Section 1
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Political Spectrum
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Last updated
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Date created
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Cards (164)
Section 1
(50 cards)
Political Spectrum
Tool used to visually compare different political positions by placing them on one or more axis.
Parliamentary Government
Executive are members of the legislative branch
Economy (Right)
Economy works best in free market (Laissez- Faire) Forces of the market= trusted to meet needs of business, consumer, and workers. Gov. programs should not compete with private industry.
Republicans
Generally Conservatives because they advocate a reduction in gov.
Social or Political Contract theory
Peoples moral and/or political obligations are dependent on an agreement among them to form the society in which they live. *Law and political order are not natural, they are human creations.
Conservative
Status Quo, less Gov.
Democracy
Gov elected by the people. Determine either directly or through elected Reps.
Representative Democracy
People represented through elected officials.
SCOPE OF THE GOVERNMENT (Right)
Government should be downsized. Large governments, both federal and state, have the power to control business interests and therefore potentially infringe on the freedoms of individuals. Government programs tend to provide unnecessary services that go beyond the scope of the constitution.
Liberal
Peaceful gradual change, reject violent revolution
Political Rights (Left)
Extend Civil Rights to minority groups, students, prisoners, homosexuals, and poor. Protect individual rights: Free speech, pro-choice, anti-capital punishment, and privacy.
Government
An organization of people set up to protect the community and make rules. -Protects community -Makes laws -Keeps order
Political Rights (Right)
Cent gov= diminish Issues dealt best on state and local level No change in family values ( usually christian centered) O.K to censor obscure ideas that shake Status Quo.
Left
More Gov Intervention, support change
Economy (Left)
Minimum wage standards Public projects= more jobs Gov provide basic living standards of living to all citizens
Dictatorship
Ruled by a single leader not elected.
Foreign Affairs (Left)
Spread Democracy + Protect human rights in the world Strong Support of UN.
Force Theory
A group claimed control and forced all other to submit.
Taxation (Left)
Acceptable, Gov have $ to fund programs benefiting society, % taxes preferred over flat rate, rich= more tax
Monarchy
Power in the hands of royalty
Business Regulations (Right)
Business need free from gov. and supply and demand will guide Gov policies that affect products are bad Trickle down economics is the way to stimulate economy
The State
Body of people living in a defined territory, having power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority.
SCOPE OF THE GOVERNMENT (Left)
The government should serve as the equalizers in society and establish a basic standard of living, a minimum wage is an acceptable tool of government intervention. The left accepts government control and regulation of business and an active government that protects political rights.
Public Policies
All things a government decides to do.
Evolutionary theory
Developed out of early familiy
Direct Democracy
People vote Directly on every issue
Presidential Governemt
Separates Power between executive/legislative
Moderate
Mid-Ground
Current issues (Left)
Left: Pro Gun control, Pro Choice, No Censorship, Prisons should Rehabilitate, Pro-privacy, Equal funding for Education.
State of Nature
Survival of the Fittest
Four aspects of the State
1. Population: must have people 2. Territory: recognized boundaries 3. Sovereignty: Having supreme and absolute authority in it's own territory 4. Government- Different forms
Divine Right Theory
State created by God and those of royal birth have a divine right to rule.
Unitary
All power belongs to one level of gov't
Right
Less Gov intervention, Traditional Values
Current issues (Right)
Right: Anti-gun Control, Pro-life, Anti Flag burning, Prisons should punish, Prayer in schools, School vouchers.
Business Regulation (Left)
Yes on gov. Reg Market no reliable to provide safe work conditions Gov. reg= protect workers+ consumers= Everyone= chance to succeed
Federal
Power is divided between a central gov't and several local gov't.
Theocracy
Religious based Government
Two- Party System
A system where two major political parties dominate politics within a government
Politics
Activities relate to governance of a country or area
Taxation (Right)
Taxes infringe on personal freedoms Taxes= bad for free market Taxes= Penalization those who are successful Taxes= Punish Profit Prefers flat tax
Confederate
An alliance of independent states
Foreign Affairs (Right)
Gov role= pro us business and econ. intervention in other countries. Fix us before we fix others Support tariffs (tax on imports)
Distribution of wealth (Right)
Business= right to make profit People are rich or poor b/c of choices they make Prosperous people should no be penalized.
Military Dictatorship
Army is in control
Reactionary
Far right, Extreme methods
Radical
Far Left, Resorts to extreme methods to bring about change.
