Constitutional Underpinning
Democracy means "Rule by the _____" (Democracy)
people
Which branch is given the “power of the purse”?
Legislative Branch ( Powers of Congress)
A candidate wins presidency through obtaining the majority vote of?
The Electoral College (Electoral College)
Is the voter turnout in the United States high or low? (Voter Turnout)
Low
What can the president do with legislation?
He can sign or veto it.
_________ favored increase in power of the ______ government, while the ________ wanted more power for the states.( Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution)
1. Constitution 2. Articles of Confederation
What does the iron triangle consist of? (Iron Triangles)
Congressional Committees, the Bureaucracy, and interest groups
Fill in the blank. The use of _______-________ districts promotes the two- party system. (two-party system)
single-member
Political party identification is best influenced by? (Political Socialization)
Family/Parents
What can the president do with the armed forces?
He can command it.
A ___/____ vote is required by both the House and Senate for an amendment to be proposed.(Process for amending the Constitution)
two-thirds
When does a bill officially become a law? (How a bill becomes a law)
Once the President signs off on it or when his veto is overridden by both houses
What is the main difference between PACs and SuperPACs? (PACs & SuperPACs)
Unlike PACs, Super PACs can raise funds without any legal limit on donation size.
Define Political Ideology (Political Ideology)
Answer: a set of beliefs about politics and public policy that creates the structure for looking at government and public policy
What can the president do with his cabinent?
He can ask for their opinion.
"A system of government in which both the states and the national government remain supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies" What type of Federalism is this called? (Federalism)
Dual Federalism
Define: The War Powers Act (War Powers)
requires the President, upon sending troops into military action, must notify Congress within 48 hours that he has done so. The Resolution also forbids military personnel from remaining in a state of conflict for more than 60 days (including an additional 30 days for withdrawal). After that, the President must seek an additional authorization from Congress or a formal declaration of war.
This was the first major federal law to regulate campaign finance. It created the Federal Election Commission (FEC), required disclosure of sources of campaign funds (transparency), set limits on contributions to candidates (individuals = $1000, PACs = $5000) and spending limits for candidates. What is this known as? (Campaign finance reform)
Federal Election Campaign Act
Define Exit Polls (Public Opinion/Polling)
election-related questions asked of voters right after they vote
What can the president do with crimes
He can give grants and pardons or reprieves.
What essay is this known as? “Argues that separation of powers within the national government is the best way to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one person or a single group” (Federalism)
Federalist 51
Name 2 Informal and Formal powers of the President (Formal v. Informal powers of the President)
Informal: the ability to enact a legislative agenda, executive orders, sending out troops without a declaration of war, and conducting foreign policy initiatives. Formal: Commander in Chief, Power to veto laws passed by Congress, the power to make political appointment and to negotiate treaties with foreign nations. the ability to call congress in session and then also the power to adjourn, the power to grant pardons for federal crimes, and the responsibility to ensure that all passed laws are faithfully executed.
Name at least three important functions of the media (Roles of Media)
♦ informing the public ♦ shaping public opinion ♦ providing a link between citizens and government ♦ serving as a watchdog that investigates and examines personalities and government policies, for example, the Trent Lott-Strom Thurmond Controversy ♦ agenda setting by influencing what subjects become national political issues; protests against the Vietnam Conflict are an example
Name at least 3 forms of political participation (Political Socialization)
♦voting in elections ♦ discussing politics and attending political meetings ♦ forming interest groups and PACS ♦ contacting public officials ♦ campaigning for a candidate or political party ♦ contributing money to a candidate or political party ♦ running for office ♦ protesting government decisions
What can the president do with ambassadors?
He can receive them.