AP Government Review Packet.pdf

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Fundamental*Principles*of*Democracy**

• :0(';+#:'*%;(6;/*–*citizens*meet*and*vote*directly*on*government*decisions**

• <'8('5')+6+0&'#:'*%;(6;/#=<'8->70;?#–*citizens*choose*officials*who*make*

decisions*on*government*policy*

• @69)6#46(+6*(1215)*–*the*first*ever*attempt*to*limit*the*power*of*the*British*

King,*guaranteed*all*people*certain*rights*

• Enlightenment*Philosophers*–A%;B'#and*<%-55'6-*

o ,%;067#4%)+(6;+#CD'%(/*–*principle*that*people*enter*into*a*social*contract*

with*the*government*and*allow*to*be*ruled**

o 4%)5')+#%E#+D'#$%&'()'.#F#principle*that*there*are*no*supreme*rulers,*all*

rulers*depend*on*the*approval*of*the*people,*when*governments*fail*to*

protect*rights*the*people*have*the*right*to*change*the*government*

o G6+-(67#<09D+5#F#principle*that*all*people*are*born*with*certain*rights:*life,*

liberty,*and*property*(Jefferson*changes*property*into*pursuit*of*

happiness**

• :';76(6+0%)#%E#H).'8').');'*–*Thomas*Jefferson’s*document*built*on*principles*

of*“life,*liberty,*and*the*pursuit*of*happiness”*consent*of*the*governed,*and*social*

contract*theory.*It*also*justified*American*revolution*against*England*

• 4%**%)#$%%.#F#Belief*in*doing*what’s*best*for*the*nation*overall*

• Popular*Sovereignty#F#Belief*that*the*ultimate*authority*rests*with*the*people*

• Majority*Rule#F#Belief*that*government*is*run*based*on*the*will*of*the*majority*

The*First*Government*–*!(+0;7'5#%E#4%)E'.'(6+0%)#

• Weak*association*of*states*(states*very*independent)*

• No*central*executive*power*

• No*federal*power*to*tax*citizens*directly*

• Federal*government*could*raise*an*army,*(but*not*pay*for*it),*print*money,*

declare*war,*and*run*the*post*office*

• 9*out*of*13*states*were*required*to*vote*to*pass*a*law*

• With*no*strong*central*government*supervision,*states*could*get*away*with*

taxing*and*printing*money,*and*making*foreign*treaties,**

• ,D6/5I#<'>'770%)*–*Farmer*rebellion*in*Massachusetts*1786]1787*protesting*

mortgage*foreclosures*and*terrible*economy.**Rebellion*represented*how*weak*

the*central*government*was,*and*terrified*many*Americans**

Constitutional*Debate*

• Constitutional*Convention*meets*in*Philadelphia,*1787*to*write*new*constitution*

• All*delegates*supported*<'8('5')+6+0&'#:'*%;(6;/#=<'8->70;?*–*democracy*

where*people*elect*representatives*who*pass*laws*

• Supported*three*branches*–*executive,*legislative,*and*judicial*

• Serious*debate*between*Federalists*vs.*Anti]Federalists,*North*vs.*South,*Big*

States*vs.*Small*States*over*new*government**

• North]South*Compromises*–*JKL#4%*8(%*05'*counted*slaves*as*3/5*of*a*person*

to*give*the*south*more*representatives*

• 4%))';+0;-+#4%*8(%*05'*–*(M0;6*'(6705*?#–*Established*two*equal*bodies*

(House*of*Representatives*and*Senate)*one*based*on*population,*one*giving*all*

states*equal*representation.**This*was*a*compromise*between*big*states*(N0(90)06#

"76))*and*small*states*(G'O#P'(5'/#"76))*over*the*format*of*the*Congress*

• Q'.'(6705+5*(Hamilton,*Madison)*supported*the*Constitution*because*it*gave*

power*to*a*strong*central*government.*!)+0RE'.'(6705+5*opposed*the*constitution*

because*they*thought*the*national*government*would*become*tyrannical*and*

take*power*away*from*the*states*

• Q'.'(6705+#"68'(5#F#articles*written*by*Madison,*Hamilton,*and*Jay*arguing*for*

