POS2041 Final Exam Study Guide PDF

POS2041 – Final Exam Study Guide CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS & CIVIL RIGHTS 🔹 13th Amendment Abolished slavery. 🔹 14th Amendment Grants citizenship to all born in the U.S. Guarantees equal protection under the law. 🔹 15th Amendment Prohibits denial of voting rights based on...

POS2041 – Final Exam Study Guide CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS & CIVIL RIGHTS 🔹 13th Amendment Abolished slavery. 🔹 14th Amendment Grants citizenship to all born in the U.S. Guarantees equal protection under the law. 🔹 15th Amendment Prohibits denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. 🔹 1st Amendment – 5 Protections 1. Freedom of Religion 2. Freedom of Speech 3. Freedom of the Press 4. Right to Assemble 5. Right to Petition the Government 🔹 4th Amendment Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. 🔹 5th Amendment  Rights in criminal cases: ○ Due Process ○ Protection from Double Jeopardy ○ Eminent Domain ○ Protection from Self-Incrimination CIVIL RIGHTS & LIBERTIES 🔹 Civil Liberties Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens. 🔹 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Prohibits discrimination in employment and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 🔹 Title IX (1972) Prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funds. 🔹 Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) Ensures equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in public life. 🔹 Voting Rights Act (1965) Led to a major increase in Black voter registration and participation. SUPREME COURT CASES TO KNOW Case Key Principle Plessy v. Ferguson “Separate but equal” doctrine upheld Brown v. Board of Struck down racial segregation in schools; “separate but equal” Education is unconstitutional Obergefell v. Hodges Legalized same-sex marriage nationwide Miranda v. Arizona Police must inform suspects of their Miranda rights Schneck v. U.S. Free speech can be limited if it presents a clear and present danger New York Times v. Public officials must prove actual malice in libel cases Sullivan Near v. Minnesota Government cannot censor press in advance (Prior Restraint) Boumediene v. Bush Guantanamo prisoners have habeas corpus rights under the Constitution McCulloch v. Maryland Upheld the implied powers of Congress and Supremacy Clause GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE & PRINCIPLES 🔹 Federalism Power is divided between national and state governments. 🔹 Supremacy Clause (Article VI) National law is supreme over state laws when acting constitutionally. 🔹 Unitary Government Centralized system; power held by a single, central authority. 🔹 Balance of Power Prevents any one branch or nation from becoming too powerful. 🔹 Enumerated Powers (Congress) Explicit powers listed in the Constitution (e.g., coin money, declare war). 🔹 Implied Powers Powers not written, but necessary to carry out enumerated powers. 🔹 Selective Incorporation Doctrine Prevents states from passing laws that violate constitutional rights. LEVELS OF SCRUTINY IN JUDICIAL REVIEW 1. Rational Basis – Law must be rationally related to a legitimate government interest. 2. Intermediate Scrutiny – Must further an important government interest (e.g., gender- based laws). 3. Strict Scrutiny – Must serve a compelling government interest and be narrowly tailored (e.g., race, religion). POWERS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENTS Establish local governments Police powers Regulate commerce Enforce property and contract laws Conduct elections Operate schools Protect health and safety FOREIGN POLICY & GLOBAL RELATIONS 🔹 Three Realms of Foreign Policy Military: NATO support for Ukraine Economic: U.S. Sanctions on Russia Diplomatic: U.S.–China high-level talks 🔹 Recent Foreign Policy Challenges Environment Foreign Aid Digital diplomacy Cybersecurity Domestic extremism Mass shootings New global alliances 🔹 Diplomacy vs. Foreign Policy Diplomacy: Managing relations with other nations Foreign Policy: Strategic goals and decisions on how the U.S. interacts with the world 🔹 International vs. Regional Organizations International: United Nations (UN) - China - France - Russia - United Kingdom - United States  Regional: European Union (EU) KEY FOREIGN POLICY TERMS & ACTS 🔹 War Powers Resolution Limits the President's ability to commit troops without Congressional approval. Must notify within 48 hours and withdraw after 60 days without approval. 🔹 Balance of Trade Difference between a nation’s exports and imports. INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT Institution Responsibility Congress (Legislative) Makes laws, declares war, regulates commerce President (Executive) Enforces laws, commands military, conducts foreign policy Supreme Court (Judicial) Interprets the Constitution and laws 🔹 Secretary of State Leads diplomatic missions, represents U.S. abroad. 🔹 Secretary of Defense Advises on military policy and national security. 🔹 Bill of Rights Proposed by James Madison, passed by First Congress. MISCELLANEOUS FACTS Power to Declare War: Congress Who proposed the Bill of Rights?: James Madison Where do most national policies originate?: From the states Power concentrated in a confederation?: In individual states UN Security Council Members: U.S., UK, France, Russia, China Recent Paris Agreement Effective: Late 2016