US Federal Government and Separation of Powers

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Questions and Answers

Why did President Caldera drop Chavez's treason charges?

To gain popularity (correct)

To spite his opponents

To show mercy

To follow the law

What is the original use of Litmus in chemistry?

As a solvent in organic synthesis

As a fuel source

As an acid-base indicator (correct)

As a catalyst in chemical reactions

Who chooses the president and vice president in an election?

Delegates

The supreme court

Electorates (correct)

The current president

What is a demagogue?

A leader who appeals to emotions and prejudices Signup and view all the answers

What are Jim Crow laws named after?

A racist show character Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with establishing the young Republic on a firm footing?

George Washington Signup and view all the answers

What is Chechnya?

A dominantly Muslim republic Signup and view all the answers

What is a way the president can undermine the political system?

Executive orders Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of federal appeals courts?

To hear cases from district courts Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an executive order?

Raising fuel efficiency standards for cars Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the CIA and NSA?

The CIA uses human intelligence, while the NSA uses signals intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the FBI?

Enforcing criminal laws and protecting the country from domestic threats Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the director of national intelligence (DNI)?

To oversee the CIA, NSA, and FBI Signup and view all the answers

What is anti-trust about?

Collusion of free market systems between companies Signup and view all the answers

What is another way congress can undermine the political system?

Filibustering Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for the authors in appealing to white non-college educated working-class voters?

Not alienating ethnic minorities Signup and view all the answers

According to the authors, what fuels polarization?

Resentment Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative to means-tested social programs proposed by the authors?

Universal model with cash benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of offering cheap job training to blue collar workers?

To help bridge the gap to newer sectors of the economy Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant difference between working hours in the US and Western European countries?

Working hours are much higher in the US Signup and view all the answers

Why do the authors argue that means-tested social programs are problematic?

They create stigma Signup and view all the answers

What is the authors' primary concern in addressing growing inequality?

Stagnant wages for the bottom end of the income distribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the democratic party in appealing to white non-college educated working-class voters?

To appeal to them without compromising on ethnic minorities Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a presidential power that can undermine the political system?

Executive order Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of federal appeals courts?

To hear appeals from district courts Signup and view all the answers

Which government agency focuses on counterterrorism and counterintelligence from foreign adversaries?

CIA Signup and view all the answers

What is anti-trust related to?

Free market systems Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a congressional power that can undermine the political system?

Filibuster Signup and view all the answers

Which government agency relies mainly on human intelligence from agents and informants?

CIA Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an executive order that can undermine the political system?

Ceasing deportation of illegal immigrants Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the director of national intelligence (DNI)?

To oversee the FBI, CIA, and NSA Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of a president dropping treason charges against a potential political opponent?

It legitimizes the opponent Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a demagogue?

They make emotional appeals to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of electorates in a democratic system?

To choose the president and vice president Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of a leader who ignores constitutional limitations?

The consolidation of power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of institutional forbearance in a democratic system?

To promote mutual toleration Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of ignoring unwritten rules of democracy?

The erosion of mutual toleration Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an autocratic regime?

Consolidation of power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mutual toleration in a democratic system?

To reduce political polarization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the authors in appealing to white non-college educated working-class voters?

Economic inequality Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed alternative to means-tested social programs?

Universal social programs with cash benefits Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of institutional forbearance in democratic systems?

To promote mutual toleration and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of offering cheap job training to blue-collar workers?

To bridge the gap to newer sectors of the economy Signup and view all the answers

What fuels polarization, according to the authors?

Resentment Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of unwritten rules in democratic systems?

They promote mutual toleration and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the authors in addressing growing inequality?

Combatting stagnant wages and decreased job security Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the CDU model for the republican party?

It serves as a model for the republican party Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of a president dropping treason charges against a potential political opponent?

It can legitimize the opponent and undermine the political system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of electorates in a democratic system?

They choose the president and vice president. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a demagogue?

A demagogue is a leader who obtains power by making impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the public. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of a leader who ignores constitutional limitations?

It can lead to the undermining of the political system and the erosion of democratic values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of unwritten rules in democratic systems?

They provide a framework for mutual toleration and institutional forbearance, ensuring the stability of the system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of institutional forbearance in a democratic system?

