Political Science Final Exam Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is a representative democracy?

A system where government officials are chosen by a committee

A system where citizens elect top government officials (correct)

A system based on a monarchy

A system without elections

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?

Referendum

Initiatives (correct)

Political parties

Lobbying

What are the specific powers granted to Congress in Article I Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution called?

expressed powers Signup and view all the answers

Why did the framers employ the separation of powers and federalism?

to prevent the new government from abusing its power Signup and view all the answers

A ________ occurs when a small group of wealthy landowners and corporate leaders control the government.

oligarchy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best example of a concurrent power under the U.S. Constitution?

The power to regulate commercial activity Signup and view all the answers

What does the writing of the constitution demonstrate according to the authors?

the marriage of interest and principles Signup and view all the answers

There are ____ amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

27 Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Declaration of Independence a remarkable political statement for its time?

it helped unify colonial groups that were divided along economic, regional, and philosophical lines by identifying shared problems, grievances, and principles Signup and view all the answers

Which clause in the U.S. Constitution has been central in debates over same-sex marriage?

The full faith and credit clause Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?

to limit the powers of the central government by establishing reserved powers for states and individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the electoral college designed to do?

select the U.S. President Signup and view all the answers

How does the existence of slavery in the United States exemplify American values?

American values are not always reflected in practice Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best example of a unitary system of government?

The federal government sets education policies for all schools Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers do state governments NOT have?

To coin their own money Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the development of an interstate highway after World War II was paid for by congressional grants?

90 Signup and view all the answers

In a federal system, how are governmental responsibilities characterized?

shared by both state and federal authorities Signup and view all the answers

What does political culture refer to?

shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that serve to hold a nation and its people together Signup and view all the answers

How did the Antifederalists argue the powers of the government should be limited?

by confining the powers of the federal government to certain narrowly defined areas and adding a bill of rights to the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the Articles of Confederation?

There were no federal courts Signup and view all the answers

Which level of government writes the majority of criminal laws?

the state governments Signup and view all the answers

Nations that adopt a federal arrangement tend to have?

diverse ethnic or language groups Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial review?

the power of the courts to decide on the constitutionality of actions taken by the other branches of government Signup and view all the answers

What is political efficacy?

the belief that citizens can influence what government does Signup and view all the answers

A ______ is a service that a person needs but is usually unable to provide for himself or herself.

public good Signup and view all the answers

A definitive role of the states in the American federal republic was preserved by the ________ Amendment.

tenth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true?

Americans express mixed views about government Signup and view all the answers

How can politics be defined?

conflicts over the character, membership, and policies of any organization to which people belong Signup and view all the answers

Under the Articles of Confederation, who was left to execute the laws passed by Congress?

Bureaucracy Signup and view all the answers

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.