Politics
Define political party
A group of people who seek to control the government by winning elections and holding office.
What was the first American Government? It was in place during the Revolutionary War and for almost 10 years after
Articles of Confederation
What are the three branches of government and what are their jobs?
Executive Branch- enforces laws
Legislative Branch- makes laws
Judicial Branch - interprets or judges the laws
One way that people can participate in government is voting. Some say it's the only way. they're wrong name 4 more.
1. Contact representatives
2. work for campaigns, raising and giving money
3. march or rally
4. run for office
Name two purposes of government
1. To form a more perfect union
2. to guarantee civil rights and liberties
3. to promote general welfare of citizens
4. to establish Justice
5. To ensure domestic tranquility ( order is essential)
6. To provide for common defense against outside attacks
What are the two aspects in particular that stand out about American political campaigns?
Their length and their expense
Many different forms of government exist. Name one besides Democracy and a characteristic.
Autocracy- (Monarchy, Dictatorship) a system of government with one leader
Oligarchy- ruled by a small group of elite
Theocracy- based on religious law
Republic- citizens conduct affairs for their own benefit rather than the benefit of a ruler
What two plans were proposed at the Constitutional Convention?
The New Jersey Plan and The Virginia Plan
Gerrymandering is drawing congressional districts in a way that helps the party in power to gain seats in the House of Representatives. Who was it named after? (please include title)
Governor Elbridge Gerry
What are the two steps of the election process in the United States?
1. Nomination
2. General Election
Name two very important roles that minor political parties play.
1. Spoiler role- pull decisive votes away from one of the major parties
2. Critic- takes stand or draws attention to issues to controversial issues that major political parties ignore
3. Innovator- draws attention to important issues and proposes innovative solutions
In the Articles of Confederation, what was the structure of the government?
1. Congress- sole body
2. no judicial branch
3. A "presiding officer" would be choosen from within
4. Civil officers appointed by congress
The framers of the Constitution debated how the President should be elected. What was the compromise?
Electoral College
Americas first political parties were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Name the leaders of these parties
Federalists= John Adams
Anti-Federalists = Thomas Jefferson
States don't just draw districts to make them look equal in _________________, they draw them to capture certain population _____________ so that one party has a greater chance of election a member from a particular district.
Population
Characteristics
FEC- Federal Elections Commission
The _________ Act of 1929 froze the total number of House of Representatives seats at ________
Congressional Act
435
The ideas expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom served as models for the ___________________________________________.
Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution
In the 2010 the Supreme Court ruled on a case that had massive impact on campaigns. Name that case __________________ vs. ________________
Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission
Gerrymandering is achieved using two different tactics. Please name and describe these
Cracking- splitting voters of the opposing party into different districts
Packing- putting as many members of one party into one district to limit the amount of seats they win
What are two advantages to a multi-party system?
1. Provides broader representation of the people
2. more responsive to the will of the people
3. gives voters more choices at the polls
What is the significance of the Federal Campaign Act of 1971?
It is the first law that put limits on campaign spending and donations. It was further refined in 2002 with the McCain-Feingold Campaign Law.
What did the 19th amendment do?
1920 gave women the right to vote
Who was the president of the Continental Congress?
John Hancock
Unlike traditional PAC's super PAC's may not ____________________.
donate money directly to candidates