the*constitution*

o Q'.'(6705+#"68'(#STU#F*written*by*Madison,*discusses*importance*of*

factions,*factions*are*inevitable,*but*factions*are*best*handled*by*a*large*

republic.*

o Q'.'(6705+#"68'(#SLT#F*written*by*Madison,*discusses*importance*of*

checks*and*balances*and*the*separation*of*powers*in*the*constitution*

Weaknesses*in*the*Articles*of*

Confederation*

How*the*Constitution*Fixed*these*

Problems*

Congress*could*not*tax,*it*relied*on*

contributions*from*states*

National*government*had*power*to*tax*

directly*

Congress*couldn’t*regulate*interstate*

trade*

H)+'(5+6+'#4%**'(;'#476-5'*gives*

Congress*interstate*regulatory*power*

No*chief*executive*to*enforce*the*law*

Article*II*creates*president*who*enforces*

the*law*

No*national*judiciary*to*handle*state*

fights*

Article*III*creates*,-8('*'#4%-(+**

Each*state*was*given*only*one*vote*

Bicameral*legislature*represents*states*

both*by*population,*and*equality*

The*Constitution*of*the*United*States*of*America*

• Article*I*–Legislative*Branch*

• Article*II*–Executive*Branch*

• Article*III*–Judicial*Branch*

• Article*IV*–*Interstate*relations*

• Article*V*–*Amendment*process**

• ,'86(6+0%)#%E#"%O'(5*–*Each*of*the*three*branches*has*its*own*power*and*

independence*

1. Legislative*Branch*–*Passes*laws*

2. Executive*Branch*–*Executes*laws*

3. Judicial*Branch*–*Interprets*laws*(this*power*comes*from*Supreme*

Court*Case*@6(>-(/#&5V#@6.05%)*–*set*dogma*of*judicial*review,*

where*the*Supreme*Court*may*rule*an*act*of*the*President*or*

Congress*unconstitutional)*

• 4D';B5#6).#M676);'5#F#Each*branch*has*some*power*over*the*others,*but*retains*

independence:*

Legislative*

Executive*

Judicial*

• Approves*budget*

• Passes*laws**

• Can*override*veto*

• Can*impeach*

president,*judges*

• Approves*

appointments*and*

treaties*

• Confirms*judges*and*

cabinet*

appointments*

• Can*propose*laws*

• Can*veto*laws*

• Can*call*special*

sessions*of*congress*

• Can*appeal*to*public*

• Appoints*officials*

and*judges*

• Can*pardon*

convicted*felons*

• Interprets*laws*

• Can*declare*

executive*acts*and*

legislative*laws*

unconstitutional*

• Q'.'(6705*#F#Separation*between*powers*of*the*Federal,*State,*and*Local*

governments*

• 4%)E'.'(6;/#F*System*of*government*in*which*the*central*government*is*very*

weak,*and*most*of*the*true*power*lies*in*individual*states*

• 1)0+6(/#,/5+'*#F*System*of*government*in*which*the*central*government*is*

extremely*powerful,*and*individual*states*have*few*powers*

• Dual*Federalism,*aka*“Layer*Cake”*Federalism*(1789]1932)*–*Belief*that*the*state*

and*national*governments*are*supreme*within*their*own*sphere*of*influence*

• Cooperative*Federalism,*aka*“Marble*Cake”*Federalism*–*sharing*powers*

between*state*and*federal*governments*

• Q05;67#Q'.'(6705*#F#government’s*patterns*of*spending,*taxing,*and*providing*

grants*to*influence*state*and*local*governments*

o $(6)+5R0)R60.#F#money*given*from*the*federal*government*to*the*states*

o 46+'9%(0;67#9(6)+5#F*federal*grants*for*specific*purposes*(building*an*

airport)*

o M7%;B#9(6)+5#F*broad*grants*from*the*federal*government*that*give*

local/state*governments*a*lot*of*freedom*to*spend*money*as*they*please*

without*many*strings*attached.**The*W'7E6('#<'E%(*#!;+*of*1996*began*

transferring*more*authority*back*to*the*states*through*block*grants**

o <'&')-'#5D6(0)9#F*federal*sharing*of*a*fixed*percentage*of*its*revenue*

with*the*states*

o @6).6+'5#F*terms*set*by*the*federal*government*that*states*must*meet*

if*they*accept*federal*grants*

• :'&%7-+0%)#F*process*of*returning*power*to*the*states,*this*began*during*G'O#

Q'.'(6705**under*presidents*Nixon,*Reagan,*and*Bush*

• Q'.'(67#"%O'(5#F#Express,*Implied,*and*Inherent*powers*:*

1. Express*powers*–*powers*listed*(enumerated)*in*the*constitution*for*

the*Federal*government:*go*to*war,*raise*an*army,*regulate*interstate*

and*foreign*commerce,*establish*post*offices*

XV Implied*powers*–*Based*on*)';'556(/#6).#8(%8'(#;76-5'#='765+0;#

;76-5'?#–*gives*congress*flexibility*to*make*laws*necessary*and*proper*

for*carrying*out*express*powers,*upheld*in*@;4-77%;D#&V#@6(/76).#

3. Inherent*powers*–*powers*dealing*with*foreign*policy*not*in*

constitution,*but*given*to*federal*government*

Federal*Powers*

(Expressed,*Implied,*

Inherent)*

Federal*and*State*Powers*

(Concurrent)**

State*Powers*(Reserved)*

• Regulate*interstate*

commerce*

• Coin/print*money*

• Provide*army*

• Declare*war*

• Establish*federal*

courts*

• Set*foreign*policy*

• Make*all*laws*

“necessary*and*

proper”*

• Levy*taxes*

• Spend*for*general*

welfare*

• Enact*and*enforce*

laws*

• Regulate*intrastate*

commerce*

• Establish*local*

governments*

• Establish*public*

schools*

• Administer*

elections*

• Establish*licensing*

requirements**

• :')0'.#"%O'(5#F#Powers*explicitly*denied*to*government:*

o suspending*O(0+#%E#D6>'65#;%(8-5*(being*imprisoned*without*formal*

accusation)*

o passing*>0775#%E#6++60).'(:*laws*that*declare*a*person*to*be*guilty*

o 'Y#8%5+#E6;+%#76O5:*“after*the*fact,”*laws*that*make*an*act*illegal*after*it*

was*performed*

• 4%);-((')+#"%O'(5#=shared*by*Federal*and*State*governments)*–*power*to*tax*

and*spend,*establish*courts,*make*laws*

• <'5'(&'.#+%#,+6+'5#=TU

#6*').*')+?#F#any*power*not*denied*nor*given*to*

federal*government*is*reserved*for*state*governments*(create*local*

governments)*

• ,-8('*6;/#476-5'#F#Federal*law*is*superior*to*state*law.*This*came*out*of*the*

court*case*@;4-77%;D#&5V#@6(/76).,*in*which*there*was*debate*as*to*whether*or*

not*the*Bank*of*the*United*States*had*to*pay*Maryland*state*taxes.**The*Supreme*

Court*ruled*that*because*the*Bank*of*the*US*was*NATIONAL*it*did*not*have*to*

follow*Maryland*STATE*law.**This*ruling*overturned*the*idea*of*)-770E0;6+0%)*by*

which*states*could*override*federal*law*

• H)+'(5+6+'#4%**'(;'#476-5'*–*Gives*Federal*Government*authority*to*regulate*

all*of*interstate*commerce.**This*clause*gives*the*federal*government*authority*

to*regulate*businesses*that*go*between*state*lines,*and*justifies*many*federal*

laws*(Civil*Rights*Act)*

• C6B'#46('#476-5'#–*president*must*enforce*ALL*laws*passed*by*congress**

• Q-77#Q60+D#6).#4('.0+*–*states*must*honor*laws*and*court*rulings*of*other*states*

