Federalism/The Constitution
Public Opinion/Media
Campaigns/Interest Groups
Congress/ Presidency
Miscellaneous
100
Do we have a pluralist or majoritarian democracy?
pluralist
100
name a conservative-leaning news outlet discussed in numerous assigned articles
Fox News
100
What is the difference between interest groups and PACs?
PACs can contribute directly to political campaigns, interest groups cannot
100
Which branch of government has the power to declare war?
Congress
100
Who presides over the Senate?
Vice President
200
What is the difference between cooperative and dual federalism?
cooperative is where the states and the national gov't share powers, dual is where their powers are distinct and separate
200
What is the difference between conservatives in liberals in terms of government intervention in the market and in private matters?
liberals- support gov't intervention in the market, not in private matters conservatives- no gov't intervention in the market, but should intervene in personal matters
200
Court case that overturned McCain-Feingold Act that regulated campaign financing
FEC vs Citizens' United
200
What is one check the President has on Congress?
veto legislation that comes to his desk
200
What is judicial review?
The ability of the judicial branch to rule an act of Congress unconstitutional
300
Who wrote the Federalist Papers?
James Madison
300
The media's role as _____ has kept Ron Paul out of the spotlight even though he has done well in polling in Iowa and other states
gatekeeper
300
How do interest groups influence policies?
Interest groups will send lobbyists to Capitol Hill to try to convince Congressmen or Senators that they should support their particular issue because their district supports it... can form PACs to influence political campaigns
300
Name examples of Cabinet Departments under control of the President
Dept of Education, Dept of Defense, State Dept, Dept of Homeland Security...
300
The current Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid
400
Were individual liberties and rights originally included in the Constitution or added later through amendments?
later (Bill of Rights)
400
What is watchdog journalism?
Journalism that tries to uncover misconduct by politicians or gov't officials in an attempt to inform the public
400
What is a large lobby in US politics and how does it impact policy decisions?
Big Oil... favors less environmental regulation and continued offshore drilling, etc
400
What are some roles of the President?
Commander in Chief, Head of State, Chief Lobbyist
400
There was an article that discussed the relationship between employees at the Minerals Management Service agency and BP. What did it say?
There was a mix of business and personal relationships between MMS and BP that allowed BP to get away with not following federal regulations that led to the BP oil spill
500
What is the elastic clause and what does it grant to Congress?
The elastic clause is in the Constitution and allows for Congress to have implied powers in carrying out its expressed powers (necessary and proper)
500
What is the FCC?
Federal Communications Commission, an independent regulatory commission, serves the public interest and ensures that radio, tv, and other forms of communication abide by federal regulation
500
What is the difference between direct election and indirect election?
direct election- Senators, Representatives indirect election- President (Electoral College)
500
What are Standing Committees?
permanent committees in both chambers of Congress that have specific objectives and responsibilities
500
How many electors are in the Electoral College
538 (one for each Senator and Representative, then 3 for DC)
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