Democrats
Generally liberal because they support gov reg. of the economy.
Distribution of wealth (Left)
Disparity between rich and poor no good, taxes= distribute wealth. Gov more involved in ed, Health care, Child C., and Elderly. Pub Project= Stimulate economy
Conferred Power
Power which is agreed upon.
Section 2
(50 cards)
Popular Vote
the popular vote winner may not win the electoral college; for example: small-state bias caused by each state getting at least three electoral votes regardless of its size
Third party
Any political party that is not one of the two major parties in a two-party system
Electors
individuals selected in each state to officially cast that state's electoral votes; Wisconsin selects 10 electors
The Albany Plan
In 1754, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan, an annual congress of delegates (representatives) from each of the 13 colonies would be formed.
Article VII
addresses ratification and says that 9 states are needed to ratify the Constitution
Lobbying
efforts by individuals or groups to influence governmental decision makers Types of lobbying; -full-time employee -temporary employee -often former legislatives
James Madison
James Madison was the co-author of the Articles of Confederation. Kept detailed records of the convention Conventions Floor leader Contributed more to the constitution than any other
Common Features of State Constitutions
Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Civil Rights and Liberties Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Royal Colonies
Ruled directly by the English monarchy.
First Continental Congress
The colonists sent a Declaration of Rights to King George III. The delegates urged each of the colonies to refuse all trade with England until British tax and trade regulations were repealed, or recalled.
Electoral College
a compromise, combining features of both congressional selection and direct popular election
Article VI
contains the supremacy clause, establishing that federal law shall be the supreme law of the land
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromises
Congress has the power to regulate foreign and interstate trade -Scared southerners because of slave trade -States cannot enact import/export taxes only federal government can -Could not act on the slave trade for 20 years
Article IV
explains the relationship of the states to one another and to the national govt
Article V
spells out the ways the Constitution can be amended
Three main concepts of Government brought by English Colonists
The need for an ordered social system, or government. The idea of limited government, that is, that government should not be all-powerful. The concept of representative government—a government that serves the will of the people.
Constitutional Convention
Mid-February of 1787 meeting of all thirteen States, which eventually became the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
Plank
Each issue included in a political party's platform. Gives the candidates a clear political position with which they can campaign. They give voters a sense of what the candidates believe in, the issues they think are important, and how - if elected - they will address them.
Article III
creates judicial branch
Inside lobbying
appeals directly to lawmakers and their staff -through meetings -by providing research and info -by testifying at committee hearings
Confederation
A joining of several groups for a common purpose
Article I
establishes legislative branch
Three-Fifths Compromise
All "free persons" will be counted; 3/5 of all other persons Southerners could count slaves but had to pay taxes on them
The Virginia Plan
-Three Separate branches of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judicial -Bicameral legislature (2 parts) -Based on population or the amount of money given to support the central government -Members of House of Reps = based on population -Senate = chosen by House from a list from the State Legislature -Congress would be given powers it had under the Articles of Confederation -Any State law that conflicted with National Law would be vetoed -"National Executive" and "National Judiciary" -Council of Revision -Veto acts passed by Congress (but can be overridden by Congress) -State officers should take an Oath to the Union -Admission process for new States
Article II
creates an executive branch to carry out laws created by Congress
Proprietary colonies.
Land given to the colonist by the Monarchy
Electioneering
-efforts to help candidates financially -efforts to help candidates gain voter support
Stamp Act Congress
In 1765, a group of colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York. These delegates prepared the Declaration of Rights and Grievances against British policies and sent it to the king.
Charter Colonists
Self-governed, and their charters were granted to the colonists.
Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Between 1776 and 1777, most of the States adopted constitutions instead of charters.
Weaknesses of the Articles
-One vote for each state, regardless of size. -Congress powerless to lay and collect taxes, and regulate foreign and interstate commerce. -No executive to enforce acts of congress. -No national court system. Amendment only with consent of all states. -Amendment only with consent of all State. -A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. -Articles only a "firm league of friendship"
The Preamble
intro, explains purpose of Constitution and purpose of govt
Popular Sovereignty
The principle of popular sovereignty was the basis for every new State constitution. That principle says that government can exist and function only with the consent of the governed. The people hold power and the people are sovereign.
Second Continental Congress
In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia. The Second Continental Congress served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781.
