Foundations of Government
What is the main purpose of government according to John Locke’s social contract theory?
To protect people’s natural rights — life, liberty, and property
What was America’s first form of government after independence?
The Articles of Confederation
What are the two chambers of Congress called?
The Senate and the House of Representatives
What are the minimum age requirements for the House and Senate?
House: 25; Senate: 30
What system was created to choose the president and vice president?
The Electoral College
This theory argues that a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals control government decisions.
What is Elite Theory.
What event exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitutional Convention?
Shays’ Rebellion
What is the main difference between representation in the House and Senate in terms of number of members?
House = population-based; Senate = equal representation (2 per state)
What Supreme Court case led to the rise of Super PACs?
Citizens United v. FEC (2010)
What act gave the president more control over the federal budget?
The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921
What is the term for goods that all people may use but are limited in supply, such as clean air or water?
Common Goods
What was the Great Compromise?
Agreement creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate
What is gerrymandering?
Manipulating district boundaries to favor one party
What is incumbency advantage?
The higher chance that current officeholders are re-elected due to name recognition and funding
What is the president’s role as commander-in-chief?
Leads the U.S. armed forces
According to pluralist theory, how do citizens influence government?
By joining groups and participating in civic engagement
Which Federalist Paper argued for a large republic to guard against factions?
Federalist No. 10
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause also called?
The Elastic Clause
What are the three models of representation?
Delegate, Trustee, and Politico
What is the “rally ’round the flag” effect?
A temporary surge in presidential approval during national crises
What was one major tradeoff faced by the framers of the Constitution regarding government structure?
Balancing federal vs. state power
What landmark Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Which amendment made senators directly elected by the people?
The 17th Amendment
What is descriptive representation?
Representation that reflects constituents’ identity traits such as race, gender, or background
Which case affirmed that presidents can be impeached but not removed without a two-thirds Senate vote?
Impeachment process outlined in Constitution, confirmed through Johnson and Clinton cases