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U.S Gov't EXAM ONE
VCU
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Politics | The way that government institutions are organized to make laws and policies, and how those institutions are influenced |
| Government | The institutions in any nation that create and enforce the rules. Historical, popular, & global perspectives provide a deeper understanding of American government history. |
| Anarchy | Lawlessness, described by Thomas Hobbes |
| 'social contract' | Exists between community members(who will obey the laws) and the government(who will protect their rights) |
| the term 'authority' | Refers to the willingness of the people to obey government out of respect, opposed to "power"(created simply out of fear) |
| Democracy | Rule by the people, directly or indirectly |
| Oligarchy | Rule by a small number of people |
| Theocracy | Religion plays the dominant role |
| Monarchy | Rule by individual hereditary authorities |
| Authoritarian Government | A dictatorship under the strict ruling of one person or party |
| Legitimacy | The degree to which people believe it has the right and authority to exercise power. May also reflect how well the government serves the people and how much the people share the governments goals |
| "Politics is who gets what, when, and how." | Harold Lasswell |
| Natural Rights | These rights are not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of any particular culture or government. (More fundamental than any that a government can create)- John Locke |
| The Preamble | Beginning to constitution that highlights basic goals of our system |
| 'Popular Sovereignty' | People will ultimately rule through democratic elections |
| 'Political Culture' | Widely held values & beliefs regarding government in a given society |
| Majority Rule | The "will of the people" ought to guide policy |
| Great(Connecticut)Compromise | Created a bicameral (two-house) legislature with equal representation in the upper house(senate), and population based representation in the lower house(House of Representatives) |
| Three-Fifths Compromise | Stated that slaves would count for 3/5th of a free citizen for both purposes(representation & taxes) and slave importation would not be banned for twenty years |
| Separation of Powers | There would be distinct legislative, executive & judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, and to slow down change and prevent radical shifts |
| Checks & Balances | Ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful and that each branch has some degree of power over the others |
| Federalism | A federal system. States have significant power but are subordinated to nat'l gov't. Power would be divided between state and federal governments to prevent undue concentrations of power. States should retain good deal of control over internal affairs. |
| Limited/Enumerated Powers | The branches would be limited to powers specified in the constitution to ensure that they don't overreach their authority. |
| Flexibility | The constitution is a "living" document, meaning it is vague enough to allow for flexibility and interpretation in face of changing circumstance |
| The Federalist Papers | Strongly defended the constitution and explained why it would strengthen government and still avoid tyranny. Written by Madison, Hamilton & Jay. |
| Article V | Makes it exceedingly difficult to amend the constitution. Describes the process whereby the Constitution may be altered. 2/3rds vote at the national level |
| Loose Construction | The constitution enjoys broad, open-ended interpretations |
| McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819) | Court ruled that Congress has the implied power to do anything necessary and proper in carrying out express duties to regulate commerce(such as creating a national bank) |
| Marbury vs. Madison (1803) | The supreme courts claim of the right of judicial review, helped define "checks & balances". |
| Sovereignty | The supreme political power of a government to regulate its affairs without outside interference. |
| Confederation | A loose association of independent states, tend to be fairly weak which can lead to disorder. |
| Unitary System | All real sovereignty and power exists in the central governments. These sometimes lack the ability to respond to specific local needs. |
| Enumerated powers | Powers delegated to Congress under the constitution. |
| Reserved Powers | Powers retained by the states. |
| Concurrent Powers | Powers shared by Congress and the states. |
| The Supremacy Clause | Overlays the system of divided powers, holding that the Constitution and Congressional laws shall be "the supreme law of the land," overriding conflicting state provisions. State courts cannot conflict with the Supreme Court in their interpretation |
| The Preemption Doctrine | Further holds that federal law in a given area supersedes state laws |
| The Full Faith & Credit Clause | Requires states to respect the judicial and other decisions of other states. |
| "Privileges & Immunities" clause | Ensures equal treatment of out-of-state citizens with regard to travel, residence, and commerce/trade. Also requires respect for other states criminal laws and extradition of criminal suspects |
| "Natural Rights" | Based on the natural laws of human society, exist outside of formal government, are inalienable, and cannot be legitimately removed. |
| "Positive Rights" | Granted by government authority, and can therefore be shaped according to rules. |
| "Liberty" | A right received from a higher authority. |
| USA Patriot Act | Gave government new powers to detain suspects, search their homes, and eavesdrop on telephone or email conversations. |
| Alien & Sedition Acts | First applied to foreigners, these laws were eventually used to suppress those involved in domestic dissent as well. |
| Civil Liberties | The specific individual rights(like freedom & expression) that are guaranteed by the constitution and cannot be taken away by the government. These rights are mainly found in the Bill of Rights or subsequent amendments. |
| Due Process Clause | Of the 14th amendment, |
| Wall of Separation | Jefferson wanted a "wall" to separate church and state |
| Free Exercise Clause | Bans government laws prohibiting freedom of worship |
Created by:
lynchkr2
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