Final Notes PDF

# Unit 1 ## Social Contract Theory - People give up some rights to a government to protect the rights they want. - People can dissolve it is government doesn't protect those rights. ## Federalist 10 - Representative Democracy: Best way to prevent factions from taking control. ## Gov Structure unde...

# Unit 1 ## Social Contract Theory - People give up some rights to a government to protect the rights they want. - People can dissolve it is government doesn't protect those rights. ## Federalist 10 - Representative Democracy: Best way to prevent factions from taking control. ## Gov Structure under AOC vs. Constitution ### AOC - Centered on the legislative Branch - Comprised of a single house ### Constitution - Composed of 3 branches (legislative, executive, judicial) ## Shortcomings of the AOC highlighted by Shay's rebellion - Weak central government - Inability to raise taxes - Lack of national army - Economic disarray ## Constitutional principles - **Limited government**: government powers are restricted to protect individual rights. - **Popular Sovereignty**: gives citizens power over the government. - **Separation of Powers**: power of government is divided among branches to prevent the concentration & abuse of power by any 1 branch. - **Checks and Balances**: each branch has authority to restrain some powers of the other 2 branches. - **Judicial Review**: has the power to determine the constitutionality of laws, judicial decisions, or acts of a government official. - **Federalism**: national & state powers are balanced. ## Federalist v. Antifederalist argument - **Federalist**: Supported the constitution. - **Antifederalist**: opposed the ratification of the constitution. # Unit 2 ## Public Opinion Poll - Survey of public opinion. - Sample: a representation of the whole. - Exit Poll: a survey done outside a polling place in which individuals are asked what they just voted for & why. ## Characteristics of a good poll - Properly worded - Properly ordered - Avoid open ended questions - Survey a representative sample ## Liberal, Conservative & Libertarian Ideologies ### Liberal - Emphasizes the importance of individual liberties, social justice, & equality. - Advocates for government interventions in the economy to promote social welfare & reduce inequalities while also supporting civil rights. ### Conservative - Emphasizes individual liberty, limited government & free market. - Personal & economic freedom, limited government, property rights, non-aggression principle. ### Libertarian - Centered around preserving traditional values & institutions, emphasizing stability & continuity. ## Keynesian Economics v Supply Side Economic - Keynesian Economics: Ups & downs of the market can/should be mitigated by government actions. - Supply Side Economics: economic growth can most effectively be created be lowering taxes & decreasing regulation. ## Role of the Media/ Political Parties - Media more influential the older you are. - Political Parties: People get political views from the media, family & education. ## Political Socialization - The process through which individuals acquire political attitudes, views & knowledge, based on inputs from family, school, & media. # Unit 3 ## Role of Interest Groups - Getting laws passed or stopped. ## Criticisms of Interest Groups - Have an unfair advantage - Not being able to tell how many people are represented in them. - Use of illegal practices. ## Free Rider Problem - Situation in which people benefit from an organization's activities but don't contribute. ## Iron Triangles - Interest groups give campaign contributions to Congress people and favorable legislation. - Congress people give access to key agencies and favorable budgets. - Government bureaucracies give favorable legislation and access to key agencies. ## Gov Bureaucratic Agencies - Budget, look good, back home. ## Shelby Co. v. Holder - Challenged rule that states need fed permission to change voting laws if they have a history of voter discrimination. - Overturned. ## Linkage Institutions - Connect people to the government. - Media, political parties, interest groups, elections ## Models of Voting - **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 as a voter on what's best for you. # Unit 4 - President ## Federalist 70 - A unitary executive is the best way to ensure energy: ability to respond to crisis. ## Congressional Delegation of Powers - Powers given delegated to the president by Congress through legislation. - President Powers expanded over time. ## Executive Order - Directive that has the effect of the law. - Empowers the president to carry out the law or to administer the government. ## Special Session - A meeting that is called for a specific purpose/issue. ## Formal Powers of the Pres. - Powers specifically written in the Constitution. - **Veto**: A no vote that blocks a decision. - **Pocket Veto**: The killing of legislation (by chief exec) through the failure to act within a specific period following the adjournment of the legislature. - **Commander in Chief**: President's exercise command over an armed force - **Appointment of judges, ambassadors** ## Informal Powers of the Pres. - Powers not written in the Constitution. - **Bully Pulpit**: Can command attention. - **Executive Agreements**: An agreement made between the Pres. & a head of a foreign state or subordinates. - **Signing Statement**: A written statement that accompanies the president's signature on a bill/law. - **War Powers Resolution** - Must report any commitment of troops to Congress within 48 hrs. - Any commitment of troops must end in 60 days unless approved by Congress. ## Powers of the Vice President ### Constitutional Duties - Preside over senate. - Decide question of Pres. disability. ### Realistic Duties - Advisor - Political & diplomatic chores ## 25th Amendment - Sets out the plan of - Pres. succession - Pres. disability ## Difference between White House Staff & Cabinet Members - White House Staff has greater access to & more influence on the President, while the Cabinet members who advise the President.