Foundations of American Democracy
This democratic ideal states that government authority comes from the consent of the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
This process describes how individuals develop their political beliefs and values through influences such
What is political socialization?
This chamber of Congress has 435 members and is designed to represent the population of each state.
What is the House of Representatives?
This formal presidential power allows the president to reject legislation passed by Congress.
What is a veto?
This amendment guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What is the First Amendment?
This principle limits the power of government by dividing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What is separation of powers?
This ideology generally favors greater government regulation of the economy and more government involvement in social programs.
What is liberalism?
This tactic in the Senate involves prolonging debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.
What is a filibuster?
This informal presidential directive manages operations of the federal government without requiring congressional approval.
What is an executive order?
This amendment includes the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses used to apply rights to the states.
What is the Fourteenth Amendment?
This compromise created a bicameral Congress with representation by population in one chamber and equal representation in the other.
What is the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?
This belief that one’s participation in politics can influence government is known as this.
What is political efficacy?
This Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review.
What is Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
This constitutional role makes the president the leader of the U.S. armed forces.
What is commander in chief?
This legal process applies protections in the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
What is selective incorporation?
This Supreme Court case established the principle of implied powers and affirmed the supremacy of federal law over state law.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
This type of poll measures voter attitudes as they leave polling places after casting their ballots.
What is an exit poll?
This principle requires courts to follow precedent when deciding similar cases.
What is stare decisis?
This amendment limits presidents to two elected terms in office.
What is the Twenty-Second Amendment?
This constitutional clause prevents states from denying any person equal protection under the law.
What is the Equal Protection Clause?
This clause allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers and is often called the Elastic Clause.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
These institutions—including political parties, interest groups, elections, and media—connect citizens to policymakers.
What are linkage institutions?
This Supreme Court case established the “one person, one vote” rule requiring legislative districts to have roughly equal populations.
What is Baker v. Carr (1962)?
This constitutional requirement gives the Senate the power to approve or reject presidential appointments such as cabinet members and ambassadors.
What is Senate confirmation (Advice and Consent)?
This clause guarantees fair procedures before the government can deprive someone of life, liberty, or property.
What is the Due Process Clause?