It is to prevent the concentration of power and ensure the stability of the system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mutual toleration in a democratic system?

It is to ensure that opposing parties or groups tolerate each other and respect each other's rights. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of ignoring constitutional limitations in a democratic system?

A leader who ignores constitutional limitations is likely to lead to an autocratic regime, undermining democracy. Signup and view all the answers

How do unwritten rules of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance contribute to the functioning of democratic systems?

They are essential to the functioning of democratic systems, preventing the abuse of power and promoting stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of a leader ignoring constitutional limitations in a democratic system?

The erosion of democratic institutions and the potential rise of an autocratic regime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of institutional forbearance in democratic systems?

To prevent the abuse of power and ensure the stability of the democratic system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mutual toleration in a democratic system?

It promotes stability and prevents the abuse of power by ensuring that different branches of government respect each other's boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of an autocratic regime that distinguishes it from a democratic system?

The concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or group, often accompanied by the suppression of individual rights and freedoms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of ignoring unwritten rules of democracy?

It can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of autocratic regimes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of unwritten rules in democratic systems, and how do they contribute to the smooth functioning of democracy?

Unwritten rules, such as norms of behavior and institutional conventions, provide a framework for governance and help to maintain the stability of democratic institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of mutual toleration in a democratic system, and how does it contribute to the stability of democratic institutions?

The primary goal of mutual toleration is to ensure that political opponents accept the legitimacy of each other's positions and refrain from using extra-constitutional means to achieve their goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key characteristics of an autocratic regime?

A concentration of power, disregard for constitutional limitations, and a lack of respect for democratic norms and values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of institutional forbearance in preventing the rise of autocratic regimes?

It prevents the concentration of power and ensures that different branches of government respect each other's boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of institutional forbearance in democratic systems, and how does it contribute to the stability of democratic institutions?

Institutional forbearance refers to the willingness of political actors to refrain from exercising their full constitutional powers in order to maintain the stability of democratic institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of a leader who ignores constitutional limitations and disregards unwritten rules of democracy?

It can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of an autocratic regime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely consequence of a president dropping treason charges against a potential political opponent, and how does it relate to the concept of autocratic regimes?

The likely consequence is the erosion of democratic institutions and the potential rise of an autocratic regime, as it undermines the rule of law and the equal application of justice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of the authors in addressing growing inequality, and how does it relate to the concept of democratic institutions?

The primary concern is that growing inequality can lead to the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of autocratic regimes, as it undermines the social cohesion and the legitimacy of democratic institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the CDU model for the republican party, and how does it relate to the concept of institutional forbearance?

The CDU model is an example of institutional forbearance, where political actors refrain from exercising their full constitutional powers in order to maintain the stability of democratic institutions. Signup and view all the answers

The president has executive orders, presidential ______ and court packing,

pardons Signup and view all the answers

Congress has the ______ which could obstruct congress itself,

filibuster Signup and view all the answers

Federal appeals courts also known as circuit courts hear appeals from ______ courts.

district Signup and view all the answers

The CIA relies mainly on ______ intelligence from agents and informants,

human Signup and view all the answers

The NSA uses ______ intelligence from electronic sources.

signals Signup and view all the answers

Anti-trust is about ______ of free market systems between two or more companies.

collusion Signup and view all the answers

The FBI focuses on enforcing ______ laws and protecting the country from domestic threats,

criminal Signup and view all the answers

The director of national intelligence (DNI) oversees all of these agencies except the ______.

FBI Signup and view all the answers

The majority of people picked a score of 8 or higher out of 10 rating Venezuela as an ______ to democratic country.

autocratic Signup and view all the answers

Instead, what he could have done is pardoning him after trial, which would have ______ him.

legitimised Signup and view all the answers

A demagogue is a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the ______.

public Signup and view all the answers

Electorates choose the president and vice president, delegates choose - in line with the people's wishes- the democratic nominee for ______.

president Signup and view all the answers

The origin of the name Litmus comes from its use in chemistry, an organic substance that turns red in acid solution and blue in alkaline solutions, used as an acid-base ______.

indicator Signup and view all the answers

If any single person was responsible for establishing the young Republic on a firm footing, it was ______.

