WGU C963 Final prep Exam 2022/2023 QA

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Major contributors to social contract theory - ANSWER Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacque Rousseau, Montesquieu Requirements to be a Representative/term information - ANSWER Citizen for 7 years,... at least 25 years old/2-year term, based on population Civil rights - ANSWER Rights to be free from discrimination/free from unequal treatment/requirements for government action Powers of the legislative branch - ANSWER Tax citizens, set budget, impeach, regulate commerce, declare war provide advise and consent on appointments, oversee powers of other branches Thomas Hobbes view of society and what social contract theory should protect - ANSWER World is nasty; right to life Implied powers - ANSWER Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution. Right to regulate banks, establish minimum wage, construction and maintenance of highways. Requirements to be a Senator/term information - ANSWER Citizen for 9 years, at least 30 years old/6 year term, 2 per state Civil liberties - ANSWER Basic freedoms/free to exercise religion, speech, etc.../restrictions on government power Thirteenth Amendment - ANSWER Abolished slavery John Locke view of society and what social contract theory should protect - ANSWER World is decent and rational; right to life, liberty, and property How many members of the House of Representatives are there? - ANSWER 435 Enumerated/expressed powers - ANSWER Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution. Right to levy taxes, declare war, regulate money stuff, regulate immigration. Mass media - ANSWER All forms of media that communicate information to the general public, including TV, radio, print, and the internet. Jean-Jacque Rousseau view of society and what social contract theory should protect - ANSWER World starts out good but declines with population increase; right to liberty Inherent powers - ANSWER Powers that must be assumed to exist as a direct result of the country's existence. Right to control borders of the state, expand territory, defend itself from revolution/coups. Important acts to Congressional campaigns - ANSWER Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act - limits soft money; Federal Election Campaign Act - created FEC and discloses donors Fourteenth Amendment - ANSWER Formally defined citizenship and the requirement that privileges and immunities of citizenship are respected. African Americans were allowed to be citizens. Reserved powers - ANSWER Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people Concurrent powers - ANSWER Powers held jointly by the national and state governments. Hard money - ANSWER Campaign money that is subject to regulations by the FEC; contributed directly to a candidate Fifteenth Amendment - ANSWER Gave voting rights regardless of race or previous condition of servitude State of nature - ANSWER A condition in which no governments or laws existed at all Commerce Clause - ANSWER The clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations. Social contract theory - ANSWER A voluntary agreement between the government and the governed Evidence of Congress exercising power of the commerce clause - ANSWER Racial desegregation, No Gun School Zone ruled unconstitutional, the Affordable Care Act Soft money - ANSWER Campaign contributions unregulated by federal or state law; usually given to parties and party committees to help fund general party activities. Rational scrutiny - ANSWER Applies to most types of discrimination. The government has to demonstrate only that it has a good reason for engaging in it (not allowing blind people to drive because it would be dangerous) Natural rights - ANSWER The idea that all people have rights to life, liberty, and property Ways the legislative branch checks the other branches - ANSWER Advise and consent, impeachment, and oversight Why do incumbents win? - ANSWER Name recognition, visibility, resources of office, money, professionalism, and careerism Intermediate scrutiny - ANSWER Applies when discrimination is based on gender or sex. The government has to prove why the unequal treatment is justified. Framing - ANSWER The process of giving a news story a specific context or background. Hypodermic theory - ANSWER An intended message is received and wholly accepted by the receiver. Strict scrutiny - ANSWER Applies when fundamental freedoms or suspected classes are the target. The government has to prove why the unequal treatment is justified and that it has used the least restrictive means. Consensual political rule - ANSWER Without consent, rule would be illegitimate Congressional Committees - ANSWER A smaller subset of representatives or senators that consider particular types of bill (can be long standing or temporary), hold hearings for testifying for or against new bills Priming - ANSWER The process of predisposing readers or viewers to think a particular way. How does a candidate ensure a win in the primaries? - ANSWER Align with party ideals Minimal effects theory - ANSWER The idea that the media have little effect on citizens. Areas of the Constitution influenced by the Enlightenment - ANSWER Rousseau - property Montesquieu - separation of powers How is a law passed? - ANSWER Introduced, sent to rules committee, debate and voting in the House and Senate (separately), conference committee, unified bill is voted on, president signs or vetoes How are presidential candidates nominated? - ANSWER At national party conventions Civil rights before the 1950's - ANSWER The founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which challenged Jim Crow laws in federal courts. Pack journalism - ANSWER A type of journalism where journalists cover the same things as everyone else rather than seeking out their own stories. Cultivation theory - ANSWER Media affect a citizen's worldview through the information presented. How are electoral votes determined? - ANSWER Based on congressional representation (representatives + senators) Areas of the Bill of Rights influenced by the Enlightenment - ANSWER Locke - right to bear arms Montesquieu - due process