Key Concepts for American Government Exam

Key Concepts for American Government Exam

• Natural Rights: Basic human rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Social Contract Theory: Government legitimacy stems from an agreement with the people to protect their rights.
• Declaration of Independence: Document declaring American colonies' independence from Britain.
• Articles of Confederation: Early U.S. governing document, creating a weak central government.
• Unicameral/Bicameral: Unicameral legislatures have one chamber; bicameral legislatures have two (e.g., Senate and House).
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Agreement to count slaves as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation.
• Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise): Created a bicameral legislature with the Senate (equal representation) and the House (representation based on population).
• Bill of Rights: First ten amendments to the Constitution, outlining fundamental freedoms and rights.
• Federalists: Supported the Constitution, advocating for a strong central government.
• Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution, worried about limited rights and central power.
• Separation of Powers: Dividing government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial to prevent excess power in one branch.
• Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit the power of the others.
• Limited Government: Government powers are restricted to protect individual liberties.
• Federalism: Division of power between the national and state governments.
• Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): Gives Congress broad power to make laws necessary for carrying out its responsibilities.
• Standing Committees: Permanent committees in Congress addressing specific policy areas.
• House of Representatives: Lower house of Congress, with representation proportionate to state population.
• Senate: Upper house of Congress, with two representatives per state.
• Reapportionment: Redistributing seats in the House based on population changes.
• Veto Power: President's ability to reject legislation passed by Congress.
• Commander in Chief: President as head of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Appeal: Request for a higher court to review a lower court's decision.
• Marbury v. Madison: Landmark Supreme Court case establishing judicial review.
• Civil Liberties: Fundamental freedoms protected from government interference.
• Civil Rights: Rights protecting individuals from discrimination and ensuring equal treatment.
• Due Process Clause: Guarantees fair treatment by the government.
• Equal Protection Clause: Guarantees equal treatment under the law, found in the 14th Amendment.
• Selective Incorporation: Process of applying Bill of Rights protections to state governments through the 14th Amendment.
• First Amendment Rights: Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.
• NY Times v. United States: Supreme Court case impacting press freedom.
• Brown v. Board of Education: Supreme Court case declaring racial segregation in schools unconstitutional.
• Political Parties: Organizations seeking to influence government through candidate election.
• Democratic Party Platform: Progressive policies on social justice, healthcare, and the environment.
• Republican Party Platform: Policies centered on limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedoms.
• Voter Apathy/Barriers: Reasons why people do not vote (lack of engagement, registration issues).
• Primaries/Caucuses: Processes for selecting political party candidates.
• National Conventions: Events formally nominating presidential candidates.
• General Election: Popular vote for candidates.
• Electoral College: System for electing presidents based on state votes.
• Media's Role: Shapes public opinion, influences elections, and reports on government actions.
• Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation: Inability to enforce laws, collect taxes, and establish central authority.
• Principles of the U.S. Constitution: Popular sovereignty, limited government, checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism.
• How a Bill Becomes Law: Introduction, committee review, debate, votes in both houses, presidential approval or veto.
• Roles of the President: Commander in Chief, Chief Executive, Chief Diplomat, and Legislative Leader.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• Lacked power to enforce laws effectively or collect taxes.
• Resulted in economic instability and problems between states.

Principles of the U.S. Constitution

• Popular Sovereignty: Government power comes from citizen consent.
• Limited Government: Government powers are limited to protect rights.
• Checks and Balances: Branches limit each other's power.
• Separation of Powers: Powers are distributed among different branches.
• Federalism: Power distributed between national and state governments.

Political Spectrum

• Liberal (Left): Supports government intervention for social programs.
• Conservative (Right): Advocates for limited government and traditional values.

Electoral College

• The Electoral College awards votes based on a state's congressional representation.
• Critics suggest it can lead to a candidate winning the popular vote, but losing the presidency.

Test your knowledge on essential concepts of American government, including foundational theories, key documents, and critical compromises that shaped the political landscape. This quiz covers topics from natural rights to the Bill of Rights and beyond, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the subject.