Founding Frenzy
What is the term for the idea that the government gets its power from the consent of the governed?
Popular Sovereignty
What is the primary job of Congress?
To make laws
Which amendment protects freedom of speech?
First Amendment
What is political socialization?
Process by which someone acquires their political beliefs and values
What is the purpose of political parties?
To organize voters, nominate candidates, win elections, and influence policy
Name one weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
Acceptable answers include: Congress could not tax, Congress could not regulate interstate commerce, no national army, no executive branch, no federal judiciary, unanimous consent for amendments
Which branch has the power to declare war?
Legislative Branch
What is selective incorporation?
The process by which the Bill of Rights is applied to the states through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.
Name three major factors that influence a person's ideology.
Family, Education, Religion, Race/Ethnicity, Gender, Income, Region/Location, Media Major Event
What is the main difference between primary elections and general elections?
Primaries: voters select the party's nominee (D v. D or R v R).
General: voters choose between nominees of different parties to fill an office (D v. R)
What major compromise at the Constitutional Convention created a bicameral legislature?
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
Aside from overriding a veto & impeaching the president, how can Congress check the power of the executive branch?
Confirm (or reject) presidential appointments
Ratify (or reject) treaties
Control funding (Power of the Purse)
Investigate executive actions (oversight hearings)
Which SCOTUS case established the "clear and present danger" test for limiting free speech?
Schenck v. United States (1919)
Which ideology generally supports a larger federal government and more regulation of the economy
Liberal/Liberals/Liberalism
What is a linkage institution and give an example.
A structure- such as the political parties, media, or interest groups- that connects people to government
According to Federalist 10, what is the biggest threat to a republic, and how does a large republic help solve this?
Factions; more factions make it harder for any single faction to dominate and a greater diversity of views leads to compromise and stability.
Name and explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Established Judicial Review, the power of the courts to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional
Explain how Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) expanded rights for criminal defendants.
Gideon ruled that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel (lawyer) applies to defendants in state courts (not just federal courts), meaning states must provide an attorney to defendants who cannot afford one.
How does generational voting influence political beliefs over time?
Different generations have their own experiences which shape their views
Younger generations tend to be more liberal, while older generations are more conservative
Events that happen during formative years have a lasting impact on a generations ideology
What is one reason why voter turnout is typically lower in midterm elections than in presidential elections?
Less media attention and excitement
People feel midterms are less important
Voters may be less familiar with Congressional candidates
Presidential elections feel more impactful to voters
Explain one way Brutus 1 warned against a strong central government and how it relates to the idea of state sovereignty.
Acceptable answers include:
Brutus 1 argued that a large national government would be too distant from the people and would threaten personal liberties.
He worried the necessary and proper clause and supremacy clause would give unlimited power to the federal government.
Brutus preferred smaller, state governments that are closer and more responsive to citizens, preserving state sovereignty.
Explain how the War Powers Resolution of 1973 limited presidential military authority- and whether it's been effective.
The War Powers Resolution was passed after the Vietnam War to check the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces to armed conflict without Congressional approval.
It requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of sending troops and limits troop deployment to 60 days (with a 30-day withdrawal period) unless Congress approves.
Effectiveness: Mixed — Presidents often find ways around it or claim it limits their role as Commander-in-Chief, so enforcement has been difficult.
What is the difference between the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, and give a SCOTUS case for each.
Free Exercise Clause protects an individual's right to practice their religion freely, without government interference (with exceptions); Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)- ruled Amish families could not be forced to send their kids to school past 8th grade due to religious beliefs.
Explain how different demographics (race, age, religion) may impact party affiliation trends.
Race/Ethnicity:
Black, Hispanic, and Asian American voters tend to lean Democratic.
White voters (especially older and rural) tend to lean Republican.
Age:
Younger voters tend to lean Democratic; older voters tend to lean Republican.
Religion:
Evangelical Christians tend to support Republicans.
Jewish, Muslim, and more secular/non-religious Americans tend to support Democrats.
Explain the impact of Citizens United v. FEC (2010) on campaign financing and political advertisements.
Citizens United v. FEC ruled that corporations, unions, and other groups have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts of money on independent political expenditures (e.g., ads that support or criticize candidates).
It led to the rise of Super PACs, which can raise and spend unlimited funds as long as they don't coordinate directly with candidates.