Political Systems and Government Principles Overview PDF

Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 Authoritarian Government The leader has total control. Ruler has inherited the position. They have total cont...

Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 Authoritarian Government The leader has total control. Ruler has inherited the position. They have total control. It is a type Absolute Monarch of authoritarian govt. Oligarchy Rule by a few elite. It is a type of authoritarian govt. Rule by someone who has taken power, usually through military Dictator or forceful measures. Democracy People have power. Direct Democracy Every person votes on every issue themselves. Indirect / Representative Democracy People elect others to make decisions for them. The elected legislature chooses the executive to be Head of Parliamentary democracy Government (Prime Minister). There is usually a ceremonial King/Queen. The executive and legislative branches are elected separately. The Presidential democracy President is head of state and government. Form of government where the power is in one central location Unitary and they make decisions for the country. Form of government where the states have most of the power, and Confederate the national/central government has minimal power. Form of government where the national/central government Federal shares power with the states, although the national government maintains supremacy. People produce what they have always produced, in the same Traditional Economy manner for the same people. The government determines what will be produced, how and who Command Economy will benefit from the production. People have a choice in what to produce, how to make it and to Market Economy whom and for how much it should be sold. People generally choose what to produce, who should receive the Mixed Economy product and for how much it will be sold, however the government often regulates the production for safety. A document in 3 parts that established the freedom of the US from Declaration of Independence England. Emphasized limited government and popular sovereign- ty. The document that provided structure for the United States im- Articles of Confederation mediately following independence. This gave States most powers and made the central government weak. The document that provides structure and power for our govern- US Constitution ment and our principles of government. Bill of Rights Added to the Constitution to protect individual rights. Documents you may see include Magna Carta, Mayflower Com- Other Documents pact. Protects the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, First Amendment freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom to petition the government. Slander To speak something untrue about a person. Libel To write something untrue about a person. Second Amendment Protects the freedom of citizens to keep and bear arms. Prevents the government from quartering soldiers in private Third Amendment homes without the consent of the owner. Protects the right of people to be secure against unreasonable Fourth Amendment searches and seizures. Warrants for searches need to have prob- 1/7  Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 able cause and must describe the place to be searched and the things to be seized. To charge a person with a serious crime, an indictment from a grand jury is necessary. A person can't be tried twice for the same crime. People can't be required to testify against themselves and Fifth Amendment can't be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Finally, the government can't take private property without fair compensation. People who are charged with a crime have the right to a speedy, public trial. They have the right to an impartial jury and to know Sixth Amendment what they have been accused of. They have the right to confront witnesses against them and they have the right to legal counsel. In civil cases, people have the right to a jury trial if the amount of Seventh Amendment money involved in the case is $20 or more. People cannot be required to pay excessive bail or excessive fines. Eighth Amendment Cruel and unusual punishments are not allowed. The rights of the people are not limited by the rights that are listed Ninth Amendment in the Constitution. The powers not given to the Federal government by the Consti- Tenth Amendment tution or forbidden to the States by the Constitution belong to the States and the people. Popular Sovereignty People have the authority to make decisions in their government. The people give their approval for a government, usually through Consent of the Governed an election. Separation of Powers Each branch of government has their own unique responsibilities. Each branch has powers to watch over the others to ensure that Checks and Balances they do not abuse their power. The Supreme Court has the power to review all actions of Con- Judicial Review gress and the President to determine their Constitutionality. The enumerated and denied powers of the Constitution clearly Limited Government state what the government can and can't do. Rule of Law Everyone, even the government, follows the law. Power is shared between the national and state governments. Federalism However, the Constitution is always supreme. People have rights guaranteed in the Constitution and the Dec- laration of Independence, but they also have the responsibility to Individual Rights and Responsibilities take part in government, follow the laws of the government, and defend the country if needed. Majority Rule The side with the majority of the votes wins. All people are protected by the Constitution and the laws of a Equal Protection country. Enumerated / Expressed Powers Listed in the Constitution. Part of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do things Necessary and Proper clause / Elastic Clause not stated but related to their expressed powers. Implied Powers The powers of Congress due to the 'Elastic Clause'. Listed in the Constitution and denied to the government. These Denied Powers are things the government isn't allowed to do. Reserved Powers Anything not stated in the Constitution is saved for the states. The organization of government into Federal, State, and Local Branches of Government levels. Executive Branch The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws. Legislative Branch The branch of government responsible for making laws. 2/7  Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 Judicial Branch The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws. Age - 25, Term - 2 years, Citizenship - US Citizen for 7 years, # of House of Representatives Requirements members - 435, Representation per state - based on population Census Count of population