Unit 1 Foundations of American Democracy
What is the fundamental purpose of the constitution?
Layout the structure and powers of each branch of government; set up a system of federalism (Fed Gov & State Govs have power)
What is the responsibility of the president in relation to lawmaking?
Sign/Veto the laws made by Congress
"Take care" that the laws are faithfully executed
African American voters tend to vote for which party?
Democrat
Which election generally has a higher turnout? Presidential elections or midterm elections?
Presidential elections
What is an incumbent? What advantages do they have in an election?
Which article in the Constitution covers the process for how to amend the Constitution?
Article V (5)
When the President picks a Vice Presidential running mate, what are they looking for in that person?
Balance out the ticket (look for a person who has qualities that they DON'T have)
What is the process of political polarization?
The process by which people form their political values and beliefs
True or false: Negative advertising in campaigning is illegal
FALSE
What was the central (main) debate between Federalists and Antifederalists?
The size and scope of the national government
What is Federalist 10 about?
Be afraid of factions; the only way to control factions is by having a large republic where more opinions can be heard
What is divided government? Give an example of a consequence of a divided government?
Divided Government = When one party DOES NOT control all branches of government
Consequences = gridlock, lack of legislation getting passed
What is the purpose of social welfare programs? Give an example of one.
Provide government assistance to people when they need it; medicaid, food stamps, housing assistance, etc
Members from what 3 groups make up an iron triangle?
Congressional Committee, Bureaucratic Agency, Interest Group
Define gerrymandering
The drawing of congressional districts to purposefully advantage or disadvantage members of a political party
Give an example a concurrent power.
Shared between the Federal Gov & State Govs (taxation)
Required Supreme Court case Shaw v. Reno includes what clause from the constitution?
Equal Protection Clause 14th amendment
Whose job is it to carry out Monetary Policy?
Federal Reserve (raising or lowering interest rates to influence the amount of $$ in supply)
What is a major difference between primary elections and general elections?
Primary elections select a party's nominee to run for office while general elections select who will hold that office
48 of the 50 states use what method to determine which presidential candidate gets the state's electoral college votes?
BONUS: what two states DO NOT use this method?
Winner-take-all system
BONUS: Maine & Nebraska
Define devolution
The process of passing power from the Federal government to the state governments
Whose job is it to draw congressional maps?
State legislatures
What was the impact of the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC?
Unlimited spending by corporations is legal as long as it is independent of the candidate (rise of the SUPER PAC & increased spending in campaigns)
What is Federalist 70 about?
Argues for having one executive; need for energy and decisiveness and it is easier to hold one person accountable for decisions