Sept. 16th Assignment #1

Study Notes

Electoral College and Popular Vote

The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the U.S. Constitution for indirectly electing the President and Vice President.
Each state has a set number of electors based on its Congressional representation; a total of 538 electors.
A majority of 270 electoral votes is required for a candidate to win the presidency.
The popular vote refers to the total number of votes cast by the public in an election, regardless of Electoral College outcomes.

Democratic Party

Founded in the early 19th century, the Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
It traditionally supports social equality, environmental protection, and government involvement in economic regulation.
Symbolized by the donkey, it is often associated with liberal or progressive policies.

Republican Party

Established in 1854, the Republican Party is the other major U.S. political party.
It generally advocates for limited government, individual liberties, and free market policies.
The party is represented by the elephant symbol and is often aligned with conservative viewpoints.

Political Systems

Monarchy: A form of government where a hereditary king or queen holds supreme authority, often with a ceremonial role in constitutional monarchies.
Theocracy: A system of governance in which religious leaders control the government, claiming divine guidance.
Totalitarian Republic: A political system where one leader or party has total control over society, with no legal separation between church and state, and citizens have limited rights.

Cultural Elements and Examples

Language: Japanese is prominently spoken in public spaces, highlighting cultural identity and communication.
Religion: Synagogues serve as community centers, reflecting the importance of religious institutions in neighborhoods.
Beliefs: The principle of free speech is upheld, signifying an emphasis on personal liberties within the culture.
Institutions: Numerous higher education opportunities indicate a focus on education and intellectual growth.
Technologies: Social media plays a significant role in shaping contemporary trends and public discourse.

Electoral College and Popular Vote

The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the U.S. Constitution for indirectly electing the President and Vice President.
Each state has a set number of electors based on its Congressional representation; a total of 538 electors.
A majority of 270 electoral votes is required for a candidate to win the presidency.
The popular vote refers to the total number of votes cast by the public in an election, regardless of Electoral College outcomes.

Democratic Party

Founded in the early 19th century, the Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
It traditionally supports social equality, environmental protection, and government involvement in economic regulation.
Symbolized by the donkey, it is often associated with liberal or progressive policies.

Republican Party

Established in 1854, the Republican Party is the other major U.S. political party.
It generally advocates for limited government, individual liberties, and free market policies.
The party is represented by the elephant symbol and is often aligned with conservative viewpoints.

Political Systems

Monarchy: A form of government where a hereditary king or queen holds supreme authority, often with a ceremonial role in constitutional monarchies.
Theocracy: A system of governance in which religious leaders control the government, claiming divine guidance.
Totalitarian Republic: A political system where one leader or party has total control over society, with no legal separation between church and state, and citizens have limited rights.

Cultural Elements and Examples

Language: Japanese is prominently spoken in public spaces, highlighting cultural identity and communication.
Religion: Synagogues serve as community centers, reflecting the importance of religious institutions in neighborhoods.
Beliefs: The principle of free speech is upheld, signifying an emphasis on personal liberties within the culture.
Institutions: Numerous higher education opportunities indicate a focus on education and intellectual growth.
Technologies: Social media plays a significant role in shaping contemporary trends and public discourse.

Description

This quiz explores key concepts related to the electoral college, popular vote, and political parties, including democracies and monarchies. Dive into the definitions and characteristics of various governmental systems such as totalitarianism and theocracy. Test your understanding of these fundamental political concepts!