Standing committee - ANSWER A permanent committee usually focusing on a policy area (finance, agriculture, foreign relations, etc...) Civil liberties allow one to choose - ANSWER Purchases, where to live, occupation, who to marry, and religion Prior restraint - ANSWER The legal suppression of speech or media coverage before it's published or spoken; very limited. How are Electors selected? - ANSWER They are nominated by the presidential candidate Fundamental civil liberties in the Constitution - ANSWER Habeas corpus (detention must be justified), no bills of attainer or ex post facto laws, and treason must be witnessed by two people Equal-time rule - ANSWER Registered candidates running for office must be given equal airtime on radio and non-cable TV. Select committee - ANSWER A temporary committee established for a limited time and for a special purpose Areas of the Declaration of Independence influenced by the Enlightenment - ANSWER Locke - liberty and property Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? - ANSWER Thomas Jefferson Sunshine law - ANSWER Laws that mandate government proceedings and meeting documents be made available to the public. Brandenburg v. Ohio - ANSWER The government can't punish or prohibit inflammatory speech unless it is likely to incite imminent lawless action. Who do Electors vote for? - ANSWER The President and Vice President Joint committee - ANSWER A temporary or permanent committee composed of members of the House and the Senate What is an interest group? - ANSWER A group of people that seeks to influence public policy or lobby on the basis of a particular common interest or concern. Rights of the accused - ANSWER Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth Amendments Who wrote the Constitution? - ANSWER Madison, Washinton, and Hamilton Conference committee - ANSWER A special joint committee appointed to unify competing versions of a bill that have passed in the House and Senate. Political socialization - ANSWER The process by which we are trained to understand and join a country's political world. Rights outlined in the Fourth Amendment - ANSWER Your person, house, papers, and effects are protected from unreasonable search and seizure; warrants are necessary for search and seizure; warrants must be granted by a judge Types of Interest Groups - ANSWER Public (good for most citizens) or private (favor narrow interests) Rules committee - ANSWER The "traffic cop" of the House that sets the legislative calendar and issues rules for debate on a bill The primary goals of the Articles of Confederation - ANSWER To structure the government by uniting states with a weak central government Rights outlined in the Fifth Amendment - ANSWER Right to a trial by jury; you cannot be tried for the same crime twice; cannot be compelled to testify against yourself; your life, liberty, and property cannot be taken without due process What are the socialization agents? - ANSWER Families, education, social groups, prevailing political conditions, media The structure of government under the Articles of Confederation - ANSWER A unicameral congress to limit the power of the national government, no executive or judicial branch Interest group strategies - ANSWER Inside lobbying (targeted directly at elected officials), outside lobbying (intending to influence public opinion) Reapportionment - ANSWER The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years on the basis of the results of the census. The bandwagon effect - ANSWER Increased media coverage of candidates who poll high. Rights outlined in the Sixth Amendment - ANSWER Entitled to a speedy, public, impartial trial; trial takes place where the crime was committed; entitled to know what crime you allegedly committed; entitled to confront witnesses against you; entitled to compel people to testify for you; entitled to an attorney What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)? - ANSWER Groups organized to collect funds from donors and distribute them to political candidates Redistricting - ANSWER The drawing of new electoral district boundary lines by state legislatures in response to population changes based on the census The powers of government under the Articles of Confederation - ANSWER Very limited: exchange ambassadors, make treaties with foreign governments, coin currency and borrow money, regulate trade with Natives, declare war, settle disputes between states Miller vs. Johnson - ANSWER Race cannot be the primary factor in gerrymandering. Rights outlined in the Eighth Amendment - ANSWER No cruel and unusual punishment Horse-race journalism - ANSWER The act of the media following every candidate's moves throughout the presidential campaign. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation - ANSWER Couldn't enforce laws, no power to tax, no national army, no president, couldn't control foreign trade, each state only had one vote, couldn't be changed without a unanimous vote What are PACs (Political Action Committees)? - ANSWER A committee set up by a corporation, labor union, or interest group that raises and spends campaign money from donations because these groups can't use their regular funds to do so Second Amendment - ANSWER A well-regulated militia is necessary for the security of a free state, the right to keep and bear arms Conditions that must exist for a mandate to occur (occurs in a presidential election) - ANSWER 50% of the popular vote. Legislative vs. Electoral strategy - ANSWER Groups donate to influence choices a legislator makes vs. groups donate to elect candidate that support their position Duties and powers of the president - ANSWER Present information on state of the union, call Congress into session, veto legislation, pardon people of federal crimes, make recommendations for legislation and policy, nominate federal judges, fill military and diplomatic posts Characteristics of the New Jersey Plan - ANSWER Unicameral, state based, national government provides defense but doesn't override state authority Third Amendment - ANSWER No quartering of soldiers What gives a president mandate? - ANSWER Public approval Characteristics of the Virginia