Questions and Answers
What is a representative democracy?
What motivated the national government to control commerce and finance?
to promote economic development and protect property from radical state legislatures
Which of the following is an instrument of direct democracy?
What are the specific powers granted to Congress in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution called?
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Why did the framers employ the separation of powers and federalism?
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A ________ occurs when a small group of wealthy landowners and corporate leaders control the government.
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Which of the following is the best example of a concurrent power under the U.S. Constitution?
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What does the writing of the constitution demonstrate according to the authors?
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There are ____ amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
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Why was the Declaration of Independence a remarkable political statement for its time?
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Which clause in the U.S. Constitution has been central in debates over same-sex marriage?
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What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?
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What is the electoral college designed to do?
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How does the existence of slavery in the United States exemplify American values?
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Which of the following is the best example of a unitary system of government?
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Which of the following powers do state governments NOT have?
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What percentage of the development of an interstate highway after World War II was paid for by congressional grants?
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In a federal system, how are governmental responsibilities characterized?
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What does political culture refer to?
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How did the Antifederalists argue the powers of the government should be limited?
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Which of the following is true about the Articles of Confederation?
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Which level of government writes the majority of criminal laws?
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Nations that adopt a federal arrangement tend to have?
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What is judicial review?
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What is political efficacy?
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A ______ is a service that a person needs but is usually unable to provide for himself or herself.
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A definitive role of the states in the American federal republic was preserved by the ________ Amendment.
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Which of the following statements is true?
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How can politics be defined?
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Under the Articles of Confederation, who was left to execute the laws passed by Congress?
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Study Notes
Representative Democracy
- Citizens have regular opportunities to elect government officials, allowing participation in the political process.
National Government Control
- The framers aimed to grant national control over commerce to promote economic growth and protect property from radical state legislatures.
Direct Democracy Instrument
- Initiatives serve as tools for direct democracy, allowing citizens to propose legislation.
Expressed Powers
- Powers specifically delegated to Congress are outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
Separation of Powers and Federalism
- These frameworks are designed to prevent government abuse of power by distributing authority among different branches and levels.
Oligarchy
- Defined as a government controlled by a small group of wealthy landowners and corporate leaders, undermining broader representation.
Concurrent Power Example
- Both federal and state governments share the power to regulate commercial activities.
Constitution Writing
- The Constitution exemplifies a blend of interests and principles, reflecting compromise among varying perspectives.
Amendments to Constitution
- There are 27 amendments that have been adopted, reflecting changes and agreements over time.
Declaration of Independence
- Served as a unifying document that addressed shared grievances among divided colonial interests during a critical period.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
- Central to debates on same-sex marriage, this clause ensures states recognize each other's laws.
Tenth Amendment Purpose
- Establishes reserved powers for states and limits central government authority, reinforcing state sovereignty.
Electoral College
- Created specifically to elect the President of the United States, influencing the democratic process.
American Values vs. Practice
- The persistence of slavery illustrates the tension between proclaimed American principles and practical governance.
Unitary System Example
- A federal government dictating educational policies exemplifies a unitary system's centralized control.
Prohibited Powers of States
- States are not permitted to coin their own money, maintaining the federal government's monetary monopoly.
Interstate Highway Development
- Congressional grants financed 90% of the interstate highway system's development post-World War II.
Federal System Responsibilities
- Responsibilities are equally shared between state and federal authorities within a federal government structure.
Political Culture
- Encompasses the shared values and beliefs that unify and define a nation's identity and citizenry.
Antifederalist Concerns
- They advocated for limited governmental powers and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to ensure citizen freedoms.
Articles of Confederation Limitation
- Characterized by the absence of federal courts, highlighting weaknesses in national governance.
Criminal Law Authority
- Most criminal laws in the United States are created by state governments, illustrating their regulatory power.
Federal Arrangement and Diversity
- Countries with federal systems typically have diverse ethnic or linguistic groups that necessitate shared governance.
Judicial Review
- Courts possess the authority to assess the constitutionality of actions from other government branches, acting as a check on power.
Political Efficacy
- Represents citizens' belief in their ability to influence government actions, crucial for civic engagement.
Public Goods
- Services needed by individuals that are typically unprovided by them due to reliance on collective action.
Tenth Amendment and State Roles
- Preserves state authority within the federal system, emphasizing the limitations imposed on the national government.
Mixed Views on Government
- American citizens display a range of opinions about government effectiveness and influence, reflecting diverse political sentiments.
Politics Definition
- Involves conflicts regarding the policies and membership of any organization, emphasizing the contested nature of governance.
Bureaucracy and Law Execution
- Under the Articles of Confederation, it was primarily the bureaucracy's responsibility to carry out laws enacted by Congress.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts in political science, focusing on representative democracy and the role of national government. Each card presents a term alongside its definition to help reinforce your understanding for the final exam.
