IDEAS THAT SHAPE AMERICAN POLITICS
What is negative liberty?
Freedom is the absence of constraints.
After the first U.S. governing document proved too weak, this became the nation's supreme law.
The Constitution
Define Federalism?
The division of powers between the national, state and local government.
The study of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Political Science
What is the difference between libertarians and populists?
Libertarians: strong proponents of negative liberty and aim to reduce all government to a minimum.
Populists: They believe the rich and powerful have captured the government and unfairly dominated the economy and society.
What are the three branches of government?
Article 1: Legislative, Article 2: Executive, Article 3: Judicial
Define dual federalism?
Original form of federalism, "layered cake"- a clear division of governing authority between national and state government.
Define the originalist perspective of the constitution.
The principle of legal interpretation that relies on the original meaning of those who wrote the constitution.
What is American exceptionalism?
The view that United States is uniquely characterized by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, liberty, and limited government.
What was the constitutional convention?
12 states drafted a new constitution from scratch in order to create a national government superior and independent to states. Secrecy was involved.
What is the difference between a unitary vs. confederate vs. federal government?
Unitary- all powers lie in the national government (single body)
Confederate- the majority of powers is with the states.
Federalism- power is shared between the national, state and local government.
Explain both sides of the argument: How strictly should we interpret the constitution? I'm an originalist versus I'm a pragmatist. One point from each side.
Originalist argument- We risk the arbitrary use of power if we permit everyone to interpret the constitution as they like.
Pragmatist argument- the modern world includes challenges that the framers could not have imagined.
What is the difference between pluralist theory, elite theory, bureaucratic theory, and social movement theory.
Pluralist theory- interest groups influence government decisions.
Elite theory- power rest in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful individuals particularly the richest Americans and top government officials.
Bureaucratic theory- real control lies with the millions of men and women who carry out the day-to-day operations of modern government
Social movement theory- power lies within the citizens.
What is the primary purpose of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government? And, what constitutional principle applies to the purpose of having three branches of government?
Legislature: makes the laws, Executive: Carries out the laws, Judicial: Interprets or evaluate the laws.
Purpose of the three branches: Separation of powers principle.
What is nationalism and give an example of why it is seen as a two-edged sword.
Nationalism is a strong sense of national identity and loyalty to a country.
Examples: 9/11 attack
List all the 8 big ideas in American politics.
Liberty, self-rule, diversity, equality, American dream, limited government, individualism, and religion.