Plan - ANSWER Bicameral, population based, national government can legislate for states and veto state law What is the largest amount of money a PAC can donate to a candidate? - ANSWER $5,000 Executive orders - ANSWER Rules that bypass Congress but still have the force of the law if the courts don't overturn them. Major compromises during the Constitutional Convention - ANSWER Senate would have equal number of reps from each state, House would have reps based on population, combined ideas from both Virginia and New Jersey Plans Recess appointment - ANSWER Presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation during Senate recess What is a super PAC (Independent-Expenditure Only Committee)? - ANSWER Can raise and spend unlimited amount of money but cannot coordinate with candidates (can't give directly to a candidate). They must report all donations and spending to the FEC Seventh Amendment - ANSWER Right to trial by jury Fifth Amendment - ANSWER Just compensation must be given for private property taken for public use Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission - ANSWER Ruled that there is no limit to how much money unions or corporations can donate to super PACs. Checks and Balances - ANSWER Allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches. To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Why are executive orders used? - ANSWER To get around Congress when the legislature is not acting in a given area Separation of Powers - ANSWER Division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. To prevent the abuse of power. Who confirms or rejects Cabinet nominees? - ANSWER Senate What strategy do interest groups use to influence actions of the government? - ANSWER Lobbying: Targeted on lawmakers most likely to be receptive; can also be targeted at the judicial or executive branch The Establishment Clause - ANSWER Protects people from having a set of religious beliefs imposed on them by the government Which voter registration requirements disenfranchised African Americans? - ANSWER Literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses The Free Exercise Clause - ANSWER Limits the ability of the government to control or restrict religious practices What is original jurisdiction? - ANSWER A case is heard for the first time Federalist's views on the scope and powers of the government - ANSWER Supported the new Constitution; believed that strong government was good for defense and economic growth Twenty-Fourth Amendment - ANSWER Abolished poll taxes, prohibited state laws to deny voting rights based on race; greatly increased voter participation What is appellate jurisdiction? - ANSWER A court hears a case on appeal from a lower court Anti-Federalist's views on the scope and powers of the government - ANSWER Opposed the new Constitution; believed state legislatures could better protect their freedoms Lemon vs. Kurtzman - ANSWER Established the Lemon test for determining whether or not a government action that might promote a particular religious practice should be allowed to stand Argument points for ratifying the Constitution - ANSWER Taxation, the federal judicial system, loss of traditional rights Marbury vs. Madison - ANSWER Case in which the supreme court first asserted the power of judicial review in finding that the decision of Congress was unconstitutional; confirmed independence of judiciary as third branch; only supreme court could give original jurisdiction according to the Constitution Effect of the Motor Voter Law - ANSWER Increased registration, did nothing for voter turnout Minersville School District vs. Gobitis - ANSWER The Supreme Court didn't support freedom of religion because they didn't want to overturn state/local laws. (2 Jehovah's Witness students were expelled for refusing to say the pledge) Fifteenth Amendment - ANSWER Guaranteed voting rights regardless of race or previous condition of servitude; discriminatory laws like grandfather clauses and poll taxes stopped it from being effective Purpose and main arguments made in Federalist #51 - ANSWER To assure readers that the central government wouldn't become too powerful, there's checks and balances (James Madison) McCulloch v. Maryland - ANSWER Supreme Court ruling confirming the supremacy of national over state government West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette - ANSWER Supreme Court ruled that students had a right to not salute the flag on the basis of freedom of speech Gillette vs. United States - ANSWER To be a conscientious objector, one must be opposed to serving in any war, not just one particular war. Purpose and main arguments made in Federalist #10 - ANSWER To assure readers that they don't need to worry about special interests or powerful political parties taking hold because the republic is too big to allow for it (James Madison) stare decisis - ANSWER Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases Twenty-Sixth Amendment - ANSWER Lowered the voting age to 18; increased voter turnout for the age group initially, but has declined Powers held by the executive branch - ANSWER Head of state, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, chief diplomat, negotiate treaties Strict Interpretation - ANSWER Stick to literal word meaning of the Constitution Nineteenth Amendment - ANSWER Gave women the right to vote; increased the amount of women voters slowly Sherbert vs. Verner - ANSWER For a law to be allowed to limit or burden a religious practice, the government must meet 2 criteria: There had to be a good reason and that the law was the only way of achieving the goal. Powers held by the judicial branch - ANSWER Courts, judicial review (overturn laws passed by Congress or the president) Loose Interpretation - ANSWER A way of interpreting the Constitution that allows actions that the Constitution doesn't expressly forbid VAP, VEP, and registered voters - ANSWER Voting-age population (least restrictive), voting-eligible population, and citizens currently registered to vote (most restrictive). Department of Human Resource of Oregon vs. Smith - ANSWER [Show More]

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