Types of Governments
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Democracy
The belief that a small, privileged group - composed of economic, military, or political elites hold disproportionate power in government.
Elitism Theory
The simplest form of political participation, which every American citizen has the right to do:
Vote
What is a 'Change' to the Constitution?
Amendment
Federalism is a system dividing the ____ with the _____
What lemon-scented oil is derived from dried grass and used as an insect repellent?
Citronella
A system of government that favors or enforces strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom.
Typically consists of one person or group that makes all the Executive/Legislative decisions.
Authoritarian
Approximately (Fraction or percentage) how many U.S. Presidents attended Ivy League schools?
1/3 / 33%
If you are concerned with the poverty rate in your area, and/or the fact that your city is not improving (economically, socially), what should you do to address this? (Hint: a direct line)
Contact representatives
Ex: City of Merrillville is number 1 in pollution rate, contact Frank Mrvan (dis. 1) to hopefully address/fix the issue.
What event exposed the national government's inability to maintain order or address economic crises, under the AOC?
Shay's Rebellion
Explain the Supremacy Clause (VI)
Federal law = supreme law of the land
Federal law trumps state law when there is a conflict.
In 1967, who became the first professional quarterback to pass for over 4000 yards in a season?
Joe Namath
A form of government in which power is held by nobility:
Aristocracy
The view that political power is dispersed among many diverse interest groups, each competing to influence government action:
Pluralist Theory
How can a 'group' of people be engaged in policymaking/government proceedings?
Participate in protests, sit-ins, boycotts, work for Political Campaigns, or grassroots organizations.
What did Anti-federalists want before agreeing to ratify the Constitution?
Bill of Rights (1st ten Amendments)
Which clause from the Constitution (Article I, section 8) expands federal powers?
Necessary and Proper Clause
What is a commonly used expression to describe a child who closely resembles a parent?
Chip off the ol' block
Apple doesn't fall far from the tree
A one-party system of government where the ruling party exercises total state control, owning the means of production and economic resources, with a stated goal of achieving a classless society.
Communist
Give me an example of a 'trade-off' in policymaking:
National Security vs. Civil Liberties (Patriot Act, privacy Rights)
Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection (Oil/Automotive industry)
Individual Freedom vs. Public Health (Epidemic & Mask mandates)
Government Spending Priorities (Spend more on Defense, less money for education or healthcare)
Equity vs. Efficiency
(Welfare programs reduce poverty/promote fairness, critics argue they can discourage work or slow economic efficiency.)
What can be a problem with the media in terms of politics/government?
Fake News, Bias, etc.
The Constitutional Convention (1787) consisted of two compromises to the Constitution before it was adopted, what were they?
Great Compromise (Bicameral Legislature)
3/5ths Compromise (Enslaved people =3/5ths of a person)
During the 'Anti-trust' movement (Late 1800s-early 1900s), the federal government adopted the 16th Amendment, which did what?
Granted Congress the power to collect income taxes
What was Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt's relation?
5th Cousins
A democratic system of government where the head of government, or prime minister, is elected from and accountable to the legislature, rather than being directly elected by the people.
Parliamentary System
(Pluralist Theory)
Give an example of how groups will compete against each other, shaping public policy.
Either: Compare 2 different interest groups that are real, or give me a hypothetical.
Ex: NRA advocates for protecting 2nd amendment rights, opposes gun control legislation
Ex: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence advocates for stricter gun control laws
Simple fact, young people (18-29) are the lowest in voter demographics across the country. However, those who don't vote often utilize _______ ________ to stay engaged in politics.
Social Media
What is the difference between Federalists and Anti-federalists?
Feds - support strong national government
Anti-feds - feared federal overreach, there should be more power to the states (Bill of Rights)
Case: Federal Ban on Online Sports Betting
Congress passes a law banning online sports betting across the United States, arguing that because the internet crosses state lines, the activity counts as interstate commerce. A company in New Jersey that runs a legal sports betting website challenges the law, claiming that regulating gambling should be left to the states under the 10th Amendment.
Question: Does Congress have the constitutional authority to ban online sports betting under the Commerce Clause, or is this a power reserved to the states? Why or how?
Yes, Congress has the authority under the commerce clause to ban online sports betting. (Regulating online gambling - which internet inherently crosses state lines - qualifies as regulating interstate commerce)
States can regulate gambling within their own borders, but once it crosses state lines -> Federal power is supreme.
What four-legged animal is considered the smallest marine mammal?
Marine Otters (Lontra Felina)