Washington Signup and view all the answers

Also known as Jim Crow laws, named after a racist show ______.

character Signup and view all the answers

Chechnia is a dominantly Muslim Republic in the Russian federation which wanted ______.

independence Signup and view all the answers

The authors argue that ignoring _______________________ rules of democracy can lead to polarization.

unwritten Signup and view all the answers

According to the authors, _______________________ is essential to the functioning of democratic systems.

institutional forbearance Signup and view all the answers

A key characteristic of an _______________________ regime is the disregard for constitutional limitations.

autocratic Signup and view all the answers

The primary goal of _______________________ in a democratic system is to prevent political leaders from abusing their power.

mutual toleration Signup and view all the answers

The authors argue that ignoring _______________________ limitations can lead to the undermining of democracy.

constitutional Signup and view all the answers

Institutional _______________________ is crucial in preventing the abuse of power in democratic systems.

forbearance Signup and view all the answers

The authors propose that the republican party should adopt the _______________________ model as a way to appeal to white non-college educated working-class voters.

CDU Signup and view all the answers

The primary goal of _______________________ is to prevent political leaders from becoming autocratic.

mutual toleration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Powers

Each of the three state powers has the ability to undermine the political system.
The president has executive orders, presidential pardons, and court packing.
Congress has the filibuster, which could obstruct Congress itself, and impeachment.

Federal Appeals Courts

Federal appeals courts, also known as circuit courts, hear appeals from district courts.
They review cases, such as when a lower court finds that voter restriction by Desantis is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court can still overrule the federal appeals court in some cases.

Executive Orders

Examples of executive orders include raising fuel efficiency standards for all cars, ceasing deportation of illegal immigrants who came to the US before the age of 16, and making federal and state agencies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and use more renewable energies.

Intelligence Agencies

The FBI focuses on enforcing criminal laws and protecting the country from domestic threats.
The CIA and NSA focus on counterterrorism and counterintelligence from foreign adversaries.
The CIA relies mainly on human intelligence from agents and informants, while the NSA uses signals intelligence from electronic sources.
They all report to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Anti-Trust

Anti-trust is about collusion of free market systems between two or more companies.

Political Terms

Demagogue: a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the public.
Litmus: a single factor that establishes a person's true character; originated from its use in chemistry as an acid-base indicator.

Political Parties

Electorates choose the president and vice president, while delegates choose the democratic nominee for president in line with the people's wishes.

Political History

George Washington was responsible for establishing the young Republic on a firm footing.

Political Strategies

The CDU (Christian Democratic Union) may serve as a model for the Republican Party.
The Democratic Party needs to appeal to more white non-college educated working-class voters without compromising on "identity politics".
Democrats should consider offering cheap job training to make blue-collar workers easily bridge the gap to newer durable and growing sectors of the economy.
Changing means-tested social programs to a universal model, like in Northern Europe, could help combat growing inequality.

Government Powers

Each of the three state powers has the ability to undermine the political system.
The president has executive orders, presidential pardons, and court packing.
Congress has the filibuster, which could obstruct Congress itself, and impeachment.

Federal Appeals Courts

Federal appeals courts, also known as circuit courts, hear appeals from district courts.
They review cases, such as when a lower court finds that voter restriction by Desantis is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court can still overrule the federal appeals court in some cases.

Executive Orders

Examples of executive orders include raising fuel efficiency standards for all cars, ceasing deportation of illegal immigrants who came to the US before the age of 16, and making federal and state agencies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and use more renewable energies.

Intelligence Agencies

The FBI focuses on enforcing criminal laws and protecting the country from domestic threats.
The CIA and NSA focus on counterterrorism and counterintelligence from foreign adversaries.
The CIA relies mainly on human intelligence from agents and informants, while the NSA uses signals intelligence from electronic sources.
They all report to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Anti-Trust

Anti-trust is about collusion of free market systems between two or more companies.

Political Terms

Demagogue: a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the public.
Litmus: a single factor that establishes a person's true character; originated from its use in chemistry as an acid-base indicator.

Political Parties

Electorates choose the president and vice president, while delegates choose the democratic nominee for president in line with the people's wishes.