Litigation
testifying to influence public policy
judicial review
power of courts to say that laws and actions of govt are invalid bc they conflict w the constitution's principles
Civil Rights and Liberties
In every State it was made clear that the sovereign people held certain rights that the government must respect at all times. Seven of the new constitutions contained a bill of rights, setting out the "unalienable rights" held by the people.
Outside lobbying
attempt to influence decision makers indirectly, by influencing the public -try to build public support -increase conflict about an issue -lobby other groups and try to form alliances tactics: direct contact, direct mail, and media advertisements
6 Major Principles of Constitution
1. Popular sovereignty- rule by people 2. Federalism- power is divided between national and state govts 3. Separation of powers- limits the central govt by dividing power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches 4. checks and balances- each branch of govt exercises some control over the others
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
The powers granted to the new State governments were purposely divided among three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch was given powers with which to check (restrain the actions of) the other branches of the government.
Becoming President
Step 1: Formation of a Presidential Exploratory Committee Step 2: Announcement of intention to run for president based on findings of the exploratory committee Step 3: Fundraising and gathering of support and endorsements from the general public as well as other politicians, special interest groups, corporations, etc. Step 4: Campaigning early, especially in states where primaries are important (Iowa, New Hampshire, candidates home state, etc.) Step 5: Continuing to campaign to beat out all other opponents from within your own party Step 6: Attending your party's National Convention and securing the nomination of the party Step 7: Campaigning nationwide against your opponents from other parties Step 8: Winning election and securing enough electoral college votes to be named the next president
AC (Power of congress)
Make war and peace Send and receive ambassadors Make treaties Borrow money Set up a money system Est. post offices Build a navy Raise an army by asking the states for troops Fix uniform standards of weights and measures Settle disputes among the states
Articles of Confederation (AC)
Approved November 15, 1777 Est. "a firm league of friendship" between the states Needed the ratification of the 13 states March 1, 1781 Second Continental Congress declared the Articles effective
AC (States Obligations)
Pledge to obey the Articles and Acts of the Congress Provide the funds and troops requested by the congress Treat citizens of other states fairly and equally Give full faith and credit to public acts, records, and judicial proceedings Submit disputes to congress for settlement Allow open travel and trade b/w and among states Primarily responsible for protecting life and property Accountable for promoting the general welfare of the people.
Limited Government
The concept of limited government was a major feature of each State constitution. The powers delegated to government were granted reluctantly and hedged with many restrictions.
Types of Interest Groups
-economic interests -environmental interests -equality interests -consumer and other public interest lobbies
Structure of Constitution
3 parts; the preamble, the articles(7), and the amendments
Connecticut Compromise
Two houses Senate - equal representation House - proportional representation based on population Combination of Virginia and New Jersey plans
Economic Interests
trade associations; - organized commercial groups, farm organizations - corporations; form own interest groups, hire lobbyists - labor unions, professional associations
New Jersey Plan
-Unicameral (one body) Congress of the Confederation -Each state equally represented -Give them limited and closely monitored powers -Tax and regulate trade -Federal Executive -More than one person -Chosen by Congress/could be removed with a majority vote -Federal Judiciary -Single "supreme Tribunal" -Selected by the Executive Branch
Section 3
(50 cards)
Thomas Paine
Author of book "Common Sense"
Agenda setting
bringing issues to the public's attention and placing them on the national agenda
"Leader" of House
Speaker of the House
Elite Theory
- reject the pluralists' assertion that competing groups balance power - believe unequal distribution of power in society ensures that interests of some groups will dominate others
PAC
Political Action Committees; raise and spend money to influence electoral outcomes
Single-issue groups
groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics
House Rules Committee
the committee in the House of Representatives that reviews most bills coming from a House committee before they go to the full House
Presidential Legislative power
Recommend Legislation Veto Bills Can call for a special session of Congress
Environmental Interests
- sprang up since 1970 - profound policy impact bc of numbers, not money
Main jobs of House and Senate
Make Laws Declare War Represent their Constituents
Special Powers of House
Brings impeachment charges May choose the President if there is no majority in the electoral system Must start all revenue bills
CBO
- strengthen Congress' role in the budgeting process
How do interest groups shape public policy?