• "(0&07'9'5#6).#H**-)0+0'5#–*requires*states*to*extend*same*privileges*and*

immunities*to*all*citizens*(even*of*other*states)*

• M077#%E#<09D+5#–*First*10*amendments*to*the*Constitution*that*guarantees*

individual*and*states’*rights.**This*was*a*concession*the*federalists*made*to*the*

anti]federalists*to*ensure*constitution*would*be*ratified*

o !*').*')+#T*–**freedom*of*speech,*assembly,*petition,*religion,*press*

o !*').*')+#X#F#*right*to*bear*arms*

o !*').*')+#Z#F#no*unreasonable*searches*and*seizures*

o !*').*')+#L#F#right*to*a*trial,*no*double*jeopardy,*individuals*are*not*

required*to*testify*against*themselves*

o !*').*')+#[#F#right*to*a*speedy,*public,*and*impartial*trial*with*lawyer*

o !*').*')+#\#F#no*excessive*bails*or*fines,*no*cruel*and*unusual*policies*

o !*').*')+#TU#F*powers*not*given*to*the*federal*government*or*denied*

of*the*states*are*reserved*to*the*states*(states*rights)*

• ]%O#+%#!*').#+D'#4%)5+0+-+0%)#

1. 2/3*of*congress*propose*amendmentà3/4*of*states*ratify*it*

2. State*convention*called*by*2/3*of*states*propose*amendmentsà3/4*of*

states*ratify*(this*method*has*only*been*used*once,*21

*amendment)*

1)0+#CO%3#"%70+0;67#4-7+-('^#M'70'E5^#6).#M'D6&0%(5#

• !7'Y05#.'#C%;_-'&077'#F#Frenchmen*who*visited*America*in*the*1800's*and*

described*the*young*democracy*he*saw*

• "%70+0;67#4-7+-('#F*a*coherent*way*of*thinking*about*how*politics*and*the*

government*ought*to*be*carried*out*

o Americans*tend*to*support*free*enterprise*with*some*limits*

o Americans*tend*to*be*committed*to*individual*responsibility*and*

economic*individualism*

o Americans*believe*strongly*in*equality*of*opportunity,*NOT*result*

o Americans*tend*to*be*particularly*patriotic*and*aware*of*their*rights*

o Religion*tends*to*play*a*very*influential*role*in*determining*an*

individual’s*political*views*

• "%70+0;67#,%;0670`6+0%)#F#manner*in*which*people*develop*their*political*views*

(family,*friends,*media,*current*government,*education)*

• H.'%7%90'5##

1. Liberal*–*large*federal*government*involvement*needed*to*provide*for*the*

people*(welfare,*new*deal,*great*society)*

2. Socialist*–*belief*in*an*extremely*powerful*state*to*protect*people*

3. Conservative*–*belief*that*limited*government*is*necessary*to*grow*strong*

economy,*very*pro]business*anti]regulation*

4. Libertarianism*–*belief*in*very*small*government*and*extreme*focus*on*

individual*and*business*rights,*no*regulation*of*industry*

People*may*be*liberals/conservatives*either*economically*or*socially.**

• :'*%9(68D0;5#F#characteristics*of*population*on*income,*education,*race,*

gender*

• :'*%9(68D0;5*+(').5#F#changes*in*the*way*people*of*a*certain*socio]economic*

background*vote*(politicians*follow*these*very*closely)*

o Who*votes?*Whites*vote*more*than*blacks.*Rich*vote*more*than*poor.*

Women*vote*more*than*men.*Old*vote*more*than*young.*Educated*

vote*more*than*uneducated.*

o Women,*blacks,*Hispanics,*young*people,*blue*collar*workers*vote*

liberal.*Men,*wealthy*whites,*religious*people,*rural*people*vote*

conservative*

• CD'#4')5-5#F*Every*10*years*a*count*of*the*total*population,*different*ethnic*

groups,*religions,*and*how*people*vote*

• <'.05+(0;+0)9*–*after*every*census*the*congressional*districts*are*redrawn*based*

on*population*

• <'688%(+0%)*')+#–*state*legislatures*reapportion*(resize)*state*congressional*

districts*after*every*census*

• $'((/*6).'(0)9#F*The*practice*of*redistricting*in*order*to*benefit*a*specific*party*

by*drawing*districts*based*on*the*demo*of*their*residents*(Baker&v.&Carr*and*

Shaw&v.&Reno*were*court*cases*in*which*the*supreme*court*ruled*that*

gerrymandering*was*unconstitutional)*

• N%+0)9#M'D6&0%(*–*Since*1960*voting*turnout*has*greatly*decreased*because*of*

the*very*difficult*process*of*voter*registration.**People*vote*because*of*the*party*

of*the*candidate,*on*basis*of*candidate,*and*on*basis*of*issues*

• "6(+/#H.')+0E0;6+0%)#–*when*people*identify*with*a*political*party*based*on*issues*

• "%70+0;67#aEE0;6;/#F#belief*that*you*can*participate*in*politics,*or*that*government*

will*respond*(my*vote*counts)*

• 40&0;#:-+/#F*belief*that*one*has*an*obligation*to*participate*in*civic*and*political*

