Vocab
Vocab II
Key Documents
Main Ideas
Key Concepts
100
Powers that only the National Government has.
What are Exclusive Powers
100
1. An action made based on loyalty to a political party. 2. A decision supported by two parties
1. What is Partisanship 2. What is Bipartisanship
100
Introduction to the Constitution. Explains the purpose of the Constitution.
What is the Preamble
100
How has the U.S. Constitution survived with only 27 changes?
Founders did not want it changed for light or transient reasons. Understood that stability was important for the new nation. Two methods of change. 1. Two-thirds of the states can petition Congress to call a Constitutional Convention (Never used). 2. Congress can propose amendments to the states. Each house of Congress must support the amendment by a two-thirds vote and three-quarters of the states must then ratify the amendment
100
The smallest unit of election administration; a voting district.
What is Precinct
200
Powers that are not specifically stated in the constitution but suggested by the expressed powers.
What are Implied Powers
200
The government powers are divided between the national government and the state government. Also known as Federalism
What is Division of Powers
200
Document that sets out the principles, structures, and processes of a government. It explains what the government is and can/cannot do.
What is the United States Constitution
200
How do political parties factor into the American political system? (4 functions)
Four key functions in the American political system Political parties: (1) select candidates, (2) mobilize voters, (3) facilitate governance, and (4) monitor the opposing party when it's in power.
200
A meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates.
What is a Caucus
300
Powers that the Federal Government create to take care of the country
What are Inherent Powers
300
A group/person who seeks to influence public policy on the basis of a particular common interest or concern.
What is an Interest Group
300
A document declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.
What is Declaration of Independence
300
What factors play an important role in the political socialization of the American Voters?
The family, educational system, peer groups,economic classes, key world events, and the mass media all play a role. Political socialization is a lifelong process by which people form their ideas about politics and acquire political values.
300
The redrawing of electoral district lines to make sure that a specific party win elections. Used for political gain.
What is Gerrymandering
400
Powers stated in the constitution which explains what the federal government is allowed to do. Also called enumerated powers.
What are Expressed Powers
400
The current officeholder
What is an Incumbent
400
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view
What is Propaganda
400
How has mass media recently affected people's view of politics?
Media informs the public of political issues. Politicians use media to reach the voters. Media can also influence politics by deciding what news the public needs to hear Media includes radio, television, social media, advertising and mailings.
400
The most basic level of an activity or organization of political activity.
What is Grassroots
500
Powers that are possessed and exercised by both the National Governments and the States.
What are Concurrent Powers
500
Anyone who can vote in an election. Also known as constituents.
What is an Electorate
500
This document, written by John Adams, remains the oldest functioning written constitution in continuous effect in the world.
What is Massachusetts State Constitution
500
According to the constitution, what is the relationship between the national and state governments?
The federal government is delegated certain enumerated powers while all other powers not otherwise prohibited by the Constitution are reserved to the states.
500
The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other, but does not receive an absolute majority.
What is Plurality
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