Government Final Review Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is government best defined as?

Institutions and procedures by which a territory and its people are ruled.

How did the framers design the Senate to act as a check against excessive democracy?

Senators were elected by the public directly.

Senators serve unlimited terms.

Senators were appointed by state legislatures. (correct)

Senators represent popular votes.

What is an example of political equality?

The right of each citizen to vote.

How have the incomes of middle-class Americans changed over the last 40 years?

They have largely stagnated. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the delegates at the Philadelphia Convention turn down the idea of a citizens' rights list?

They believed further protection was not needed since the government was limited to its expressed powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a good example of checks and balances?

The president's power to veto a bill passed by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for having a share in the government's leadership and policies?

Power. Signup and view all the answers

A government that is not constrained by legal limits and seeks to eliminate challenges to its authority is known as a(n) ________ government.

totalitarian Signup and view all the answers

What was the Bill of Rights designed to protect?

Liberty. Signup and view all the answers

The American population grew from approximately million people in 1790 to approximately million people in 2018.

4; 327 Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Declaration of Independence remarkable for its time?

It asserted that there were 'unalienable rights' that could not be abridged by governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is critical to being a good citizen in the United States?

Knowledge of the American political system. Signup and view all the answers

What did Baron de la Brède et de Montesquieu argue?

Power needed to be balanced by power as a bulwark against tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

Which office was designed to be directly elected by the people?

A U.S. representative. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'no taxation without representation' exemplify?

More popular influence on government. Signup and view all the answers

________ is a system of government in which member states retain almost all of their sovereign authority and delegate limited powers to a weak central body.

confederation Signup and view all the answers

What is a representative democracy?

A system of government that gives citizens a regular opportunity to elect government officials. Signup and view all the answers

What does the supremacy clause assert?

The Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws. Signup and view all the answers

How was the issue of representation addressed in the Great Compromise?

Each state received an equal number of senators linked to population for House representation. Signup and view all the answers

What is direct democracy defined as?

A system that allows citizens to vote directly for laws and policies. Signup and view all the answers

Willingness to be restrained by the power of social institutions, but not political or legal institutions, is a hallmark of a(n) ________ regime.

authoritarian Signup and view all the answers

When does democracy function best?

When citizens are informed. Signup and view all the answers

What did the framers of the U.S. Constitution intend for the presidency?

To create a presidency capable of withstanding excessive democratic popular pressure through the electoral college. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'digital citizenship'?

The ability to participate in society online. Signup and view all the answers

How has Americans' sense of political efficacy changed from 1960 to 2015?

It has decreased dramatically. Signup and view all the answers

What best summarizes John Locke's arguments regarding government?

Individuals create governments to protect their lives, liberties, and possessions, and if a government fails, citizens have the right to alter or abolish it. Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the U.S. Constitution's amendment process?

The Constitution can be amended with a two-thirds majority vote of both houses of Congress and a ratification vote by three-fourths of the states. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Basics

Government refers to the institutions and procedures that rule a territory and its people.
The right to vote exemplifies political equality, fundamental to democratic systems.

The Senate and Democracy

Senators were initially appointed by state legislatures, serving as a check against excessive democracy.

Economic Trends

Middle-class incomes in the U.S. have largely stagnated over the last 40 years.

The Constitution and Rights

Delegates at the Philadelphia Convention rejected a bill of rights, believing federal powers were already limited.
The Bill of Rights was introduced to guarantee individual liberties.

Checks and Balances

The presidential veto of congressional bills illustrates the system of checks and balances designed to prevent abuse of power.

Power Dynamics

Power in governance entails having a say in leadership composition and policy-making processes.
Totalitarian government is characterized by a lack of legal constraints and suppression of opposition.

Historical Population Growth

U.S. population grew from approximately 4 million in 1790 to around 327 million by 2018.

Philosophical Foundations

The Declaration of Independence emphasized "unalienable rights," asserting that governments cannot infringe upon them.
Montesquieu advocated for a balance of power to guard against tyranny.

Democracy and Representation

U.S. House representatives are the only office directly elected by the people, highlighting democratic engagement.
The Great Compromise established equal Senate representation for states, with House representation based on population.

Political Reforms and Systems

The rallying cry for "no taxation without representation" signified a push for greater public influence in governance.
Confederal systems maintain state sovereignty while delegating limited powers to a weak central authority.

Political Efficacy and Citizenship

A representative democracy allows citizens regular opportunities to elect government officials.
Political efficacy among Americans has notably decreased between 1960 and 2015.
Digital citizenship emphasizes active online participation in society.

Constitutional Principles

The supremacy clause establishes that the Constitution and federal laws take precedence over state laws.
Altering government structure is justified according to Locke, who stated that governments exist to protect individual rights.

Electoral Process

The U.S. presidency was designed to endure democratic pressures through indirect election via the electoral college, balancing popular influence.

Informed Citizenry

Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed, underpinning effective governance and civic engagement.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts of government with these flashcards. Each card provides a definition or fact that will help you prepare for your final exam. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of political systems and principles.