberties
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constitutionally protected freedoms against government restraint
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Quid pro quo?
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a favor for a favor... or
you must do something for me if you want me to do something for you |
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Griswold v. Connecticut
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(1965)
Issue: Right of Privacy Decision: Struck down a state law that made it a crime to provide contraceptive information to married couples on the basis of a constitutionally protected right of privacy. |
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Name some civil liberties
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freedom of conscience, religion and expression (1st amendment protection); due process of laws (5th and 14th amendments)
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Lemon v. Kurtzmann
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(1971)
Issue: Establishment Clause Decision: When a law or state action invovles religion, it must have a secular purpose; it cannot advance or inhibit religion, or excessively entangle the government with relgion; Lemon Test. |
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Balanced budget
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A government's annual budget in which receipts are equal to outlays. Only the federal government has the authority to engage in long-term deficit spending. State laws mandate a balanced budget. While a balanced federal budget is to be preferred, there are some advantages in having an "unbalanced budget." Deficit spending can provide extra funds to stimulate the economy and create jobs during an economic downturn. This benefit must be weighed against the dangers of large deficits, such as devaluation of the currency and inflation in the cost of goods and services.
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civil rights
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citizen's right not to be discriminated against by government because of race, religion, gender or ethnic origin.
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What does the term "judicial branch" mean?
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Of the three branches of government in a democracy, the one responsible of interpreting laws, conducting trials.
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Mapp v. Ohio
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(1961)
Issue: Fourth Amendment Decision: Evidence that is seized illegally cannot be used as evidence in court; the exclusionary rule is applied to the states. |
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Appropriations And Budget
OMB |
Assists the President in overseeing the preparation of the federal budget and to supervise its administration in Executive Branch agencies
(Office of Management And Budget) |
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Which Chief Justice established the principle of "judicial review"?
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John Marshall
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Gideon v. Wainwright
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(1963)
Issue: Sixth Amendment Decision: The right to counsel is fundamental to a fair trial; the state must provide an attorney to poor defendants charged with a felony; the Sixth Amendment applies to the states through the Fourteeth Amendment. |
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What do political parties do?
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organize the competition
unify the electorate help organize government provide loyal opposition |
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Miller v. California
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(1973)
Issue: Freedom of Speech and Press Decision: Outlines a test to define obscene materials that are not protected under the First Amendment. community standards were includes as were LAPS-- a work is obscene if it has no literary, artistic, political, or scientific" value. |
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What does "judicial review" mean?
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The Supreme Court has the sole power to interpret the Constitution. It also means the power of any court to refuse to enforce a law or government regulation that conflicts with the constitution.
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Miranda v. Arizona
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(1966)
Issue: Fifth Amendment Decision: Prior to questioning by police, a person in custody must be informed of the following: his or her constitutional rights to remain silent, that anything said can be used against him/her, that he/she has a right to have an attorney present during questioning, and to have an attorney appointed if he/she cannot afford; Miranda Warning. |
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Appropriations And Budget
CBO |
Assists the House and Budget Committees + Congress by preparing reports and analyses on the budget.
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Gitlow v. New York
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(1925)
Issue: Freedom of Speech Decision: The First Amendment freedom of speech protection is incorporated/ applied to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment; incorporation doctrine. gitlow had advocated for the overthrow of the government |
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What is the "clear and present danger" test?
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a legal test that says government may not interfere with speech unless the speech presents a clear and present danger that it will lead to evil or illegal acts.
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New Jersey v. T.L.O.
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(1985)
Issue: Fourth Amendment Decision: School officals can search a student suspected of violation school policy; school administrators have greater latitude in conduction a search than police or similar authorities in order to maintain an environment where learning can take place. (teacher found rolling paper in girls purse). |
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budget resolution
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Set of budget guidelines that must pass both houses of Congress in identical form by April 15. The budget resolution guides government spending for the following fiscal year.
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New York Times v. Sullivan
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(1964)
Issue: Freedom of the Press Decision: Public figures are bound by a higher standard in libel cases than ordinary citizens; they not only have to show that what was printed was false, but that the media knew it was false and published it anyway showing complete disregard for the truth. |
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political socialization
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the process by which we develop our political attitudes, values and beliefs. The most important factor in developing political beliefs is FAMILY. MEDIA is increasingly important, RELIGION is less and less important in developing political beliefs.
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What is the current standard for free speech cases?
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First, all speech is protected unless it falls into one of 4 narrow categories.
Second, laws restricting speech must be content neutral, narrowly tailored to a compelling government interest. |
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Planned Parenthood v. Casey
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(1992)
Issue: Right of Privacy Decision: States can regulate abortion as long as an "undue burden" is not placed on women. A 24-hour waiting period, counseling on alternatives to abortion, and parental consent for minors were constitutional restrictions on the right to an abortion. |
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Appropriations And Budget
GAO |
Investigates how the federal government spends its taxpayer dollars, gathers info for congress on how well the executive brach agencies are doing their jobs, answer basic questions on whether government programs are meeting objectives... OVERSIGHT
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Plessy v. Ferguson
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(1896)
Issue: Fourteenth Amendment Decision: Segregation by race was constitutional provided the facilities are equal; Separate but Equal doctrine. |
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Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
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Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 : A 1974 congressional act designed to reform the congressional budgetary process. Its supporters hoped that it would also make Congress less dependent on the president's budget and better able to set and meet its own budgetary goals.
