Unit 1
The system where each branch of the Federal Government can limit the power of the other two branches
What are Checks and Balances?
Strong loyalty to one political party, often causing polarization, is known by this term.
What is partisanship?
This clause prevents the U.S. government from creating a national religion or favoring one religion over another.
What is the Establishment Clause?
These statistical characteristics—such as age, race, income, or education—help explain political behavior and electoral outcomes.
What are demographics?
An organized group that aims to win elections and influence policy is known as this.
What is a Political Party?
This principle states that a government’s power comes from the consent of the governed.
What is popular sovereignty?
The clause that led to the concept of implied powers.
What is the Elastic Clause/Necessary and Proper Clause?
These warnings, required by a 1966 Supreme Court case, inform suspects of rights such as remaining silent and having an attorney during custodial interrogation.
What are Miranda Rights?
This ideology supports government action to promote equality, regulate the economy, and provide social programs, while protecting individual rights.
What is liberal ideology?
A citizen's belief that they can understand and influence the government and politics
What is Political Efficacy?
This idea says individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for government protection and social order.
What is the social contract?
This principle describes Congress's division into two chambers: the House and the Senate.
What is bicameralism?
This doctrine, created by Plessy v. Ferguson, permitted racial segregation as long as facilities were supposedly equal—until overturned in 1954.
What is “separate but equal”?
This ideology favors limited government involvement in the economy, traditional social values, and a strong emphasis on individual liberty.
What is conservative ideology?
The congressional seats determined during the Midterm Elections?
What are the 435 members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the 100 Senate seats?
Held in 1787, this convention originally sought to revise the Articles of Confederation but ended up writing a new Constitution.
What was the Philadelphia (Constitutional) Convention?
This official serves as the President of the Senate, presiding over proceedings, casting tie-breaking votes, and signing enrolled bills.
Who is the Vice President of the United States?
This term refers to nonverbal expression such as armbands or flag burning, which the Supreme Court says is protected by the First Amendment.
What is symbolic speech?
This lifelong process describes how people develop their political beliefs through influences like family, school, media, and peers.
What is political socialization?
The Supreme Court case that paved the way for Super PACS.
What is Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?
The series of armed protests by American farmers occurred in Massachusetts between 1786 and 1787
What is Shay's Rebellion?
This 60-vote Senate procedure ends debate and forces a final vote.
What is cloture?
Passed after the 9/11 attacks, this 2001 law expanded government surveillance powers and strengthened counterterrorism tools.
What is the USA PATRIOT Act?
This polling method uses representative samples and statistical techniques to measure public opinion accurately.
What is scientific polling?
These institutions—such as parties, interest groups, elections, and the media—connect citizens to government.
What are Linkage Institutions?