affairs**

Types*of*Elections*

• $')'(67#'7';+0%)5#F#held*every*four*years*in*which*president*is*elected*

• "(0*6(/#'7';+0%)5#F#a*political*party’s*elections*to*determine*nominee*for*

general*election*

1. Open*primaries*–*people*from*either*party*can*vote*(must*choose*to*

vote*for*either*democrats*or*republicans)*

2. Closed*primaries*–*people*can*only*vote*if*they*are*a*registered*

member*of*the*party*

• 46-;-5'5#F#candidate*nomination*process*in*which*party*members*meet*to*

discuss*and*decide*on*candidate*

• Many*people*think*primary*season*is*too*long,*and*we*should*have*one*national*

primary,*or*a*much*shorter*season*

Changes*to*System*of*Checks*and*Balances*

• <'E'(').-*#F#people*vote*on*whether*or*not*to*accept*a*law*passed*by*state*

legislature,*or*a*proposed*amendment*to*the*state*constitution*

• H)0+06+0&'#F*people*vote*on*laws*and*constitutional*amendments*within*state*

(direct*democracy)*

• <';677#F*voters*remove*elected*officials*

1)0+#CD(''3#"%70+0;67#"6(+0'5^#H)+'('5+#$(%-85^#6).#@655#@'.06#

• Linkage*Organizations*–*organizations*that*link*the*people*with*government*

Political*Parties*

• Congressional*elections*use*winner]take]all*systems*in*which*the*winner*of*a*

plurality*wins*(50)97'R*'*>'(#.05+(0;+?#

• Because*of*the*winner]take]all*system,*we*have*a*+O%#86(+/#5/5+'*#

• CD0(.#86(+0'5#F#represent*specific*ideological*positions,*sometimes*can*serve*as*

“spoilers”*but*rarely*make*much*of*an*impact*

• Parties*help*organize*the*government,*organize*election*process,*fundraise,*hold*

)6+0%)67#;%)&')+0%)*and*form*party*platform,*educate*voters,*and*get*out*the*

vote*

• Before*primary*system,*party*leaders*actually*chose*the*candidates*

• Parties*are*expected*to*be*“loyal*opposition”*when*other*party*is*in*power*

• Typically*we*have*:0&0.'.#$%&'()*')+*–*one*party*controls*white*house,*other*

controls*congress*

• Parties*have*a*national*leadership,*but*local*chapters*have*a*lot*of*power*

• <'6709)*')+*–*major*change*in*the*core*members/beliefs*of*a*political*party]*

either*one*major*party*is*replaced*by*another,*or*the*two*major*parties*

completely*change*viewpoints*

• :'6709)*')+#F#when*people*abandon*parties*and*become*independents**

• "6(+/#6;+0&05+5*promote*certain*policies,*candidates,*and*ideologies*

Elections*

• Presidents*are*elected*by*the*'7';+%(67#;%77'9'#

• The*US*public*does*not*vote*directly*for*the*president,*instead*they*vote*in*

statewide*elections*for*electors.**These*electors*then*vote*directly*for*the*

president*and*vice*president*

• States*have*electoral*votes*equal*to*number*of*senators*+*number*of*

representatives*

• If*candidate*wins*the*plurality*of*popular*vote*in*state*he*gets*all*the*electoral*

votes*(two*exceptions*–*Maine,*Nebraska)*

• Majority*of*total*electoral*votes*is*needed*to*become*president,*if*no*candidate*

has*a*majority,*the*house*votes*

• It*is*possible*to*win*popular*vote*but*lose*electoral*vote*(Gore)*

• Many*people*suggest*using*a*popular*vote*to*decide*president,*or*using*the*

proportional*system*used*by*Maine*and*Nebraska*

• In*senate*elections,*total*state*votes*for*2*senators*

• In*house*elections,*each*district*has*a*single*representative,*and*the*candidate*

with*a**plurality*winsà2*party*system*(its*harder*for*3

*parties*to*get*

represented)*

• Throughout*American*history*there*have*been*many*changes*to*who*can*vote:*

o Elimination*of*race*requirement*(TL

#6*').*')+)*

o Direct*election*of*senators*(Tb

#6*').*')+?*

o Women*allowed*to*vote**(Tc

#6*').*')+?#

o Elimination*of*laws*that*discriminated*against*blacks*from*various*civil*

rights*acts*like*the*&%+0)9#(09D+5#6;+*(grandfather*clause,*literacy*tests,*

white*primaries)*

o Allowing*DC*residents*to*vote*(23

*amendment)*

o Elimination*of*poll*tax*(24

*amendment)*

o Lowering*voting*age*to*18*(26

*amendment)*

Influencing*Elections*

• H)+'('5+#$(%-8#F#a*collection*of*people*who*share*a*common*interest*or*attitude,*

and*seek*to*influence*government.**These*groups*use*fundraising*and*lobbying*to*

influence*the*political*process.**Interest*groups*can*be*unions,*government*

groups,*businesses,*think]tanks,*or*ideological*groups*

• "%70+0;67#!;+0%)#4%**0++''5#="!45?*–*form*financial*branch*of*interest*groups*

(donate*to*candidates)*

• H(%)#+(06)97'*–*close*relationship*between*interest*groups,*congress,*and*

agencies*

• <'&%7&0)9#.%%(*–*government*officials*often*retire*and*move*on*to*work*as*

lobbyists*for*interest*groups*

• A%>>/0)9#F*activities*aimed*at*influencing*public*officials*(legislators)*and*trying*

to*promote*or*defeat*certain*legislation.**Lobbying*often*comes*in*the*form*of*

supplying*data*to*government*officials*to*convince*them*to*vote*a*certain*way*

• Interest*groups*often*appeal*to*8->70;#%80)0%)*by*issuing*television*and*radio*

ads,*or*sending*out*newsletters*

The*Media*

• CD'#@'.06*is*referred*to*as*the*4

*estate*(branch)*of*government*because*of*its*

huge*impact*

• Media*is*a*business,*driven*by*profit,*so*media*is*often*bias*

• @'.06#M065*–*the*media*has*a*tendency*to*spin*the*news*towards*a*certain*

political*ideology*

• Selective*perception*–*people*hear*what*they*want*to*hear*

• Selective*exposure*–*people*avoid*listening*to*media*with*other*viewpoints*

• ]%(5'(6;'#P%-()6705*#F#Journalists*cover*elections*like*a*horserace,*focusing*

almost*exclusively*on*the*candidate*who*is*doing*well*at*that*particular*moment*

Campaign*Finance*Reform*(As*of*the*Citizens*United*vs.*FEC*case*none*of*the*following*

information*is*accurate,*but*this*is*the*information*you*are*responsible*to*know*for*the*