lobbying, electioneering, litigation, going public
Types of gerrymandering
Partisan gerrymandering - drawing a district to favor one political party over others Incumbent gerrymandering - a state legislature is so closely divided that neither political party has an advantage Racial gerrymandering - drawing a district to favor one racial group over others Affirmative racial gerrymandering - creation of predominately African American and minority districts whenever possible
CRS
Congressional Research Service - works for the U.S. Congress and provides nonpartisan an policy and research analysis to committees and members of both houses
Who takes over if pres. cannot
Vice President Speaker of the House President pro tempore Secretary of State
4 Models of Representations
delegate model - assumes that a representative's job is to convey the will of the majority of their constituents to the legislature trustee model - should take the majority view into account but use his or best judgment when voting or acting on behalf of constituents politico model -middle path between trustees and delegate model conscience model - should generally follow what the follow what the public says unless it goes against their deepest values
Free rider problem
barrier to collective action bc ppl can reap the benefits of group efforts without participating
GPOthec
Government Printing Office - distributes over 200,000 govt publications in U.S. govt bookstores throughout the nation
Pluralist Theory
- groups link ppl and govt - competition between interest groups is a central part of American democracy - different groups have strengths in different areas
Presidential Judicial power
Reprieve - postponement of the execution of a sentence Pardon - legal forgiveness of a crime (only involving a federal offense) Commutation - reduce the length of a sentence or a fine Amnesty - a general pardon offered to a group of violators 1977 - Pardon to Vietnam War draft evaders
Equality Interests
14th Amendment guarantees equality Minorities and Equality - social welfare policies Women
Gerrymandering
an attempt by politicians to create unbalanced districts for their party's political gain
Types of Committees
Standing committees - handle bills in different policy areas Select - may be temporary and permanent and usually have focused responsibility Joint Committees - draw their membership from both the Senate and the House Conference Committees - are formed when Senate and the house pass different versions of the same bill
Caucus
a group of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic
House Qualifications
25 years old U.S Citizens for 7 years Resident of State they're representing
Law making process
http://integrationsolutions.westlaw.com/gov/leghist/images/cap.gif
Senate Qualifications
30 years old U.S citizens for 9 years Resident of State they're representing
Terms limit for Senate
1/3 of Senate 2 years
Companion legislation
similar or identical legislation which is introduced in Senate and House
Hyperpluralist Theory
- argue that pluralism in the US is out of control -results in govt that is very subservient to interest groups and tries to appease them all
Consumer and Other Public Interest Lobbies
Represent broad classes of people or the public as a whole -consumer, voters, reformers, etc Public Interest Groups -policies that are in the public's interest Think tanks -conduct research -advocate a strong ideological viewpoint
Edmund Burke
contrasts with the idea of representatives as delegated who feel obligated to vote according to the views of the "folks back home" regardless of their own personal viewpoint
Presidential Benefits
Live in the White House (132 Rooms) Yacht, Automobiles, Air Force One Lifetime pension of $143,800 a year Camp David - Resort in Maryland
Terms limit for House
2 years entire house elected every two years
Omnibus legislation
large bills that often cover several topics and may contain extraneous, or pork-barrel projects
GAO
Government Accountability Office - broad authority to oversee the operations and finances of executive agencies
What makes an interest group successful?
access, info, leadership skills, numerical strength, group unity, money
How House is elected
Directly voted by voter per district
Special Powers of Senate
Acts as jury in impeachment trials (2/3 vote needed) May choose the Vice President if there is no majority in the electoral system Must ratify treaties with foreign nations by 2/3 vote Must approves Presidential appointments (majority needed)
22nd Amendment
set 2 term limit on
House Membership
435 members (each state's delegation is determined by its population)
Presidential Roles
Chief of State - the ceremonial head of the government of the United States Chief Executive - given this title by the Constitution Chief Administrator - carry out the laws, head of the federal bureaucracy Chief Diplomat - main architect of America's foreign policy Commander in Chief - head of the nation's armed forces Chief Legislator - can push for laws to be passed Chief of Party - Leader of their political party
Presidential Qualifications
Must be a natural born citizen Be at least 35 years old Have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years
"Leader" of Senate
Vice President
Senate Membership
100 members (two per state)
Presidential power
Power to appoint cabinet members, diplomats and ambassadors, judges Power to make treaties - formal agreement between two or more sovereign state Executive Agreement - pacts between the President and the heads of foreign states Recognition - President can acknowledge the legal existence of a country and its government
Presidential pay
$400,000 a year and $50,000 expense account
Reapportionment
Applies only to HOUSE redistribution of seats every 10 years states gain or lose seats based on their population growing or shrinking
How Senate is elected
Directly by the voters of a state
Section 4
(14 cards)