Foundations and Philosophy
This 17th-century philosopher saw the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," justifying a strong sovereign to keep order.
Who is Hobbes?
This 1776 document justified separation from Britain and cataloged grievances against King George III.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Also called the "elastic clause," it is the source of Congress's implied powers.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
This 1803 case established the principle of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
It is the subtler cousin of agenda setting: not choosing which issues we see, but shaping how we interpret them, e.g., labeling a policy "relief" versus a "handout."
What is framing?
Locke argued that government exists to protect these three natural rights. Name the three.
What are life, liberty, and property.
The nation's first governing document, which created a weak central government with no power to tax or regulate commerce.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
A Senate tactic of extended debate is used to delay or block a vote.
What is the filibuster?
This 1819 case upheld the national bank and affirmed implied powers and national supremacy over the states.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
This scholar argues that the American "culture war" is largely a myth, that ordinary voters are moderate, and that it is the political elites and officials who are truly polarized.
Who is Fiorina?
The agreement by which individuals surrender some freedom to a government in exchange for order and the protection of their rights.
What is the social contract?
In the 1786-87 uprising, Massachusetts farmers exposed the weakness of the Articles and pushed leaders toward the Constitutional Convention.
What is Shays' Rebellion?
The president manages the executive branch by issuing directives that carry the force of law without congressional approval.
This 1896 case upheld racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine.
What is Plessy v. Ferguson?
Duverger's Law predicts that this electoral system pushes a nation toward two dominant parties, whereas proportional representation invites many parties.
What is a single-member district (winner-take-all/ first past the post system)?
Rogers Smith's argument that American political culture holds not only liberalism but also competing illiberal traditions is called this.
What is the multiple traditions thesis?
Who are the Anti-Federalists?
This term refers to the leeway bureaucrats have when interpreting and implementing the laws Congress passes.
What is administrative discretion?
This 1954 case declared segregated public schools unconstitutional, overturning "separate but equal."
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
In this 1969 case, the Supreme Court upheld the Fairness Doctrine, reasoning that the scarcity of broadcast airwaves justified requiring balanced coverage.
What is Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC?
Smith's term for the tradition holding that rights and civic status should depend on race, ethnicity, or gender.
What is ascriptive Americanism?
This amendment reassured Federalists that enumerating certain rights would not deny or disparage others retained by the people.
What is the Ninth Amendment?
If the president and vice president are unable to serve, this official is next in the line of succession.
What is administrative discretion?
Known as the Pentagon Papers case, this 1971 ruling rejected the government's attempt at prior restraint on the press.
What is New York Times v. United States?
On deepening democracy, Putnam blames declining social capital, but the scholar in the Stolle reading counters this, arguing that trust actually flows from impartial and trustworthy government institutions.
Who is Rothstein?