Praxis II Social Studies (5081) Flashcards

Iroquois Women

• Women among the Iroquois tribes held significant power, believed to be connected to the earth deity, influencing leadership roles.

European Exploration

• Europeans sought a passage to India primarily to access the Asian commercial market and increase trade, including spices and textiles.

The Great Awakening

• This religious movement facilitated intellectual trends leading to the American Revolution by promoting religious diversity and plurality.

Virginia Colony Population Growth

• The early population increase in Virginia was largely due to the immigration of indentured workers rather than high fertility rates.

Sons of Liberty

• Advocacy for government control reflecting divine law was emblematic of sentiments held by the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution.

Democratic-Republicans

• In 1796, the Democratic-Republicans primarily represented Southern tobacco farmers in the colonial landscape.

Western Expansion

• Jeffersonian expansionism played a crucial role in motivating the westward expansion of the United States.

Railroads and Economy

• The railroad significantly boosted the American economy in the 19th century by reducing shipping costs for agricultural goods.

Federalist Papers

• Emphasized the necessity of a strong government to regulate itself, reflecting concerns about human nature and governance.

Frederick Douglass

• His powerful denunciation of a Union that did not symbolize universal emancipation highlighted the hypocrisy in American nationalism.

Secession Debate

• States seceded from the Union largely over the federal government's right to interfere with state laws, particularly regarding slavery.

Black Codes

• These laws effectively limited African-American equality by restricting voting rights and prohibiting legal testimony against whites.

Labor Unions

• The labor movement was characterized by calls for workers' rights and the pursuit of social justice against governmental authority.

Gilded Age Reforms

• Trust busting emerged as a significant response to the monopolistic practices during the Gilded Age.

Spanish-American War

• The primary catalyst for this conflict was the quest for Cuban independence from Spanish rule.

World War I US Entry

• The United States entered WWI primarily due to Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare.

Post-WWI Economic Shifts

• Urbanization and industrialization were marked by the rise of industries catering to urban households.

Causes of the Great Depression

• Contributing factors included the lack of government regulations for banks, leading to failures during the financial crisis.

Glass-Steagall Banking Reform Act

• This legislation resulted in the establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, enhancing banking safeguards.

WWII Economic Impact

• World War II stimulated the American economy by creating jobs in munitions factories, addressing unemployment.

Nazi Treatment of Jews vs. Japanese-Americans

• The segregated military units during WWII distinguish American treatment from Nazi policies regarding Jews.

Lend Lease Act Support

• Advocacy for the Lend Lease Act framed it as a vital step for national defense and support for Britain against fascism.

Vietnam Intervention

• U.S. intervention in Vietnam was largely influenced by the belief in the Domino Theory regarding the spread of communism.

Truman's Policies on Desegregation

• An important outcome of President Truman's policies was the desegregation of the Armed Forces, advancing civil rights.

Immigration Act of 1965

• This Act significantly impacted Latin Americans, altering demographic patterns in U.S. immigration.

March on the Pentagon

• Antiwar protests, including the March on the Pentagon, illustrated public dissent against U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Persian Empire Governance

• The Persian Empire was distinguished as the first "world empire" due to its effective integration of satraps into an imperial bureaucracy.

Athenian Democracy

• Only male citizens were eligible to run for office within ancient Athenian democracy, reflecting societal limitations.

Punic Wars Outcome

• Rome's victory in the Punic Wars allowed it to gain control over Mediterranean trade, enhancing economic power.

Judaism and Christianity Similarities

• Both religions share core beliefs in monotheism, social responsibility, and fidelity despite facing persecution.

Confucianism and Government

• In Confucian philosophy, proving political merit is essential for holding public office, emphasizing governance based on ability.

Fall of the Roman Empire

• Contributory factors included barbarian invasions, economic decline, and power struggles, leading to the empire's collapse.

Aftermath of Muhammad's Death

• The political crisis post-Muhammad's death was settled via the election of his companion, Abu Bakr, as Caliph.

Japanese vs. European Feudalism

• Japanese feudalism differed chiefly in its centralized loyalty structure, contrasting with the multiple rulers in European systems.

Crusades Motivation

• The Crusades were motivated by a desire to free the Holy Land from Muslim control and unite Christendom under the Pope.

Mongol Conquests

• The Mongols established the largest land empire through superior military strategy and psychological warfare.

Hundred Years' War Cause

• The conflict was primarily driven by England's claim to the French crown, reflecting power struggles in Europe.

Silk Road Impact

• The Silk Road significantly transformed Europe by promoting trade with Asia, spreading ideas, and contributing to demographic changes.

Architectural Influence

• The dome of St. Peter's Cathedral was inspired by the architecture of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

Protestant Reformation Effects

• The Reformation led to numerous wars that reduced the power of the Catholic Church and altered European political landscapes.

Motivations for 1500s Exploration

• Voyages of exploration were driven by the need for direct access to Asian and Indian Ocean trade routes.

Colonialism's Impact on European Economy

• Colonialism provided European economies with resources essential for competing in global markets against Asian economies.