AP*exam)*

• Originally*individuals*could*donate*infinite*sums*of*money*to*candidates*(bribing*

them)*

• Candidates*could*spend*infinite*amounts*of*hard*money**

• Federal*Election*Campaign*Act*

1. Set*limits*on*individual*contributions*to*candidates*

2. Limited*how*much*money*is*spent*by*candidates*(later*ruled*

unconstitutional*in*Buckley*v.*Valeo)*

3. Individuals*must*disclose*contributions*

4. Set*up*option*to*use*public*financing*of*presidential*funds*

• Interest*groups*and*individuals*got*around*FECA*by*donating*to*parties*(5%E+#

*%)'/)*

• McCain]Feingold*Act*

1. Limited*soft*money*

2. Still*allowed*PACs*and*interest*groups*to*spend*infinite*amounts*of*

money*on*055-'#6.&%;6;/*

• "%70+0;67#!;+0%)#4%**0++''5#="!45?#F#Financial*branch*of*an*interest*group*(the*

part*of*the*business*that*donates*money)*

• LXb#$(%-85#F*Tax*exempt*organization*created*to*influence*the*

nomination/election*of*a*candidate*

• Currently,*groups*are*free*to*spend*infinite*amounts*of*money*on*issue*

advocacy,*as*long*as*they*do*not*say*the*name*of*a*specific*candidate*

Proposed*Campaign*Financing*Reforms*

• Public*Financing*

• Limit*expenditures*

• Free*TV*ads*

• Shorten*Campaign*Season*

1)0+#Q%-(3#H)5+0+-+0%)53#"('50.');/#6).#4%)9('55#

Congress*

• Congress*has*two*bodies,*the*House*and*the*Senate,*in*order*for*a*bill*to*pass*it*

must*be*passed*by*both*houses*

• After*a*congressmen*proposes*a*bill,*the*Speaker*(in*the*house)*or*the*Majority*

leader*(Senate)*gives*that*bill*to*a*committee,*which*gives*it*to*a*subcommittee*

• Congress*holds*hearings*to*oversee*the*executive*

• Incumbents*have*great*chances*of*wining*reelection*

• Has*power*to*create*executive*agencies*(for*example*the*clean*air*and*water*act*

established*the*EPA)*

• Authorizes*and*appropriates*money*for*the*executive*

• Approves*the*budget*

How*they*Vote*

• Sometimes*politicians*“trade”*votes,*a*process*known*as*7%9(%770)9*

• Politicians*like*to*add*on*extra,*unrelated*programs*to*bills*that*will*benefit*their*

constituents,*these*additions*are*known*as*8%(B#>6(('7#58').0)9*

The*House*of*Representatives*

• The*house*is*regarded*as*the*“lower*house”*

• States*are*given*representatives*based*on*population*

• Impeaches*members*of*executive,*judicial*

• <'8('5')+6+0&'5#5'(&'#+O%#/'6(#+'(*5#

• Each*rep.*represents*a*certain*congressional*district*

• The*House*has*a*<-7'5#4%**0++''*–*determines*whether*bills*have*closed*rule*

(no*amendments,*time*limit*on*debate)*or*open*rule*(open*to*relevant,*germane*

amendments,*no*time*limit)*

• The*Leader*of*the*House*is*the*Speaker*of*the*House*who*assigns*people*to*a*

committee*that*assigns*people*to*committees,*directs*floor*debate,*and*gives*

bills*to*appropriate*committee*

Senate*

• Senate*is*considered*the*“upper*house”*–*older*and*wiser*

• Each*state*has*two*senators*(equal*representation)*

• Tries*impeached*members*of*executive,*judicial*

• ,')6+%(5#5'(&'#50Y#/'6(#+'(*5#

• The*senate*has*the*responsibility*of*confirming*presidential*appointments*and*

nominees,*ratifying*treaties,*and*confirming*the*budget*

• There*is*no*rules*committee,*debate*is*always*unlimited*

• Because*debate*is*unlimited,*the*minority*party*can*E070>-5+'(*–*kill*a*bill*by*

continuing*to*talk*

• To*end*debate*and*a*filibuster,*;7%+-('*(a*vote*by*3/5*of*the*senate)*is*required*