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Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
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(1978)
Issue: Affirmative Action Decision: Setting up a rigid quota system for admission to medical school is prohibited, but race can be taken into account in the admissions process because the goal of a diverse student body is valid; reverse discrimination. |
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"spin"
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the way an event or person or concept is described or "framed" to support a certain point of view: Politicians present an issue in a way that makes them most likely to win the argument, the presentation is the "spin"
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Roe v. Wade
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(1973)
Issue: Right to Privacy Decision: Women have an absolute right to an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy based on a constitutionally protected right of privacy; the state can impose restrictions in the second and third trimesters. |
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Amendment 26 to US Constitution?
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Lower the voting age to 18
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Bureaucracy
Powers To Implement/regulate/spend |
Implement: They carry out decisions of Congress
Regulate: They use rules to regulate policys Spend: Implement laws through spending (GDP) |
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Amendment 19 to US Constitution?
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woman's right to vote
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Roth v. United States
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(1957)
Issue: Freedom of Speech and Press Decision: Obscenity is not protected under the First Amendment; the decision recognized the validity of community standards in a test to determine if materials were obscene. |
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Amendment 15 to US Constitution?
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African American right to vote
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Congressional Budget Office
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A counterweight to the president's Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The CBO advises Congress on the probable consequences of budget decisions and forecasts revenues..
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Schenck v. United States
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(1919)
Issue: Freedom of Speech Decision: Freedom of speech is not absolute; the decision established the clear-and-present-danger test as a constitutional restriction of free speech; you can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre. |
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What are the Reconstruction Amendments?
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13, 14 and 15
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Shaw v. Reno
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(1993)
Issue: Fourteenth Amendment Decision: The Supreme Court determined that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing congressional district lines just to ensure the election of an African American representative; the oddly shaped district of North Carolina was a racial gerrymander. |
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In politics, what is the "honeymoon"?
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politie interval (period of time) following an election where the opposition does not really criticize the party that controls the White House
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Texas v. Johnson
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(1989)
Issue: Freedom of Speech Decision: The burning of the American flag is symbolic speech and is protected under the First Amendment. |
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what does the 13th amendment say?
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prohibition of slavery
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Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District
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(1969)
Issue: Freedom of Speech Decision: The wearing of arm bands by students to protest the war in Vietnam is protected speech and cannot be prohibited by school officials; students do not give up their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door. |
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What is a plea bargain?
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In a criminal case, when the defendant pleas guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid going to trial for a more serious offense.
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What does the 14th amendment say?
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citizenship
due process of laws equal protection of laws |
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Westberry v. Sanders
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(1964)
Issue: Fourteenth Amendment Decision: Struck down an apportionment system that allowed for congressional districts that varied significantly in size. |
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Ways and Means Committee
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The House of Representatives committee that, along with the Senate Finance Committee, writes the tax codes, subject to the approval of Congress as a whole. A very powerful committee.
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What does the 4th amendment protect us from?
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unreasonable searches and seizures
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Gratz v. Bollinger
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(2003)
Issue: Affirmative Action Decision: Struck down use of "bonus points" for race in undergrad admissions at University of Michigan. |
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What does the 5th amendment provide?
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double jeopardy
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What does the 15th amendment say?
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right to vote regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude
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What does the 6th amendment guarantee?
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trial by jury
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What does "justiciable dispute" mean?
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it means an actual case or controversy that is capable of legal settlement?
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What does the 8th amendment protect us from?
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cruel and unusual punishment and excessive fines
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Grutter v. Bollinger
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(2003)
Issue: Affirmative Action Decision: Allowed the use of race as a general factor in law school admissions at University of Michigan. |
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What does a police officer usually have to have in order to get a search warrant?
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probable cause
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What rights are protected in the original Constitution?
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habeus corpus
no bills of attainder no ex post facto laws trial by jury in national courts right to travel limits on treason state right to have republican government |
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What is probable cause?
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the reason that the police have for needed to search the place or person
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Baker v. Carr
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(1962)
Issue: Gerrymandering Decision: "one man one vote". Ordered state legislative districts to be as near equal as possible in population; Warren Court's political judicial activism. |
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What things have to be described in a search warrant?
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place to be searched
thing to be seized probable cause for the warrant |
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Bureaucracy
Advantages the bureaucrats have over the executive in policy making |
The bureaucrats are able to implement the policy making of Congress and control the amount of spending they put into the law
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Senate Finance Committee
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The Senate committee that, along with the House ways and means committee, writes the tax codes, subject to the approval of Congress as a whole.
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What is double jeopardy?
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being tried for the same crime twice or being punished for the same crime twice
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What principle did McCulloch v. Maryland establish?
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national supremacy (federal over state laws)
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de facto segregation
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segregation that arises as a result of social and economic conditions such as housing patterns.
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What kinds of problems could make a case not justiciable?
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Not RIPE: means the harm has not yet occurred.
MOOT: opposite of not ripe, the harm has already happened and will not affect the plaintiff POLITICAL QUESTION |
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de jure segregation
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officially sanctioned segregation: like "separate but equal school systems"
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appropriations
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he last phase of the Congressional budget process for a fiscal year. The amounts authorized for spending on given programs, agencies, and government functions are approved for disbursement, or appropriation, from the U.S. Treasury.
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What is "due process"?
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rules and regulations that restrain federal and state government officials
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What is an open primary?
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any vote, regardless of party, can participate
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What is "procedural due process"?