French Revolution Declaration

• The major declaration of the French Revolution was the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

German Reunification Motivation

• The rise of German nationalism played a critical role in the movement towards German reunification during the 19th Century.

European Industrialization Catalysts

• European industrialization was propelled by scientific innovation, market forces, and availability of capital.

Racism in 19th Century Europe

• Racism was fueled by colonialism and theories like Social Darwinism, fostering xenophobia and nationalism during this period.

Causes of World War One

• The underlying cause of WWI stemmed from the rivalry fueled by colonial competition among European powers.### World War I and Political Changes
• The war significantly weakened the industrial economy, causing widespread devastation.
• Losses on the battlefield inspired revolts among the working class, contributing to revolutionary movements.
• The fall of the Russian Empire was accelerated by the propagation of democratic ideals resulting from the war’s toll.

World War II Turning Point

• The D-Day invasion, conducted by Allied forces, is recognized as a critical turning point in World War II.
• This event marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany’s occupation in Europe.

Post-Colonialism

• Post-Colonialism refers to the socio-political thought emerging in nations that gained independence from European colonial powers, emphasizing global equity and identity.

The Cold War Impact

• The Cold War heavily drained resources for superpowers, resulting in numerous casualties and affecting global politics and military dynamics.
• Technological competition characterized this era, with significant advancements made in various fields.

Political Theories

• Fascism emphasizes the absolute authority of the State over individuals, identifying the state's functions and goals as paramount.
• Montesquieu's work "The Spirit of the Laws" provides the groundwork for the division of governmental powers into three branches.

American Government Principles

• The Moderate political stance leans towards reform, aspiring for a constitutional government.
• Checks and Balances are exemplified by Congress's power to impeach the President, ensuring no single branch can dominate.
• Cabinet members primarily serve to advise the President on their respective areas.

Legislative Process & Supreme Court

• Steps in the legislative process include committee reviews and voting in the House, with a presidential signature as a formality.
• The Supreme Court interprets laws regarding their relevance and constitutionality, with an important limitation established by the 11th Amendment regarding state lawsuits.

Relationship between State and Federal Laws

• State laws take precedence over federal laws unless they contradict the Constitution, which establishes federal supremacy.
• The federal government does not regulate intrastate trade, which is the responsibility of individual states.

Rights and Protections

• The U.S. government safeguards personal liberties, ensuring freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process through the Bill of Rights.
• Minority rights are bolstered by Constitutional amendments and federal laws to prevent majority tyranny.

Elections and Political Dynamics

• The Electoral College, which employs different criteria across states, formally elects the president of the U.S.
• Political parties exist to organize ideas and influence government operations, with non-economic interest groups focused on advocating collective goods.

Media and Political Interaction

• Politicians strategically use the media to promote their agendas, often influenced by media biases and the pursuit of heightened viewership.

Judicial Principles

• Judicial Review, established by Marbury vs. Madison, allows the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of laws.
• The republican system enables an independent election of the chief executive, minimizing the reliance on coalition-building for governance.

International Relations and Trade

• Realism in international relations posits that states must operate strategically, aware of global dynamics without universal guiding principles.
• Multilateralism is demonstrated through international treaties like the Chemical Weapons Treaty, promoting global cooperation.

UN Responsibilities

• The United Nations promotes human rights, enforces peace, and encourages international economic cooperation, although it does not provide emergency loans.

Geography and Environmental Issues

• Natural geography significantly influences regional industries, with the Northeast’s advantages in trade and shipping contrasted with the South’s agricultural focus.
• Environmental concepts such as carrying capacity emphasize the sustainable use of resources to prevent deterioration.

Economic Dynamics

• Demand and supply curves illustrate basic economic principles, with demand typically declining as prices rise, while supply increases with higher prices.### Market Demand and Supply Curves
• Market demand curves slope downward and to the right, indicating that as price decreases, quantity demanded increases.
• Supply curves slope upward from left to right, showing that as price increases, quantity supplied also increases.

Macroeconomic Focus

• Macroeconomists analyze GDP growth, unemployment impacts, and monetary policy but do not specifically focus on individual firm profits.

Opportunity Cost

• Opportunity cost is defined as the most desirable alternative that is forgone when making a choice.

Marginal Product

• Marginal product refers to the increase in output resulting from adding one additional worker.

Average Fixed Cost

• The Average Fixed Cost (AFC) curve continuously declines as output increases, distinguishing it from Average Variable Cost and Marginal Cost, which do not have the same behavior.

Marginal Revenue in Perfect Competition

• In a perfectly competitive market, a firm's marginal revenue is equal to the market price of its product, ensuring no impact on the price level when they sell additional units.

Pricing Strategy Based on Demand Elasticity

• A product with an elasticity of demand of 0.5 suggests that the firm should consider raising the price to increase revenue.

Derived Demand

• Derived demand occurs when the demand for a product influences the demand for the labor required to produce that product.

Legal Framework in Market Economy

• The government plays a crucial role in establishing the legal framework needed for efficient market operation.

Market Structures with Many Buyers and Sellers

• Perfect competition and monopolistic competition are characterized by having many buyers and sellers, promoting competition and a variety of choices in the marketplace.