• Senate*can*also*add*(0.'(5*(irrelevant*amendments)*to*bills*

Committees*

• Most*work*is*done*in*committees*(especially*in*house)*

• Most*bills*DIE*in*committee**

Committee*Type*

Description*

House*Examples*

Senate*Examples*

Standing*Committee*

Permanent*panel*

with*full*legislative*

functions*and*

oversight*

responsibilities.*The*

members*become*

experts*

Appropriations*–*

sets*specific*

expenditure*for*the*

federal*government*

Rules*–*determines*

under*what*rules*

bill*comes*to*floor*

Armed*Services*–*

oversees*military*

and*Defense*

Foreign*Relations*–*

provides*foreign*

policy*leadership*

Subcommittee*

Formed*to*tackle*

specific*tasks*within*

standing*committee*

Livestock,*Dairy,*

and*Poultry*

(subcommittee*of*

agriculture)*

Health*Care*

Subcommittee*

(subcommittee*of*

finance*committee)*

Select*or*Special*

Committee*

Temporary*groups*

with*limited*

purposes*

(investigation)*

House*Watergate*

Committee*

Select*committee*

on*Ethics*

Joint*Committee*

Includes*members*

of*both*houses*to*

perform*

housekeeping*tasks*

of*studies*

Joint*Economic*

Committee*

Joint*Economic*

Committee*

Conference*

Committee*

Special*type*of*joint*

committee*that*

reconciles*senate*

and*house*versions*

of*a*bill*

Conference*

committees*formed*

as*needed*

Conference*

committees*formed*

as*needed*

President*

• Requirements*for*office*

1. Natural*born*citizen*

2. At*least*35*years*old*

3. Resident*of*America*for*at*least*14*years*

• Powers*as*Commander*in*Chief*(civilian*power*over*military)*

1. Head*of*Army*and*Navy*

2. Head*of*National*Guard*

• Powers*as*Chief*Executive*of*Government*

1. “Faithfully*execute”*the*laws*

2. require*opinions*of*heads*of*agencies*

3. grant*pardons*except*in*cases*of*impeachment*

4. nominate*judges*to*federal*courts*and*nominate*cabinet*(confirmed*

by*senate)*

5. call*for*special*session*of*congress*

• Powers*in*Foreign*Affairs*

1. appoint*ambassadors*

2. make*treaties*(to*be*confirmed*by*senate)*

3. send*troops*anywhere*in*the*world*if*Congress*authorizes*it*or*during*

national*emergency*(War*Powers*Act)**The*president*has*48*hours*to*

justify*in*writing*to*congress*why*troops*were*sent,*and*60*days*

before*he*must*withdraw*troops*(unless*congress*extends*time)*

• Legislative*Powers*

1. Give*State*of*the*Union*address*to*Congress*to*push*his*agenda*

2. recommend*and*suggest*bills*for*congress*

3. call*special*sessions*of*congress*

4. veto*bill*(can*be*overturned*by*2/3*of*congress)*

5. pocket*veto*–*not*signing*a*bill*within*10*days*and*having*Congress*

adjourn**

• Cabinet*–*president*picks*(senate*confirms)*the*heads*of*the*15*most*important*

agencies,*these*agencies*help*execute*the*law*

1. Department*of*Defense,*Department*of*State,*Department*of*

Treasury…*

2. 2EE0;'#%E#@6)69'*')+#6).#M-.9'+*–*writes*budget*(must*be*

confirmed*by*the*senate)*

• 4%-);07#%E#';%)%*0;#6.&05'(5*–*part*of*executive*office,*help*advise*the*

president*on*economic*issues*

• Informal*Powers*of*the*President*

1. aY';-+0&'#%(.'(5*–*orders*written*by*president*or*agency*that*have*

the*weight*of*law.**There*are*several*ways*to*undo*executive*orders:*

president*can*rescind*it,*next*president*can*rescind*it,*the*supreme*

court*can*rule*it*unconstitutional*

2. aY';-+0&'#8(0&07'9'#–*right*of*president*to*keep*certain*documents*

private*if*pertaining*to*national*security*(in*USA&vs.&Nixon*the*

supreme*court*ruled*that*executive*privilege*is*NOT*unlimited)*

3. !9').6#,'++0)9#–*president*sets*out*the*legislation*he*wants*passed*

(he*uses*his*bully*pulpit)*

4. H*8%-).*')+#–*ability*to*refuse*to*spend*money*appropriated*by*

congress*(this*was*ruled*unconstitutional)*

1)0+#Q0&'3#CD'#M-('6-;(6;/##

• Bureaucracy*–*administrative*system*that*divides*work*into*specific*departments*

carried*out*by*non]elected*officials**

• The*bureaucracy*remains*politically*neutral*through*the*]6+;D#!;+^#which*bats*

bureaucrats*from*running*for*public*office,*making*political*speeches,*or*

soliciting*campaign*funds*from*subordinates*

• The*bureaucracy*has*grown*tremendously*over*the*past*100*years,*taking*on*

more*and*more*responsibilities*

• Currently*it*employs*4*million*people,*2.8*are*civil*servants,*the*rest*are*military**

• Many*other*people*are*indirectly*employed*by*the*federal*government*

• The*biggest*department*is*the*Department*of*Defense*

• Over*time,*the*bureaucracy*has*increased*its*.05;('+0%)6(/#6-+D%(0+/#F#its*power*

to*choose*course*of*action*and*make*policies*not*explicitly*spelled*out*by*laws*

• Many*federal*officials*belong*to*the*;%*8'+0+0&'#;0&07#5'(&0;'#F#government*

offices*to*which*people*are*appointed*on*the*basis*of*merit*(by*taking*an*exam);*

this*ended*the*“spoils*system”*where*government*jobs*were*given*in*exchange*

for*political*support;*managed*by*the*2EE0;'#%E#"'(5%))'7#@6)69'*')+#=2"@?#

• It*is*very*difficult*to*fire*a*bureaucrat*

• At*the*higher*levels*there*are*more*whites*than*African*Americans,*and*there*are*

more*men*than*women*

• Often*many*departments*are*responsible*for*similar*tasks,*there*are*many*

procedures*bureaucrats*must*go*through*to*do*anything*

• <'.#C68'*–*complex*rules*and*procedures*that*must*be*followed*to*get*stuff*

done*

• Many*people*are*critical*of*the*large*amounts*of*waste*(pork)*in*the*bureaucracy*

• H(%)#C(06)97'3#informal*alliances*that*work*together*to*formulate*and*implement*

policy*in*their*area*of*interest;*they*are*made*up*of:*

1)*particular*industry*and*its*lobbyists*

2)*the*congressional*committee*dealing*with*that*industry*

3)*the*agency*that*is*actually*affected*

• !7706);'*(or#055-')*)'+O%(B3#coalitions*of*interest*groups,*members*of*Congress,*