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the constitutional requirement that limits HOW the government exercises power:
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consumer price index
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The key measure of inflation that monitors the general rise in prices over time.
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Give an example of procedural due process
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criminal trials
administrative proceedings |
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What are independent expenditures?
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money spent by individuals or groups NOT ASSOCIATED with candidates to elect or defeat a candidate
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What is "substantive due process"?
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the constitutional requirement that the government ACT REASONABLY and the the laws themselves be FAIR AND REASONABLE
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Bureaucracy
Criticisms |
Too many rules, too slow to implement laws, too much red tape, Don't know who to report to...
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What principle did Marbury v. Madison establish?
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judicial review: the courts have the power to determine the constitutionality of laws
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debt
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Amount of money owed by the central or federal government. Also known as the federal debt.
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What is the Educational Amendments Act (Title IX)?
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prohibits the discrimination based on sex of any education program receiving federal money
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Bureaucracy
"administrative discretion" |
Authority given by Congress to the federal bureaucracy to use reasonable judgement in implementing laws
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What is eminent domain?
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The power of federal and state governments to take PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USE, the government must provide fair compensation.
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deregulation
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Reducing or completely eliminating federal government oversight of an industry so as to allow it to operate more freely; deregulation is supposed to encourage competition and reduce costs to consumers.
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What is senatorial courtesy?
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The tradition of submitting the names of prospective presidential appointees from a Senator's home state to the Senator before the appointment.
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What was the Equal Rights Amendment
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An amendment to the constitution guaranteeing equal rights for women that failed to be ratified by enough states to become part of the constitution.
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What is a closed primary?
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on person already registered in the party can participate
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What is the "equal protection clause"?
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The clause in the 14th amendment that forbids any state to deny any person in its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
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deficit
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Condition that arises when federal expenditures exceed revenues; in other words, when the government spends more money than it takes in.
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What have the courts used the "equal protection clause" to do?
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to restrain the government's power to discriminate against persons based on sex, race or national origin.
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What does "original jurisdiction" mean?
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it means the first court to hear the case...usually the trial court
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What is the "revolving door" in politics?
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the term that describes how people change jobs between the legislative and regulatory sides of the government and the PRIVATE SECTOR...
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exclusionary rule?
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Evidence obtained in violation of the law or the constitution may not be used at trial.
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What cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction for?
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ambassadors, diplomats, other public minister
cases in which a state or states are a party |
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What is the doctrine of "selective incorporation"?
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court rulings that have applied, on a case by case basis, the DUE PROCESS CLAUSE OF TH 14 AMENDMENT TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS. Essentially, this legal doctrine has altered the balance of power between federal and state government, applying federal standards to many state areas.
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deficit spending
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Where the total of revenues raised by government (e.g. through taxation) is exceeded by the budgetary spending. As a result the government would have to borrow money - for example by issueing government bonds.
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What is 'freedom of expression"?
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speech and expressive actions: First Amendment prohibits Congress from passes laws abridging freedom of speech
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what is a "horse race" in politics?
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two or more evenly matched candidates... usually there is a horse race when there is no incumbent.
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What does "appellate jurisdiction mean?
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the authority of a court to hear an appeal of a decision by a lower court or agency
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What is "protected speech"
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all speech other than non protected speech
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representative democracy
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people elect others to represent them in government
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What is 'non protected speech"?
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four narrow categories:
libel obscenity fighting words commercial speech |
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demographics
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Characteristics of a population, including age, sex, and race. demographics are often used to determine changes in the make-up up of a population.
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What happens at a party convention?
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choose candidates
adopt party platform make party rules celebrate and make speeches |
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What is obscenity?
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Legal definition follows the Miller v. California three part test
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capitalism
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An economic system in which individuals and corporations, not the government, own the principal means of production and seek profits. Pure capitalism means the strict noninterference of the government in business affairs. Compare mixed economy.
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What does "precedent" mean in the judicial system?
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a decision made by the higher court is binding on all the other lower federal courts.
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Bureaucrat
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A career government employee
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What is "prior restraint" of speech
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government forbidding publication of something
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mixed economy
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An economic system in which the government is deeply involved in economic decisions through its role as regulator, consumer, subsidizer, taxer, employer, and borrower. The United States can be considered a mixed economy.
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What is an example of "revolving door"
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When the head of the energy department leaves the government and becomes a lobbyist for Exxon
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command economy/communism
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government control of economy and business, central planning
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What is the "establishment clause"?
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separation of church and state: specifically it says that government shall make to laws respecting the establishment of religion
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Civil Service Exam
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The exam given to a person who wants to become a civil servant
Civil Service: Federal Employees who work for the government through a competitive, not a political selection |
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What is the "free exercise clause"?
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the government can not make a citizen believe any one religion or deny a right to a citizen because of religious belief.
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entitlement programs
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Programs such as unemployment insurance, disability relief, or disability payments that provide benefits to all eligible citizens.
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What does national supremacy mean in the legal sense?
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federal/national law rules over state laws in certain areas, particularly constitution
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means tested entitlement
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Programs such as Medicaid and welfare under which applicants must meet eligibility requirements based on need.
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public opinion?
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the aggregate of individual attitudes and beliefs held by a population
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What does "judicial activism" mean?
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it is a philosophy proposing that judges should strike down law that are inconsistent with the NORMS AND VALUES stated or implied in the Constitution.