every ten years. Dividing the 435 representatives between the 50 states depending Apportionment on their census count. Redistricting Redrawing state's district lines. Process of drawing districts to benefit the party in power or isolate Gerrymander a group of people. Start the impeachment process, select a President if one does not House of Representatives Powers win in the election, start all money bills. Age - 30, Term - 6 years, Citizenship - US Citizen for 9 years, # of Senate Requirements members - 100, Representation per state - 2 per state. Ratify all treaties, approve all Presidential appointments, hold the Senate Powers impeachment trial. Introduced to the House, Standing committee, Rules Committee, Entire House, Sent to Senate, Senate Standing Committee, Entire Lawmaking Process Senate, Conference Committee, Approval by both chambers, to the President. Permanent, issue-specific committee that studies a bill first and Standing Committee determines whether the bill will move on or die. Committee made up of Representatives and Senators to work out Conference Committee the differences in a bill. Filibuster Senate's power to 'talk a bill to death' to stall the vote. Sign it into law, veto it, pocket veto (not sign it and if Congress Options of the President when presented a bill goes out of session in 10 days it dies), or not sign it (if Congress is in session then the bill becomes law without his signature). Republicans and Democrats have issues that they support as a Political Party group (platform). Organized around a common issue; they try to influence policy and Interest Group voters. Lobbyist Hired by interest groups to influence lawmakers. Organized around an issue; they give money to the campaign Political Action Committee funds of candidates who favor their positions. Everyone in the US; they can write letters, email, call, protest, Constituent petition, vote, testify at a committee hearing. TV/Radio/Newspaper affect legislation by covering a story and the Media manner that they do so. State Legislature General Assembly County Legislature County Council Age - 21, Term - 4 years, Leader - Speaker of the House, # of House of Delegates members - 141. Age - 21, Term - 4 years, Leader - President of the Senate, # of MD Senate members - 47. State income tax, education, licensure for driving, teaching, cutting General Assembly Issues hair, practicing law, and approving the state's budget. Lawmaking Process Same process as Congress. Local Legislature Called the County Council. Ordinance Local Law. 3/7  Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 Property taxes, school funding, fire department, police depart- Local Issues ment, trash service, noise levels. Federal Executive Branch Led by the President. Age - 35, Citizenship - born in USA, Residency - Must live in the President Age Requirements US for total of 14 years, Term length - 4 years, Term Limits - 2 terms or 10 years. Signs an order without the approval of Congress that has the force Executive Order of law. Negotiate Treaties, Appoint Cabinet members, Comman- President Powers der-in-Chief, Prepare/Approve Budget, Represent US Monitors production and businesses to protect the consumer and Regulatory Agencies environment. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Agency focused on environmental protection. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medicine and food production. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline safety. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) TV, radio, cell phones. Consumer protection and the prevention of anticompetitive busi- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ness practices. Primary Elections Voters choose among candidates of the same party. Choose a candidate to run and announce them at the national Political party convention. Popular Election When people vote for the president. A group of people who cast the state's vote for president, based Electoral College on a winner-take-all system. Electoral Votes Requirement President needs 270 electoral votes to win. A PAC can give $5,000 per election to candidates and $15,000 per PAC Contributions year to a political party. The chief executive officer of Maryland and the second highest Governor of Maryland and Lieutenant Governor executive officer in Maryland: Term Length - 4 years, Age - 30, Residency - Maryland, Registered Voter in MD An executive office position responsible for collecting taxes in Comptroller Maryland. Treasurer An executive office position that manages the state's finances. Secretary of State An executive office position that manages paperwork and records. Attorney General An executive office position that represents Maryland in court. A local executive officer responsible for the administration of coun- County Executive ty government. A local executive officer responsible for the administration of city Mayor government. National Security Policies aimed at keeping the US safe from outside threats. Policies aimed at maintaining a strong dollar and economy in the Economic Well Being world market. Spread of Democracy Efforts to encourage other nations to adopt democratic systems. Countries that are less developed and require assistance to be- Developing Nations come secure and stable. The protection of rights and treatment of all workers and citizens, Human Rights focusing on vulnerable groups. Nuclear weapons that the US seeks to monitor to prevent prolif- Weapons of Mass Destruction eration. 4/7 Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 The prevention of violent acts from one group or nation against Terrorism another. The need to maintain strong economies worldwide to ensure Global Economic Conditions trading partnerships. A policy where the US cuts off trade or assistance to persuade a Economic Sanction country to change its decisions. Assistance provided by the US in the form of money, medicine, Foreign Aid and supplies to promote favorable relations. Military Intervention The use of military force to address problems in a specific region. The practice of negotiating and discussing problems with other Diplomacy nations. An international organization focused on peace-keeping and United Nations diplomatic solutions. An agreement that facilitates trade and reduces tariffs between North American Free Trade Association Mexico, the US, and Canada. An international financial institution that provides funds to devel- World Bank oping nations for stability projects. An organization that provides medical and humanitarian aid to International Red Cross refugees and people in crisis. A military alliance formed to combat communism and intervene in North Atlantic Treaty Organization international issues. An organization that manages global trading rules, negotiates World