and*bureaucrats*form*a*close*working*relationship*(more*complicated*than*a*

simple*iron*triangle)*

• :'('9-76+0%)3#removing*government*restrictions*and*regulations;*deregulation*

has*occurred*recently*in*the*telecommunications*and*transportation*industries*

• The*bureaucracy*has*3*main*roles:*

1. H*87'*')+6+0%)*–*carry*out*laws,*executive*orders*(homeland*security*

enforces*airport*security*laws)*

2. !.*0)05+(6+0%)#–*routine*administrative*work*(social*security*

administration*sends*out*social*security*checks,*postal*service*delivers*

mail)*

3. <'9-76+0%)#–*issue*rules*and*regulations*that*impact*the*public*(EPA*sets*

out*standards*for*clean*air*and*water)*

The*Structure*of*the*Bureaucracy*

Component**

Characteristics*

Examples*

Cabinet*Departments*

Comprised*of*the*15*main*

departments.**Headed*up*by*

secretaries,*secretaries*are*

appointed*by*president,*

confirmed*by*senate.*Each*has*its*

own*budget*

Department*of*Defense*

Department*of*Treasury*

Department*of*State*

Independent*

Executive*Agencies*

Perform*services*on*behalf*of*

government.**These*are*

established*by*Congress*outside*of*

the*Executive*Branch*

Social*Security*

Administration*

Central*Intelligence*

Agency**

Environmental*Protection*

Agency*

Independent*

Regulatory*

Commissions*

Regulate*economic*activities,*

operate*independently.**Once*

appointed,*leaders*cannot*be*

removed*without*cause.*Leaders*

serve*fixed*terms*

d-650RA'90576+0&'#!9');0'53#

independent*agencies*responsible*

for*filling*in*jurisdiction*gaps*and*

writing*rules*

d-650RP-.0;067#!9');0'53#

responsible*for*rule*enforcement*

and*punishing*violators*

Q'.'(67#<'5'(&'#M%6(.#

Federal*Communications*

Commission*(FCC)*

Q'.'(67#C(6.'#

4%**0550%)#=QC4?#

Interstate*Commerce*

Commission*(phased*out)*

Securities*and*Exchange*

Commission*(SEC)*

Government*

Businesses*established*by*

US*Postal*Service*

Corporations*

government,*serve*a*public*need,*

intended*to*be*profitable*

Amtrak*

Corporation*for*Public*

Broadcasting*

Oversight*

Presidential*Oversight*

Congressional*Oversight*

Judicial*Oversight*

The*president*controls*

the*agencies’*budget*

access.**President*

appoints*heads*to*

departments*and*can*

issue*executive*orders**

Congress*can*create/abolish*agencies.*

Senate*confirms*all*presidential*

appointees*to*the*bureaucracy.*

Congress*must*6-+D%(0`'*agencies*to*

spend*money.*Congress*must*also*

688(%8(06+'*(fund)*all*government*

agencies*and*programs.*In*some*cases*

congress*may*use*;%**0++''#

;7'6(6);'#–*the*ability*of*a*committee*

to*review*and*approve*decisions*of*

agencies.*Congress*may*hold*

;%**0++''#D'6(0)95*to*hold*agencies*

responsible,*congress*may*also*launch*

investigations*of*the*bureaucracy.*

Congress*can*punish*agencies*by*

cutting*their*funding.****

Federal*Courts*can*

use*their*power*of*

judicial*review*to*

determine*whether*

an*act*taken*by*a*

department*was*

unconstitutional**

CD'#P-.0;067#M(6);D#6).#40&07#A0>'(+0'5#

• The*judicial*branch*was*never*expected*to*grow*as*powerful*as*other*branches*

• 1787]1865*–*Court*asserts*federal*supremacy*

• 1865]1937*–*Court*puts*restrictions*on*government*

• 1937]2010*–*Court*deals*primarily*with*individual*freedoms**

• 4(0*0)67#A6O#F#type*of*law*dealing*with*crimes*and*their*punishments*

o Protects*interests*of*state*(state*vs.*individual)*

o Between*prosecutor*(government)*and*defendant**

o Defendant*must*be*guilty*“beyond*reasonable*doubt”*to*be*convicted*

o Conviction*results*in*removal*of*“life,*liberty,*or*property”*

• 40&07#A6O*–*type*of*law*dealing*with*the*rights*and*relationships*of*citizens*

o Protects*interests*of*individual*(individual*vs.*individual)*

o Between*plaintiff*and*defendant*

o A*preponderance*of*evidence*(above*50%)*is*necessary**

o If*convicted,*there*are*monetary*penalities**

• Based*on*principle*of*e-.0;067#('&0'O*–*allows*judges*to*interpret*the*Constitution*

and*deem*something*unconstitutional*

• ,+6('#:';0505*–*the*rule*of*precedent,*whereby*a*rule*or*law*contained*in*a*

judicial*decision*is*viewed*as*binding*on*judges*whenever*the*same*question*is*

raised*“let*the*decision*stand”*

• ,+(0;+R;%)5+(-;+0%)05+#688(%6;D#F#the*view*that*judges*should*decide*cases*

strictly*on*the*basis*of*the*language*of*the*laws*and*the*constitution**

• P-.0;067#<'5+(60)+#F#principle*that*courts*will*not*overturn*previous*decisions*

• !;+0&05+#688(%6;D#F*the*view*that*judges*should*discern*the*general*principles*

underlying*the*constitution,*and*apply*them*to*modern*circumstances.**These*

justices*typically*try*to*overturn*precedent*

Structure*of*the*Federal*Courts*

• Each*state*has*at*least*one*district*court*

• 94*district*courts*in*the*50*states,*the*District*of*Columbia*and*the*

Commonwealth*of*Puerto*Rico.*

• District*judges*are*bound*by*the*precedents*of*higher*courts**

• Federal*judges*are*appointed*by*the*president,*and*confirmed*by*the*senate*

• If*for*whatever*reason*the*supreme*court*is*tied,*then*the*precedent*set*forth*by*

the*previous*court*is*maintained*WITHIN*THAT*DISTRICT**

• :05+(0;+#4%-(+5#F#the*lowest*federal*courts,*where*federal*trials*usually*go*first,*

use*jury*

• 4%-(+5#%E#!88'675#=;0(;-0+#;%-(+5?*–*Federal*courts*that*hear*appeals*from*district*

courts,*no*juries,*decisions*made*by*panels*of*appointed*judges.*To*get*here*

someone*must*claim*that*their*constitutional*rights*have*been*violated*

• ,-8('*'#4%-(+#F#Hears*appeals*of*appeal*court*rulings*(somebody*appeals*the*

decision*of*the*circuit*court).**4*of*9*justices*must*agree*to*hear*case*(O(0+#%E#

;'(+0%(6(0).**Supreme*Court*has*original*jurisdiction*in*cases*between*states*or*

with*foreign*ambassadors*

Appointing*Judges*

12 Courts of Appeals

(general appellate

jurisdiction)