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Federal Reserve Board
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Executive agency that is largely responsible for the formulation and implementation of monetary policy. By controlling the monetary supply, the Fed helps maintain a stable economy.
Ben Bernanke |
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What does "judicial restraint" mean?
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a judge should strike down legislation only when it clearly violates the letter of the Constitution.
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What does "marble cake federalism" refer to?
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all levels of government are involved in a variety of issues and programs.
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What is a writ of certiorari?
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the writ (order) used to bring a case before the Supreme Court.
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Controlling Bureaucracy/Oversight
Methods Used By President |
Powers of Appointment
Shifting agencies assignment from one to another department |
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fiscal policy
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Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling taxing and spending.
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What does the rule of four refer to?
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if 4 Supreme Courts justices are interested in a petition, the case will be heard by the Supreme Court.
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what does winner take all mean?
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the political party that receives the most votes gets all the seats on the ballot
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What is an amicus curiae brief?
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A brief (a paper) filed as a "friend of the court", meaning not the plaintiff or the defendant but a party that has an interest in the outcome of the case at the Supreme Court.
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Controlling Bureaucracy/Oversight
Methods Used By Congress |
Establishing Agencies
Formulating Budgets Appropriating Funds Confirming Personnel Authorizing New Programs |
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What is judicial review?
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the power of the supreme court to declare laws unconstitutional (really, the power to evaluate the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress)
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What happens at conference of the Supreme Court justices?
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Each week that the court is in session, they hold a conference. Each case is discussed, the justices talk about how they are going to vote and then the case is assigned to a justice to write up.
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Controlling Bureaucracy/Oversight
Bureaucracy's source of power |
Implementing Laws
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what does proportional representation mean?
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the party gets the number of seats according to the proportion of votes received
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Executive Departments (15)
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Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Commerce (DOC) Department of Defense (DOD) Department of Education (ED) Department of Energy (DOE) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department of Justice (DOJ) Department of Labor (DOL) Department of State (DOS) Department of the Interior (DOI) Department of the Treasury Department of Transportation (DOT) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
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socioeconomic status and effects on voting
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a division of population based on occupation, income and education: most important factor on voter participation is education level: more education, more likely to vote.
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If a justice disagrees with the majority, what may he or she do?
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Write a dissenting opinion
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What are PACs?
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The political arm of an interest group. PACs RAISE MONEY
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If a justice agrees with the majority but for a different reason, what may he or she do?
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Write a concurring opinion.
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gross domestic product
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he monetary value of all of the goods and services produced by a nation in a given year - one of the most important tools for measuring the health of a nation's economy.
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What does a unanimous opinion signal to the lower courts?
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strength in the decision, no room to apply the law differently
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Who was John Marshall?
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most influential Supreme Court Justice
1801-1835 one of the few people to serve in all three branches of US government established the principle of judicial review |
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What does "stare decisis" mean?
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the rule of precedent. This is a fundamental principle in our judicial system designed to promote certainty, uniformity and stability. Judges are expected to abide by previous decisions of their own court and of superior courts.
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incremental budgeting
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The belief that the best predictor of this year's budget is last year's budget, plus a little bit more (an increment).
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Approximately how many cases each year are appealed to the Supreme Court?
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about 75 each term, much less than 1% of all appeals.
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Government Corporations
Amtrak |
The national railroad passenger corporation
Owned by the government |
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inflation
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A rise in the general price level (and decrease in value of the dollar) due to an increase in the volume of money and credit in relation to available goods.
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What have minor parties candidates been organized around historically?
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Candidate
Ideology Issue |
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What characterized the Warren Court?
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judicial activism
liberalism, popular liberties social rulings like Brown v. Board of Education rights for criminal defendants |
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Government Corporations
US Postal Service |
responsible for all mail for the United States authorized by Constitution
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What is the effect of the media on elections?
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The media can produce a bias in elections, good or bad impressions of candidates or events. The media can set the agenda by giving coverage to certain events, issues or candidates.
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What is INTRAstate commerce?
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commerce within ONE STATE
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Keynesian economics
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Economic theory based on the principles of British economist, John Maynard Keynes stating that government spending should increase during business slumps and be curbed during booms.
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Hatch Act
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A federal statute barring federal employees from active participation in certain kinds of politics and protecting them from being fired on partisan grounds
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Laissez faire economics
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Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.
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Socialism
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an economic and governmental system based on PUBLIC ownership of the means of production and exchange.
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mandatory spending
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Required government spending by permanent laws.
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Purpose |
They are formed and accorded power by Congress to regulate a specific industry. Within the authority granted them by Congress, they have the power to form and enforce their own regulations.
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Who presides over a Senate impeachment trial?
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The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
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discretionary spending
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Those appropriation items in the budget that are not mandatory. In the federal budget, discretionary spending consists of measures in the 13 appropriation bills that must be passed by Congress by October 1 in such categories as transportation, agriculture, and education.
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What is INTERstate commerce
|
commerce between TWO OR MORE STATES
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Medicaid
|
Federal program that provides medical benefits for low-income persons.
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Compare Power to Cabinet Departments |
more powerful because they are independent of the Congress.
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Medicare
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National health insurance program for the elderly and disabled.
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What does the term "divided government" refer to?
|
one party has the White House
the opposition controls one or both house of Congress (House or Senate) |
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Why was Marbury v. Madison important?
|
It established the principle that the Supreme Court decided if a law was constitutional (note: it decided the law allowing the SC to issue a writ of mandamus was not constitutional)
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Independent Agencies
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An agency outside of the presidents control.
