American Political Culture & The Constitution

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Questions and Answers

What does political culture define?

The relationship between citizens and government (correct)

The set of electoral strategies used by political parties

The financial contributions to political campaigns

The historical context of political movements

Which principle emphasizes that individuals should act freely as long as they respect others' rights?

Liberty (correct)

Political Trust

Equality

Political Efficacy

What system divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from dominating?

Cooperative Federalism

Federalism

Separation of Powers (correct)

Checks and Balances

Which constitutional framework was established to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?

U.S. Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which type of federalism involves both state and national governments working together?

Cooperative Federalism Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

Federal laws take precedence over state laws Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlines individual liberties in the United States?

The Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What right does freedom of speech guarantee?

The right to express opinions without censorship Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the merit system in public employment?

To base selection and promotion on demonstrated performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes deregulation?

Lifting restrictions on business and industry Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'administrative discretion' refer to?

The ability of bureaucrats to make decisions on implementation Signup and view all the answers

Which court case established the 'clear and present danger' test for free speech?

Schenck v. United States Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of social welfare policy?

To offer benefits based on entitlement or means testing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of economic sanctions?

To apply domestic penalties on foreign entities Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Roe v. Wade (1973)?

It legalized abortion based on the right to privacy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes multilateralism in foreign policy?

Encouraging cooperation among multiple countries Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant outcome of Brown v. Board of Education?

Declared segregation laws unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?

Fourth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What did Loving v. Virginia achieve?

Invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 14th Amendment?

Civil Rights and equal protection Signup and view all the answers

Which case upheld affirmative action policies in college admissions?

Grutter v. Bollinger Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment prohibits excessive fines and cruel or unusual punishment?

Eighth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional amendment addresses the quartering of soldiers?

Third Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Obergefell v. Hodges?

Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the way news organizations define a political issue?

Framing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of interest groups?

To influence public policy Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a political system dominated by two major parties?

Two-Party System Signup and view all the answers

In the context of elections, what does voter turnout refer to?

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot Signup and view all the answers

What is an Iron Triangle in the context of U.S. politics?

A relationship between Congress, agencies, and interest groups Signup and view all the answers

What does agenda-setting refer to in media studies?

The ability of media to highlight specific issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a party platform?

A formal set of principles and goals of a party Signup and view all the answers

What is gerrymandering intended to achieve?

Redraw legislative boundaries to favor a party Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Equal Protection Clause?

To guarantee equivalent legal protection to all individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which legislation was crucial in prohibiting racial discrimination in voting?

Voting Rights Act of 1965 Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

A tactic employed to block a bill by speaking indefinitely Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a specific group?

Gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

The power to declare laws unconstitutional Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes executive orders?

Directives issued by the president with the force of law Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Cabinet in the U.S. government?

To assist the president in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a writ of certiorari?

It is a procedure for the Supreme Court to hear an appeal Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: American Political Culture

Political Culture: A set of beliefs, values, and norms defining the citizen-government relationship.
Liberty: The freedom to act and think without infringing on others' rights.
Equality: The idea that all individuals have equal moral worth and legal treatment.
Democracy: A system where power resides in the people, either directly or through representatives.
Political Efficacy: The belief that one's actions can influence government.
Political Trust: The extent to which people believe the government acts in their best interests.

Chapter 2: The Founding and the Constitution

Articles of Confederation: The first U.S. Constitution, creating a weak central government.
Constitutional Convention: The 1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was created.
Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities among distinct branches.
Checks and Balances: A system enabling each branch to limit the others, preventing excess power.
Federalism: A system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.

Chapter 3: Federalism

Dual Federalism: A system where states and the national government maintain separate powers.
Cooperative Federalism: A system where states and the national government work together.
Supremacy Clause: The Constitution and federal laws are supreme to conflicting state laws.
Enumerated Powers: Powers explicitly given to Congress by the Constitution.
Reserved Powers: Powers not given to the federal government or denied to the states.

Chapter 4: Civil Liberties

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, outlining individual rights.

Chapter 5: Civil Rights

Civil Rights: The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.
Equal Protection Clause: Ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: Legislation prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.
Civil Rights Movement: Decades-long struggle by African Americans to end discrimination.
Affirmative Action: Policies favoring those who have historically faced discrimination.

Chapter 6: Congress

Bicameral Legislature: A two-house legislative body (Senate and House of Representatives).
Incumbent: An officeholder seeking re-election.
Filibuster: A tactic used by senators to delay or block legislation.
Cloture: A procedure for ending debate and forcing a vote.
Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular party.

Chapter 7: The Presidency

Executive Orders: Directives issued by the president with the force of law.
Veto Power: The president's ability to reject legislation passed by Congress.
Executive Agreement: Agreements between the president and a foreign leader.
Cabinet: Advisers to the president, comprising heads of executive departments.
Impeachment: The process for removing a government official from office.

Chapter 8: The Federal Judiciary

Judicial Review: The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
Supreme Court: The highest court in the U.S. federal system.

Chapter 9: Public Opinion and the Media

Public Opinion: The distribution of beliefs about politics and policy.
Political Socialization: The process of developing political attitudes.
Mass Media: Forms of communication reaching large audiences.
Agenda-Setting: The media's ability to influence public attention on specific issues.
Framing: How news organizations define political issues.

Chapter 10: Political Parties

Two-Party System: A political system dominated by two major parties.
Party Realignment: A significant shift in party allegiance among voters.
Primary Elections: Elections for party nominations.
Party Platform: A formal statement of a party's principles and goals.
Third Parties: Electoral candidates outside the two major parties.

Chapter 11: Interest Groups and Lobbying

Interest Groups: Organizations that seek to influence public policy.
Lobbying: Engaging in activities to influence policymakers.
Political Action Committees (PACs): Organizations that raise and spend money in election campaigns.
Iron Triangle: A stable relationship among congressional committees, administrative agencies, and interest groups.

Chapter 12: Elections and Voting

Electoral College: A body of electors who formally elect the president.
Popular Vote: The total number of votes cast by citizens.
Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.
Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who cast ballots.
Campaign Finance: The fundraising and spending in elections.

Chapter 13: The Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy: A system of managing government through appointed departments.
Regulation: Rules and standards established by government.
Deregulation: Reducing or eliminating government regulations.
Administrative Discretion: The flexibility bureaucrats have in implementing policies.
Merit System: A system of public employment based on qualification and performance.

Chapter 14: Domestic Policy

Public Policy: A course of action taken by the government to address issues.
Social Welfare Policy: Policies providing benefits and resources to citizens.
Medicare: Government health insurance program for the elderly.
Medicaid: Federal and state program providing health insurance.
Fiscal Policy: Government use of spending and taxation to influence economic conditions.

Chapter 15: Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy: A nation's plan for interacting with other countries.
Diplomacy: Negotiation between countries.
National Security: The ability to protect the country from threats.
Economic Sanctions: Economic penalties imposed on another country.
Multilateralism: Working with multiple countries to address shared problems.

Court Cases

Supreme Court precedents related to First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments rights, and others (e.g., Schenk v. United States, Mapp v. Ohio, etc.).

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Description

Explore the foundations of American political culture, including key concepts such as liberty, equality, and democracy. Delve into the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.