Foundational Documents
This Enlightenment principle argues that government derives its authority from the people it governs.
What is consent of the governed?
To create laws; structured as Congress
What is the legislative branch?
Overturned "separate but equal," desegregated schools.
What is Brown v. Board of Education?
Family, education, media, and social groups.
What are factors that influence political socialization?
This type of policy involves government taxation and spending, while its counterpart involves controlling the money supply.
What is fiscal and monetary policy?
The inability of Congress to tax and regulate interstate commerce was a major weakness of this governing document.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Established in Marbury v. Madison, this power allows courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
This 1819 case established federal supremacy over the states and strengthened the Necessary and Proper Clause.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
These surveys measure public attitudes and help shape campaign strategy and policy decisions.
What are public opinion polls?
Local governments shape public policy by passing ordinances and implementing programs tailored to their communities.
What is the role of local government in public policy
This constitutional principle divides power among the three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What is separation of powers?
Power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional; established by Marbury v. Madison.
What is judicial review?
In this 1969 case, the Court ruled that students do not lose their First Amendment rights at school unless their speech causes substantial disruption.
What is Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?
These organizations influence policy by lobbying, funding campaigns, and mobilizing voters.
What are interest groups?
This area of policy includes issues such as citizenship requirements, border control, and refugee admissions.
What is immigration policy?
In this essay, James Madison argues that factions are inevitable but can be controlled in a large republic.
What is Federalist No. 10?
Senate confirmation for appointments; Senate ratification for treaties.
What is how the legislative branch can check the executive's power.
This 1993 case held that racial gerrymandering can violate the Equal Protection Clause if race is the predominant factor in redistricting.
What is Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
This belief that one’s participation can influence government encourages political engagement and voting.
What is political efficacy?
This annual federal process begins with the president’s budget proposal and continues through congressional budget resolutions and appropriations bills.
What is the federal budget process?
This Anti-Federalist paper warns that the Necessary and Proper Clause gives the federal government excessive power and threatens individual liberties.
What is Brutus No. 1?
Congress can override a presidential veto with this supermajority vote in both chambers.
What is a two-thirds vote?
This 2010 case allowed unlimited independent political spending by corporations and unions.
What is Citizens United v. FEC?
Education level, income, civic engagement, and election laws are key factors influencing this.
What is voter turnout?
Legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act demonstrates federal action in this area of policy.
What is environmental policy?