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Who was Marbury?
|
He was a judge appointed by Adams right at the end of his presidency to a newly created judgeship. His letter of appointment was not delivered and the new Secretary of State, James Madison, did not want him to become a judge. Marbury sued Madison to get the position, he lost.
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monetary policy
|
Government policy that attempts to manage the economy by controlling the money supply and thus interest rates.
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"Solid South"
|
The electoral support of the South for Democrats from the end of Reconstruction through 1964
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What happened in McCulloch v. Maryland?
|
Maryland wanted to tax the Bank of the United States, saying that the power to tax was reserved to the states and the power to create a bank was not expressly given to the Federal Government.
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NAFTA
|
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): Agreement signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1992 to form the largest free trade zone in the world.
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What principle was established in McCulloch v. Maryland
|
national supremacy, Constitution is the supreme law of the land, no state may tax a national instrument.
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Interstate Commerce Commission
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to regulate railroads (and later trucking) to ensure fair rates, to eliminate rate discrimination
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What is habeus corpus?
|
the names of a legal action or writ by neams of which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment.
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Informal Power Structures
|
not sure
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The American Dream
|
The widespread belief that the US is a land of opportunity and that individual initiative and hard work can bring everyone economic success. This idea is linked to capitalism
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What is lobbying?
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The intent to influence government legislation or regulations
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Iron Triangle
|
the policy-making relationship among the congressional committees, the bureaucracy (executive) (sometimes called "government agencies"), and interest groups.
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What are enumerated powers?
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Powers in the constitution that only Congress can exercise.
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Issue Networks
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an alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a single issue in government policy
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Describe party platform
|
intentional ambiguous
designed to cover the central positions and bring voters into the party |
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safety net
|
A minimum government guarantee that ensures that individuals living in poverty will receive support in the form of social welfare programs.
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Merit System Or Principle
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A system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend of demonstrated performance rather than political patronage
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sixteenth amendment
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Authorized Congress to impose and collect federal income taxes.
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What is the "iron triangle"?
|
A concept that refers to the long standing and close relationship among three groups:
federal government Congressional committees interest groups |
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social security
|
A combination of entitlement programs, paid for by employer and employee taxes, that includes retirement benefits, health. insurance, and support for disabled workers and the children of deceased or disabled workers.
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Causes of voter apathy?
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apathy means when people are too lazy or the cost and the time of effort,
disapproval of both candidates |
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What is a Bill of Atttainder?
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An act of legislature declaring a person or group guilty of a crime and punishing them without a trial.
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Patronage
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the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual gives to another
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What are issue networks?
|
alliances of interest groups based on a shared issue.
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Pendleton Act
|
a federal law established in 1883 that stated that government jobs should be awarded on the basis of merit
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What are examples of tensions between federal and state government?
|
McCulloch v. Maryland
tariffs succession regulating commerce nationally versus by state |
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Privatization/Deregulation
|
transferring ownership of a business, enterprise, agency or public service from the public sector to the private sector
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What are attack ads? Negative campaigns?
|
Media attacks against another candidate or position that are negative
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Red Tape
|
excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making
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GATT
|
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): An international trade organization with more than 130 members, including the United States and the Peoples Republic of China, that seeks to encourage free trade by lowering tariffs and other trade restrictions.
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Democrats
|
left of central
favor liberal positions support larger federal government |
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BCRA: soft money
|
banned most forms of soft money
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Rule Making Process
|
After Congress passes new regulatory laws, the agency charged with implementing the law proposes a series of rules, which are published in the Federal Register. Interested parties can comment on the rules, either at public hearings or by submitting documents to the agency. After the agency publishes the final regulations, it must wait sixty days before enforcing those rules. During that time, Congress can review and change the rules if it desires. If Congress makes no changes, the rules go into effect at the end of sixty days.
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What is the Full Faith and Credit clause of the constitution about?
|
requiring each state to recognize civil judgments rendered by the courts of another state
exception is not having to enforce the criminal laws of another state. |
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) |
principal mission is the promotion of consumer protection and the elimination and prevention of what regulators perceive to be harmfully anti-competitive business practices, such as a monopoly.
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Interest Groups: Public Interest
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Claim that they promote the public interest. a specific type is , i.e, a tax exempt charity.
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) |
holds primary responsibility for enforcing the federal securities laws and regulating the securities industry, the nation's stock and options exchanges, and other electronic securities markets in the United States
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BCRA: limits on individual contributions?
|
$10,000 per individual to state or local party for party activities, like voter registration
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Occupational Safety And Health Administration |
mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and occupational fatality by issuing and enforcing standards for workplace safety and health
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Republicans
|
right of center
emphasize role of free markets and individual achievements |
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Federal Reserve Board |
the board of the central bank of the United States
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BCRA: issue ad restrictions?
|
limited issue ads advocating a condidate to 30 days prior to an election.
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What are the "implied powers" of the Constitution?
|
powers inferred from powers expressly granted to Congress in the Constitution that are needed for Congress to function.
