Political Parties
What is a political party?
It is a group of citizens who want to influence government by getting the candidate of their choice elected; the candidate will impact public policy.
Freedom of press, Freedom of speech, Freedom of religion, Freedom of petition, Freedom of assembly
The First Amendment promises two religious guarantees.
Establishment Clause = no state-sponsored religion
Free Exercise Clause = free practice one's religion
Zelman v. Simmons
Parantes can receive vouchers from the State and use them to send their children to private schools.
What is Libel and Slander?
Libel is a false and malicious use of printed words.
Slander is a false and malicious use of spoken words.
What is a platform?
It is a statement that puts forth the party's positions on issues. Each individual issue is called a plank.
Which Amendment offer protection from unreasonable searches and seizures?
Fourth Amendment
What are the three tests in The Lemon Test?
1. A law must have a secular, not religious, purpose
2. It must neither advance nor inhibit religion
3. It must not foster an "excessive entanglement" of government and religion
Engel v. Vitale
It established that it was unconstitutional for public schools to lead students in prayer.
Identify Democrats and Republicans
They usually feel that the federal government has a responsibility to help the poor through government intervention. Democrats are seen as liberal.
Republicans believe that leaving the economy alone will allow for growth and in less regulation. They are seen as conservative.
Which freedoms does the Eighth Amendment guarantee?
Excessive bail and fines. Cruel and unusual punishments.
Wisconsin v. Yoder
The Court ruled that the individual liberty to worship freely outweighed the state's interest in forcing students to attend school.
Political party system in different countries
Most democracies have multi-party systems. The United States has a presidential system and a Congress. China, Cuba and North Korea have one-party system.
What Amendment allows you to protect yourself with weapon?
Second Amendment
Schenck vs. United States
The Supreme Court invented the famous "clear and present danger" test to determine when a state could constitutionally limit an individual's free speech rights under the First Amendment.
Identify a "Third party"
It can be any party other than the two major parties. A third party never won a presidential election. They can change outcome of election, because they challenge the two major parties, Their most important role is to influence policy on one or more issues.
What are the five basic provisions of the Fifth Amendment?
Due process, double jeopardy, grand jury, self-incrimination, eminent domain
Tinker v. Des Moines
It cemented students' rights to free speech in public schools.