Trade Organization trade agreements, and settles disputes. The impact of government policies on federalism, limited govern- Public Policy ment, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Social Security Retirement paid to elderly Medicare Health care for people over 65 Medicaid Health care for people under 65 and living in poverty Government payments to help those living in poverty who are Welfare looking for a job Sprawl Spread of cities into suburbs and countryside Zoning Local plan for development of land SmartGrowth State plan for development that preserves natural resources The authority of the government to take private land for public use Eminent Domain with just compensation (payment). Allowed by the 5th amendment. Censorship To monitor what is said, printed or broadcast Equity Equality Forbids discrimination in places of public accommodation based Civil Rights Acts on age, race, ethnicity or religion Desegregation To end preference based on race. Plan to remedy past discrimination by providing opportunities in Affirmative Action business and education for women and minorities. Forbids discrimination due to disabilities. Public services must be Americans with Disabilities Act handicapped accessible. Required schools to provide equal athletic opportunities for fe- Title IX males as provided for male students. The government acts to prevent crime in attempts to maintain Crime order and safety in our communities Immigration 5/7 Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 The government needs policies to determine who can relocate to the country. Current issues include border security and refugee status. Immunization Requiring people to be vaccinated against contagious diseases. Give up something to get something else. Scarcity means that Opportunity Cost there aren't enough resources to fulfill everyone's wants. Choice is necessary. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Economic indicator that measures production in the United States. Consumer Price Index (CPI) Measures inflation (increase in prices over time) Measures the percentage of the population who want a job but Unemployment rate cannot find one. Business cycle A description of the rises and falls in GDP around a trend line. A phase in the economy where production is low and unemploy- Recession / Depression ment is high. A phase in the economy when production and CPI are high and Expansion / Peak unemployment is low. The actions of the President (executive) and Congress (legisla- Fiscal Policy ture) to tax and spend. The actions taken by the Federal Reserve to change the money Monetary Policy supply or interest rates in order to affect the economy. Reserve requirement, discount rate and open-market operations Monetary Policy tools (buying and selling of government securities). Bank of the United States. Leaders make monetary policy deci- Federal Reserve sions. Neither the President nor Congress needs to approve their decisions. Monetary policy tool. The Fed can affect the economy by requiring The Reserve Requirement banks to hold a specific percentage of their funds in reserve. Interest rates Monetary policy tool. Charged to those who borrow money. Open-market operations Buying and selling of government securities. Power of the Supreme Court to review legislation and acts of the Judicial review President for their Constitutionality. Judicial Review (the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws Marbury v. Madison and presidential acts unconstitutional). Brown v. Board of Education Overturned Plessy and said 'separate is inherently unequal.' Miranda v. Arizona Required police to read a person their rights. Federal government can require states to redistrict and courts can Baker v. Carr decide redistricting cases. Students maintain rights to free speech in school; symbolic speech Tinker v. Des Moines Board of Education protected, too. U.S. v. Nixon Limited the president's use of executive privilege. Students have a lesser expectation of privacy in school. Officials New Jersey v. T.L.O. can search in school with reasonable suspicion, not probable cause. In this second amendment case, the court ruled that the protec- McDonald v. Chicago tions of the amendment apply to state as well as federal govern- ments. Supreme Court Highest court in the U.S.. Court of Appeals Reviews decisions of trial court. (Highest Court in Maryland). US District Courts Hears cases that violate federal law or the Constitution. Has a jury. Maryland Circuit Court 6/7 Overview of Political Systems and Government Principles Study online at https://quizlet.com/_h8qoa4 Court in Maryland that has a jury and hears serious crimes/charges. Maryland District Court Lowest court in Maryland. No jury. A fundamental legal principle guaranteeing fairness and equity in Due Process all legal proceedings, ensuring individuals are treated fairly by the government. Steps and procedures that must be guaranteed to an accused Fifth amendment due process clause person: Read rights, provide lawyer, inform them of crime, see witnesses. Fourteenth amendment due process clause Applied 5th amendment to the states. Procedural due process The steps required under the law. Incorporation Doctrine Required that the Bill of Rights be applied to the states. Civil law Lawsuit between 2 people to settle a dispute. Plaintiff Person asking court to settle dispute. Defendant Person being sued/accused. Contract Agreement. Breach of contract To break the agreement. Torts Lawsuits involving negligence that cause damage. Damages The money a plaintiff is requesting. Preponderance of evidence Most of the evidence has to support the plaintiff to win. Petit jury Hears the case and decides who is responsible. Out-of-court settlements Negotiate a payment/agreement without going to court. Criminal law Laws concerning crimes and their punishments. Prosecutor Works for state and is trying to prove guilt of defendant. Reasonable doubt Standard of proof that requires the jury to be 95% sure of the guilt. Felony Serious crime punishable by time in jail. Misdemeanor Less serious crime punishable by a fine or short jail time. Group of people who review the state's evidence to determine Grand jury whether it should go to trial. Indictment Formal charge of wrongdoing issued by the Grand Jury. Reason to believe a crime has been committed due to evidence; Probable cause needed for a search warrant. Foundation of criminal justice system. The prosecution must prove Presumption of innocence guilt because the defendant is innocent. Make a deal for the defendant so they plead guilty to a lesser Plea bargaining charge. Requires that evidence be presented before holding someone in Writ of habeas corpus jail. Cannot be suspended. Subpoena Court order to appear in court to testify. 7/7