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Independent Regulatory Commissions
Federal Communications Commission |
to make available so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication services with adequate facilities at reasonable charges
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What did McConnell v FEC hold?
|
most of BCRA constitutional
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Senior Executive Service (SES)
|
Established by Congress in 1978 as a flexible, mobile core of senior career executives who work closely with presidential appointees to manage government
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Independents
|
not affiliated with any party
many have central view points or completely different view points. |
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Spoils System
|
a system of public employment based on rewarding party loyalists and friends
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What did Citizens v. United hold?
|
first amendment does not permit limits on corporate funding of independent political broadcasts.
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AMA
|
American Medical Association:
Lobbying |
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|
What is the commerce clause?
|
Constitution clause that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nation, among states or Indian tribes.
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What is "bundling"?
|
A fundraising tactic within PAC where you collect the maximum individual contribution $2,000 and get many individuals together in a "bundle" to make a larger, legal contribution.
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What factors are associated with voter participation? (Fawp)
Education... |
Education: Number 1 factor in voter turnout, more educated=more likely to vote.
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Campaign Finance Reform?
|
BCRA 2002 banned most soft money contributions
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What are Block Grants?
|
borad grants for prescribed actions, welfare, child care education, social services.
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what is a single member district?
|
an electoral district in which voters choose one representative or official
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Candidate's "image"?
|
how the candidate want to be seen by the public
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FAWP-religion?
|
differences in religion = source of conflict ??? and politically
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Why was the electoral college created initially?
|
because the framers of the constitution did not trust the people to directly elect the president.
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What is the process to amend the constitution?
|
proposal- Bill of Rights
ratification: needed supermajority (3/4), nine of the thirteen original states ratification took three years New York and Virginia were important states in the ratification process. NOW: proposal requires 2/3 votes in Congress and Senate 3/4 approval of states to ratify. |
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fawp-race and ethnicity?
|
fast growing ethnic groups contribute as much as 32 million votes
can decide elections |
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|
How many electoral votes does each state have?
|
number of seats in house of representative plus two for the senate
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What is "image building"?
|
using various forms of media to present a positive image of a candidate
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|
Who chooses the presidency if no candidate wins a majority of the electoral college votes?
|
house of representatives
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What does limited government mean?
|
minimal government, minimal intervention in personal liberties
The Magna Carta and the US Constitution are examples of limited government. |
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|
How does a candidate use the media to seek campaign contributions?
|
Through ads and news, by getting themselves and their positions out into the general public and asking for money.
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fawp age?
|
older Americans are politicallly aware and they vote
past elections affect older voters more |
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What was Shays Rebellion?
|
small rebellion that sent stab of fear into leadership
farmers in Massachusetts attacked an arsenal and rebelled and protested heavy taxes showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation |
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|
What did Buckley v. Valeo hold?
|
Supreme Court ruled that donating to candidates is a part of your 1st amendment rights.
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fawp gender?
|
women more liberal, more likely to vote democratic
women voted less than men in early 20th century. |
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Labor Unions
|
A union of workers that work to improve their work conditions, salary, or hours, etc.
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What is the coattail effect?
|
Boost to party candidates from a popular presidential candidate
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What is separation of powers?
|
distribution of constitutional authority
among three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. |
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Open Shop
|
You can get the job even if you're not a member of the labor union.
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Which state chooses presidential candidates by the caucus method?
|
Iowa
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|
what are the five factors associated with voter participation? (fawp)
|
education
religion race and ethnicity age gender |
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|
What are "527 groups"?
|
A group created to influence elections and are not regulated by the FEC.
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what is soft money?
|
money raised in unlimited amounts for party building purposes
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Closed Shop
|
You must be a member in the labor union to be able to join a closed shop job.
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what is hard money?
|
money given to candidates in limited amounts and the donor is fully disclosed.
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What are Natural Rights?
|
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
can never be taken away limited power of the king |
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Free-Rider
|
You get the benefits of a labor union without having to be in one.
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forms of political paraticipation?
|
voting, running for office, writing letters or campaigning or making campaign donations.
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|
What are independent expenditures?
|
money spent by individuals or groups NOT ASSOCIATED with candidates to elect or defeat a candidate
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|
What do the Federal Election Commission do?
|
The FEC regulates elections, including campaign finance.
|
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|
Federalist Papers #10?
|
republican government is prone to faction
the problem of factions can be cured by removing their causes or controlling their effects factions must be controlled |
|
|
What do presidents look for in selecting a vp?
|
balance the ticket
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|
Media Bias
|
Journalists tend to be liberal while CEOs and editors are conservative; CEOs can decide what to report on.
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|
|
Federalist Paper #51?
|
maintaining the separation of powers in practice requires giving branches of government the means to check the powers of each other.
|
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|
What did FECA 1971/1974 do?
|
Increased disclosure of donations and created the Federal Election Comission.
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|
Ideology?
|
a consistant pattern of beliefs about political values and roles of the government
|
|
|
Describe different economic interest groups.
|
Business: Exercise considerable political influence (money). Corporate power!
Trade Associations: Businesses with similar interests join together to form trade associations. Divided into large nationwide associations like the chamber of commerce Labor: Represent workers Professional Associations: Strong unions made up of professional people. |
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|
What did Buckley v. Valeo hold?
|
Individual candidates are not limited in how much of their own money they spend
Congress can limit the amount of money a third party contributes to a campaign. |
|
|
Factions
|
like minded individuals with similar interests
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|
What did the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and 1974 do?
|
disclosure requirements on money received by candidates
disclosure requirement of contributions to influence elections created a tax check off option of $1 per taxpayer for public election financing. |
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|
What are ideological interest groups?
|
Behave like economic interest groups, but they may not be driven by a desire to make money.
