Unit 1: Social Contract Theory & Government Structure

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Questions and Answers

What principle allows citizens to have power over their government?

Judicial Review

Checks and Balances

Popular Sovereignty (correct)

Limited Government

The Articles of Confederation included a strong central government.

False

What was a major outcome of Shay's Rebellion?

It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Constitution established ____ branches of government.

three Signup and view all the answers

Match the following ideologies with their main focus:

Liberal = Social justice and equality Conservative = Limited government and personal freedom Libertarian = Traditional values and stability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Federalist viewpoint?

Support for the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Supply-side economics advocates for more government intervention in the economy.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a good public opinion poll?

It must survey a representative sample. Signup and view all the answers

What is one main principle of Supply Side Economics?

Lowering taxes Signup and view all the answers

Political parties have no influence on the political views individuals acquire.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the Free Rider Problem?

A situation where people benefit from an organization's activities without contributing. Signup and view all the answers

An __________ groups work to influence legislation by getting laws passed or stopped.

interest Signup and view all the answers

Which model of voting involves making a choice based on a candidate's potential?

Prospective Signup and view all the answers

Match the following voting models with their descriptions:

Retrospective = Basing vote on candidates past performance Prospective = Basing vote on candidates potential Party-line = Basing vote on party affiliation Rational Choice = Making your choice based on what's best for you Signup and view all the answers

Federalist 70 argues in favor of a multi-executive leadership structure.

False Signup and view all the answers

A __________ allows the president to issue a directive that has the effect of law.

executive order Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social contract theory: individuals give up some rights to a government to protect remaining rights
People can dissolve a government that doesn't protect their rights
Federalist 10: emphasizes the importance of representative democracy to prevent factions
Structure of the Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution: A focus on legislative branch (AOC) vs. three branches (Constitution)
AOC shortcomings highlighted by Shay's Rebellion: weaknesses in central government, inability to raise taxes, and lack of a national army.
Constitutional principles:
- Limited government: restricts government power to protect individual rights
- Popular sovereignty: citizens have power over the government
- Separation of powers: power of the government is divided among branches to prevent abuse
- Checks and balances: each branch of government has the power to restrain the others
- Judicial review: the power to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions
- Federalism: balancing power between national and state governments

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Arguments

Federalists: supported the Constitution
Anti-Federalists: opposed the ratification of the Constitution

Unit 2: Public Opinion Polls & Ideologies

Public opinion polls: surveys of public opinion, using a sample to represent the whole
Sample: a smaller portion of the population representing the whole
Exit polls: surveys conducted outside polling locations to determine voter preferences and reasons
Characteristics of good polls: properly worded and ordered questions, avoid open-ended questions, survey a representative sample
Liberal ideology: emphasizes individual liberties, social justice, equality, and government intervention in the economy to promote social welfare
Conservative ideology: emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, free markets, personal and economic freedom
Libertarian ideology: centers around preserving traditional values, emphasizing stability and continuity, and free markets
Keynesian economics: government action to mitigate economic fluctuations
Supply-side economics: economic growth fostered by lowered taxes and lessened regulation

Unit 3: Interest Groups & Voting Models

Role of interest groups: influence government by getting laws passed or stopped
Criticisms of interest groups: potential for unfair advantages, potential for illegal practices, free rider problem
Iron triangles: the three-way relationship between interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees; influential in policy decisions
Voting Models:
- Retrospective voting: basing a vote on past candidate performance
- Prospective voting: basing a vote on a candidate's projected future performance
- Party-line voting: basing a vote on party affiliation
- Rational choice: making a vote based on individual benefit

Unit 4: The Presidency

Federalist 70: argues for a single executive (President) as the best way to ensure energy and accountability
Congressional delegation of powers: the president's power expanding over time through legislation
Executive orders: directives that have the effect of law, empowering the President to administer the government.
Formal and informal powers of the President: Formal powers are explicitly defined in the Constitution (like veto or appointment power); informal powers are derived from tradition, public perception or political circumstances.
Special session: a meeting of Congress called by the president for a specific purpose
Commander-in-chief: the power to command the armed forces
Appointment of officials (judges, ambassadors, etc.): a power of the president
Veto and pocket veto: formal presidential powers to restrict legislation
Bully pulpit: ability to influence public opinion through media appearances
Executive agreements: agreements made between the president and a foreign head of state without formal congressional action.
Sign statements: statements made by the president accompanying bills or laws that explains the president's interpretation or understanding of that bill/law.
War Powers Resolution: limits the president's power to deploy troops without congressional authorization
Presidential Succession (25th Amendment): outlines the procedures for filling presidential vacancies through the removal, resignation or death of the president.

Unit 4 (continuing): The Vice President & Staff

Constitutional and realistic duties of the Vice President
The 25th Amendment
Difference between White House Staff and Cabinet members: White House Staff possesses greater access and influence with the president, while Cabinet members advise the president.

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Description

This quiz covers the principles of social contract theory and the structure of government as outlined in the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Key concepts include popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and the significance of representative democracy. Explore how events like Shay's Rebellion influenced the formation and function of the government.