Legislative Branch
How many people are in each chamber of U.S. Congress?
435 House Representatives
100 Senators
(= 535 members or Congress total)
This power allows the president to issue regulations that have the force of law.
Executive Order
Explain the difference between Judicial Restraint and Judicial Activism/
Judicial activism: The belief that the role of a justice is to defend individual rights and liberties, even those not explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Judicial restraint: The belief that the role of a justice is to defer decisions (and thus policymaking) to the elected branches of government and stay focused on a narrower interpretation of the Bill of Rights.
What major political party would a liberal be more likely to join? What major political party would a conservative be more likely to join?
Liberals -> Democratic Party
Conservatives -> Republican Party
A form of democracy in which the power belongs to a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by the leaders and representatives elected by those citizens to govern according to law
This constitutional clause allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers. (Must say actual name.)
Necessary and Proper Clause
How long is a presidential term? How many can they serve?
Presidents can serve 2 terms. Each term is 4 years long.
This power allows the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
Judicial Review
What is the #1 influence in political socialization?
The family
_________ democracy, which emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision making.
Pluralist Democracy
This leadership position controls the House calendar and significantly influences which bills reach a vote.
Speaker of the House
Notion of the presidency as a platform from which the president could promote an agenda directly to the public.
Bully Pulpit
This power allows the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
Judicial Review
What is libertarianism?
A political philosophy that advocates only minimal state intervention in the free market and the private lives of citizens.
What was the impact of Shays' Rebellion?
Shays' Rebellion significantly influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution and highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, leading to calls for a stronger national government.
This informal legislative practice allows members of Congress to insert funding for local projects into spending bills.
Pork Barrel
This Supreme Court case limited presidential power by rejecting the use of executive privilege during a criminal investigation.
New York Times v United States
Explain what Stare decisis means.
The principle of making legal decisions based on past precedents. From the Latin for “let the decision stand.”
How do liberals and conservatives differ on fiscal policies?
Conservatives typically advocate for less taxes and the free enterprise system.
Liberals typically advocate for taxes to support social programs, and more regulation of businesses.
What is the name of powers shared by the federal government and the states?
Explain the differences between a trustee, delegate, and politico.
Trustee model: A member of Congress who considers the views of their constituents and uses their own judgment to decide how to vote.
Delegate model: A member of Congress who always follows their constituents’ voting preferences.
Politico: A member of Congress who acts as a delegate on issues that their constituents care about, and as a trustee on issues that their constituents don’t care about.
The Senate can ratify treaties, and confirm cabinet, and judicial appointments to check the Executive Branch. What is this action called?
Advice and Consent
Explain what selective incorporation is, please include what amendment enables it in your response.
The gradual process of applying amendments in the Bill of Rights to state and local governments by way of the 14th Amendment.
This political theory argues that political power should rest with the people and be exercised directly or through representatives.
Populism
What is the difference between the VA, NJ, and Connecticut Plans?
Virginia Plan:
- Proposed a bicameral legislature
- Representation based on population
New Jersey Plan:
- Proposed a unicameral legislature
- Equal representation for each state
Connecticut (Great) Compromise:
- Created a bicameral legislature
- House based on population
- Senate with equal representation
Compromised between large and small states