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|
What is dealignment?
|
moving away from party identification?
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|
Liberalism
|
government intervention to fix defects in capitalistic system
a belief in positive use of government to bring about justice and equality of opportunity |
|
|
What does "front loading refer to?
|
The practice by states of having their primaries early in the presidential election calendar in order to make them more important.
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|
Federalism
|
the form of government in which the constitution divides power between the central (federal) government and the states
|
|
|
What does "front runner" refer to?
|
politician with the early lead in polling during an election, 'the one to beat"
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|
Libertarianism
|
advocates individual liberty
Reduce public spending, reduce or eliminate government agencies...anti government regulation FAR RIGHT |
|
|
what is a "horse race" in politics?
|
two or more evenly matched candidates... usually there is a horse race when there is no incumbent.
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Direct Democracy
|
government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials more directly
|
|
|
Moderates?
|
in between liberal and conservative
agree with some viewpoints on both sides |
|
|
Declaration of Independence
|
document declaring colonies' independence from England
written by Thomas Jefferson |
|
|
Bill of Rights?
|
wanted by anti-federalists
of some rights were protected, what was the objection to protecting the rest? |
|
|
What is the libertarian party?
|
individual liberties
personal responsibility freedom from government regulation |
|
|
What was the constitutional convention voting compromise?
|
3/5 compromise, slave counted as 3/5 white man
limited voting rights depending on wealth and property. |
|
|
CC Great Connecticut Compromise
|
called for a "senate" and "house of representatives"
made by Connecticut delegates |
|
|
What was the Constitutional Convention? What were its goals?
|
called the Annapolis Convention
revise the Articles of Confederation, then realized need a constitution Washington was the leader |
|
|
Partisanship
|
a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause or person
|
|
|
At the constitutional convention, what was the New Jersey Plan?
|
unicameral legislature
more than one person by state majority no power over state ratification by states did not question the need for a central government, only concerned of how it will be used. |
|
|
Pluralism
|
public policies coming from COMPETING GROUPS, through NEGOTIATION
|
|
|
What was the Virginia Plan at the CC
|
bicameral legislature
executive size undetermined judicial life tenure legislature can override state laws ratification by citizens legitimacy derived from citizens strong central government |
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|
What is an "open seat"
|
no incumbent running
|
|
|
Hyperpluralism
|
GRIDLOCK IN GOVERNMENT caused by too many competing interest groups
|
|
|
what is realignment?
|
a fundamental shift in voting, usually happens with an historic change. Last realignment was 1932, New Deal.
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|
Confederation system?
|
very small central government
all powers delegated to states |
|
|
What is reapportionment?
|
adding or subtracting the number of representatives in Congress based on changes to a state's population.
|
|
|
What is the elite and class theory of pluralism?
|
only a few individuals control decision making
|
|
|
what is a recall?
|
procedure where votes can remove an elected official through a direct vote
|
|
|
What do PACs do?
|
Raise money for politicians and try to influence office holders to vote a certain way. PAC represent the intersection of money and votes.
|
|
|
what is a referendum?
|
a direct vote by the people on an initiative that originated in the state legislature
|
|
|
Checks and Balances?
|
the solution for the issue of separation of powers
executive branch can veto legislation judicial branch can use judicial remedies (i.e. judicial review) house of representatives can impeach president Senate can refuse to confirm a member of Cabinet Checks and Balances prevent one branch of government from getting too powerful. |
|
|
What is an initiative?
|
the means by which a petition acquire enough votes to have the initiative voted on directly on a ballot...pure form of direct voting.
|
|
|
What is the pluralist theory?
|
power is spread among many different groups within a society, no one group controls more than a few government decisions.
|
|
|
What is redistricting?
|
Redistricting is the state drawing of electoral boundaries. Political process.
|
|
|
How do PACs get around the contribution limit?
|
bundling
soft money contributions |
|
|
Articles of Confederacy? Weaknesses?
|
moved towards strong central government, did not work out.
Congress had no direct authority, could not pass laws or levy taxes or regulate trade. Congress could not forbid states to issue their own currency, no executive branch no judicial system |
|
|
What is "issue advertising:?
|
using the media to advocate a position on public policy, can not call for the election or defeat of a specific candidate
|
|
|
Federalists
|
wanted powerful central government
wrote Federalist papers Hamilton, Madison, |
|
|
What is political efficacy?
|
efficacy is the word used to explain political behavior
Internal efficacy: the belief that an individual can understand and take part in politics External efficacy: the perception that the government can respond to a citizens needs... People have more confidence in their internal efficacy than in external efficacy. |
|
|
Anti-federalists
|
wanted Bill of Rights
wanted confederation type of government Jefferson was big anti-federalist |
|
|
Supremacy Clause?
|
the clause in the constitution that holds that national (federal) laws are supreme.
|
|
|
What are "reserved powers"?
|
powers reserved the state government, not the federal government.
|
|
|
Amendment 26 to US Constitution?
|
Lower the voting age to 18
|
|
|
What does the 10th Amendment say?
|
the powers not delegated to the federal government by the constitution are reserved for the states or the people.
|
|
|
Amendment 19 to US Constitution?
|
woman's right to vote
|
|
|
Which powers are prohibited/denied?
|
Federal Government may not: tax and regulate INTRASTATE commerce. Each state is guaranteed a republican form of government by the constitution.