Political History

George Washington was responsible for establishing the young Republic on a firm footing.

Political Strategies

The CDU (Christian Democratic Union) may serve as a model for the Republican Party.
The Democratic Party needs to appeal to more white non-college educated working-class voters without compromising on "identity politics".
Democrats should consider offering cheap job training to make blue-collar workers easily bridge the gap to newer durable and growing sectors of the economy.
Changing means-tested social programs to a universal model, like in Northern Europe, could help combat growing inequality.

Government Powers

Each of the three state powers has the ability to undermine the political system.
The president has executive orders, presidential pardons, and court packing.
Congress has the filibuster, which could obstruct Congress itself, and impeachment.

Federal Appeals Courts

Federal appeals courts, also known as circuit courts, hear appeals from district courts.
They review cases, such as when a lower court finds that voter restriction by Desantis is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court can still overrule the federal appeals court in some cases.

Executive Orders

Examples of executive orders include raising fuel efficiency standards for all cars, ceasing deportation of illegal immigrants who came to the US before the age of 16, and making federal and state agencies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and use more renewable energies.

Intelligence Agencies

The FBI focuses on enforcing criminal laws and protecting the country from domestic threats.
The CIA and NSA focus on counterterrorism and counterintelligence from foreign adversaries.
The CIA relies mainly on human intelligence from agents and informants, while the NSA uses signals intelligence from electronic sources.
They all report to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Anti-Trust

Anti-trust is about collusion of free market systems between two or more companies.

Political Terms

Demagogue: a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the public.
Litmus: a single factor that establishes a person's true character; originated from its use in chemistry as an acid-base indicator.

Political Parties

Electorates choose the president and vice president, while delegates choose the democratic nominee for president in line with the people's wishes.

Political History

George Washington was responsible for establishing the young Republic on a firm footing.

Political Strategies

The CDU (Christian Democratic Union) may serve as a model for the Republican Party.
The Democratic Party needs to appeal to more white non-college educated working-class voters without compromising on "identity politics".
Democrats should consider offering cheap job training to make blue-collar workers easily bridge the gap to newer durable and growing sectors of the economy.
Changing means-tested social programs to a universal model, like in Northern Europe, could help combat growing inequality.

Government Powers

Each of the three state powers has the ability to undermine the political system.
The president has executive orders, presidential pardons, and court packing.
Congress has the filibuster, which could obstruct Congress itself, and impeachment.

Federal Appeals Courts

Federal appeals courts, also known as circuit courts, hear appeals from district courts.
They review cases, such as when a lower court finds that voter restriction by Desantis is discriminatory.
The Supreme Court can still overrule the federal appeals court in some cases.

Executive Orders

Examples of executive orders include raising fuel efficiency standards for all cars, ceasing deportation of illegal immigrants who came to the US before the age of 16, and making federal and state agencies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and use more renewable energies.

Intelligence Agencies

The FBI focuses on enforcing criminal laws and protecting the country from domestic threats.
The CIA and NSA focus on counterterrorism and counterintelligence from foreign adversaries.
The CIA relies mainly on human intelligence from agents and informants, while the NSA uses signals intelligence from electronic sources.
They all report to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Anti-Trust

Anti-trust is about collusion of free market systems between two or more companies.

Political Terms

Demagogue: a leader who obtains power by means of impassioned appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the public.
Litmus: a single factor that establishes a person's true character; originated from its use in chemistry as an acid-base indicator.

Political Parties

Electorates choose the president and vice president, while delegates choose the democratic nominee for president in line with the people's wishes.

Political History

George Washington was responsible for establishing the young Republic on a firm footing.

Political Strategies

The CDU (Christian Democratic Union) may serve as a model for the Republican Party.
The Democratic Party needs to appeal to more white non-college educated working-class voters without compromising on "identity politics".
Democrats should consider offering cheap job training to make blue-collar workers easily bridge the gap to newer durable and growing sectors of the economy.
Changing means-tested social programs to a universal model, like in Northern Europe, could help combat growing inequality.

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Description

This quiz reviews the powers and limitations of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the US federal government, including executive orders, presidential pardons, and court packing.