Unit 1: Social Contract Theory & Government Structure

Unit 1: Social Contract Theory & Government Structure

• 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.