State government may not coin money, tax imports or foreign ships, engage in war with another nation, make treaties with foreign governments. |
|
|
Amendment 15 to US Constitution?
|
African American right to vote
|
|
|
What it the "necessary and proper clause"?
|
Congress may make any laws necessary and proper to help the people.
|
|
|
What is Gibbons v. Ogden about?
|
established the Commerce Clause: congress has power to regulate INTERSTATE COMMERCE, very vague powers to Congress.
|
|
|
What is a mandate?
|
A mandate is requirement imposed by the federal government for the receiving of federal funds: speed limit is 55 miles per hour, then you get federal highway funds.
Unfunded mandate is a requirement that is not funded at all. Underfunded mandates are Congressional requirement with not enough money to get the job done, example: No Child Left Behind. |
|
|
CAV: Equality
|
Equality: American believe in SOCIAL EQUALITY, no nobility, no aristocracy
POLITICAL EQUALITY: every individual has a right to equal protection under the law and equal voting power. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: social background should not limit opportunity to achieve to the best of our ability. |
|
|
CAV: Individualism
|
Individualism: people have RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, people want to preserve freedom of choice but recognize there are limits and that government is necessary to maintain public order.
|
|
|
CAV: Democracy
|
limited government
people vote representative democracy |
|
|
CAV: Rule of Law
|
Rule of Law:all men are equal before the law, no one is above the law
|
|
|
"Democracy in America" Alexis de Toqueville
|
A abundance of land
B fertile soil C numerous opportunities D limited geographic threats |
|
|
Demographics and Voting Trends
|
study of human population
|
|
|
Direct democracy
|
people are directly involved in democracy, initiative, people voting rather that the elected representative voting on their behalf.
|
|
|
Free Enterprise
|
business governed by the law of supply and demand, not restrained by government interference, regulation or subsidy.
|
|
|
How many members in the House?
|
435
|
|
|
How often are Congressmen elected?
|
every 2 years
|
|
|
How many Senators are there?
|
100
|
|
|
How often are Senators elected?
|
every 6 years. Remember, every two years one third of the Senate is up for reelection.
|
|
|
Why does the census matter to Congress?
|
Because the number of seats each state gets in the House of Representatives is based on the population which is determined every 10 years by the census
|
|
|
What is reapportionment?
|
adding to or taking away from the number of representatives that a state has based on population
|
|
|
What is gerrymandering?
|
redrawing congressional districts in order to elect a certain party
|
|
|
Is gerrymandering based on race legal?
|
no: cite Supreme Court case Shaw v. Reno
|
|
|
What was the main idea of Baker v. Carr?
|
malapportionment is unconstitutional, citizens can challenge voting districts
"one man one vote" |
|
|
List five reasons incumbents usually win
|
name recognition
free mailing (franking) access to media staff money raising advantage from PACS |
|
|
Who has longer time for debate, House or Senate?
|
Senate
|
|
|
Which is more formal, House or Senate
|
House
|
|
|
What is the term for the congressional procedure where anyone can offer an amendment from the floor?
|
open rule
|
|
|
What is the term where only committee members can offer amendments?
|
Closed rule
|
|
|
Who make committee assignments in the Senate?
|
majority leader
|
|
|
What is filibuster
|
in the SENATE, talking as long as you want
|
|
|
What is the formal name for the procedure you need to end a filibuster?
|
cloture
|
|
|
What is a "hold"
|
A Senator can stop a nomination or an issue from going forward with a "hold"
|
|
|
What is a standing committee
|
one that is permanent, not set up for one issue or task
|
|
|
What is the "elastic clause"
|
Article I, Section 8 Clause 1, Congress has all powers "necessary and proper"
|
|
|
What is the "power of the purse" and who has it?
|
House of Representative
raise money and authorize government spending for programs and agencies |
|
|
How does Congress use the "power of the purse" as a check against the executive branch?
|
Threaten to cut off money to agencies unless they have congressional oversight.
|
|
|
What is a conference committee?
|
specific house and senate committee to negotiation the language of a bill
|
|
|
How many committee seats does each party get?
|
proportion to the number of members in Congress (i.e. how big of a majority there is)
|
|
|
What are two methods for choosing a committee chairman?
|
seniority
merit |
|
|
What is logrolling?
|
voting in Congress where you vote for one congressman's bill and in return, he votes for your bill.
|
|
|
what is pork barrel legislation?
|
legislation that helps your district, especially spending money on federal projects in your district
|
|
|
What are the four major steps that a bill goes through before it becomes a law
|
introduce in House or Senate
committee review floor debate and majority vote in House and Senate president signs |
|
|
what is "rider" to a bill
|
a provision, that may or may not be related to the bill, that gets attached to bill in order for the bill to get passed.
|
|
|
What is a pocket veto?
|
When the President does not sign a bill for 10 days AND Congress is not in session
|
|
|
If the President vetoes a bill, can it still become a law?
|
yes if 2/3 of the House and the Senate vote to OVERRIDE the veto.
|
|
|
What is a "safe seat"?
|
a congressional seat that is easily won by one party or another
|
|
|
Who has the "advise and consent " powers, House or Senate?
|
Senate
|
|
|
The Rules Committee is in the House or Senate?
|
House
|
|
|
what are a couple of important, powers that the president has?
|
national security
budget preparation setting the national agenda |
|
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Who is the presiding officer of the House?
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The Speaker of the House, chosen by the majority party.
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