94 U.S. District Courts

(original jurisdictions)

The Supreme Court

(original and appellate jurisdictions)

Court of Appeals for the

Armed Forces

And other Legislative

Courts

Court of Appeals for the

Federal Circuit

(specialized appellate jurisdiction)

1. The*president’s*staff*presents*him*with*possible*nominees*(typically*other*

judges),*FBI*does*background*check,*president*looks*at*previous*record*of*the*

individuals,*conducts*70+*-5#+'5+*(determines*political*views),*uses*5')6+%(067#

;%-(+'5/*(uses*preferences*of*senators*from*the*district*where*the*judge*will*

serve)*and*finally*selects*nominee*

2. The*Senate*Judiciary*committee*members*and*staff*review*candidates,*interest*

groups*campaign*for/against*nominees,*senate*judiciary*committee*holds*

hearing,*asking*nominee*questions,*finally*votes*up/down*on*whether*to*send*

recommendation*to*the*full*senate*

3. The*full*senate*has*open*floor*debate*on*nominee,*votes*on*confirmation*

4. If*confirmed,*the*judge*is*given*an*oath*of*office*by*the*Chief*Justice*

• Because*judges*serve*life*terms,*there*is*no*political*pressure*on*them*to*rule*a*

certain*way,*and*they*are*allowed*to*act*independently*

The*Court*

• To*apply*for*writ*of*certiorari*costs*$300.**A*cheaper*means*is*to*use*0)#E%(*6#

86-8'(05*–*in*which*poor*people*have*their*cases*heard*in*federal*court*for*free*

• Sovereign*Immunity#F#rule*that*citizens*cannot*sue*the*government*without*the*

government’s*consent**

• Class]action*Suit#F#a*case*brought*by*someone*to*help*him*or*her*and*all*others*

who*are*similarly*situated*

• Brief#F#a*written*statement*by*an*attorney*that*summarizes*a*case*and*the*laws*

and*rulings*that*support*it*

• !*0;-5#4-(06'#F*brief*submitted*by*a*third*party*“friend*of*the*court”*(typically*

an*interest*group)*

• 280)0%)#%E#+D'#4%-(+#F*a*signed*opinion*by*the*majority*that*decided*the*ruling*

in*a*case*

• Concurring*Opinion#F*a*signed*opinion*that*agrees*with*majority*for*other*

reasons*

• :055')+0)9#280)0%)#F*a*signed*opinion*from*the*justices*on*the*losing*side*

Civil*Liberties*

• 40&07#A0>'(+0'5#F#freedoms*protected*against*government*restraint,*secured*by*

,*14

,*and*15

*amendments*

• :-'#"(%;'55#476-5'#F#denies*government*the*right*to*deny*people*of*life,*liberty,*

or*property*without*due*process*of*law*(trial)*

• ,'7';+0&'#H);%(8%(6+0%)#F*the*process*by*which*individual*liberties*originally*only*

applied*to*the*federal*government*are*applied*to*the*states*(through*the*due*

process*clause*of*the*14th*amendment)**

• a_-67#"(%+';+0%)#%E#+D'#A6O#F*a*standard*of*equal*treatment*for*all*Americans*

• Q(''.%*#%E#aY8('550%)#F*right*of*people*to*speak,*punish,*assemble,*and*

petition*

• G%)R8(%+';+'.#,8'';D#F#libel,*obscenity,*fighting*words,*and*commercial*speech*

do*not*receive*first*amendment*protection*

• Q(''.%*#%E#<'7090%)#F*people*shall*be*free*to*exercise*their*own*religion*(E(''#

'Y'(;05'#;76-5'?#and*government*cannot*establish*an*official*religion*

('5+6>705D*')+#;76-5'?###

• aY;7-50%)6(/#<-7'#F#evidence*that*is*obtained*through*illegal*means*cannot*be*

used.**This*means*that*police*can*only*conduct*searches*if*they*have*search*

warrants*and*there*is*probable*cause*(4

*amendment)*

• No*self]incrimination,*right*to*a*trial*(L

#6*').*')+)**

Notable*Cases*(highlighted*cases*especially*important)*

Marbury*v.*Madison*

Established*Judicial*Review*

McCulloch*v.*Maryland*

Established*federal*supremacy*over*states*

Gibbons*v.*Ogden**

Commerce*Clause*gives*congress*broad*regulatory*power*

Dred*Scott*v.*Sanford*

Slaves*are*property,*not*citizens*

Plessy*v.*Ferguson*

“Separate*but*equal”*is*ok,*allows*for*segregation*

Schenk*v.*USA*

Government*can*limit*speech*–*“clear*and*present*danger*

test”*

Gitlow*v.*New*York*

Limits*on*speech*if*it*threatens*government*(anarchy)*

Korematsu*v.*USA*

Government*can*detain*citizens*in*emergencies**

Brown*v.*Board*of*Ed*

Overturned*Plessy,*rules*segregation*is*unconstitutional**

Mapp*v.*Ohio*

Search*warrants*needed,*otherwise*evidence*is*thrown*out*

Baker*v.*Carr**

Apportionment*of*districts*must*be*as*fair*as*possible*“one*

man,*one*vote”*

Engel*v.*Vitale*

No*school]led*daily*player*allowed*in*public*schools*

Gideon*v.*Wainwright*

States*must*provide*attorneys*to*defendants**

Griswold*v.*Connecticut*

Information*about*birth*control*is*protected*under*(09D+#+%#

8(0&6;/#

Miranda*v.*Arizona*

Police*must*inform*suspects*of*their*rights*(Miranda*rights)*

Terry*v.*Ohio*

Police*can*search*and*seize*with*probable*cause*

Lemon*v.*Kurtzman**

Some*government*aid*to*church*schools*is*allowed*as*long*as*

its*fair*to*schools*of*all*faiths.*(Lemon*test)**The*lemon*test**is*

the*standard*set*by*the*Supreme*Court*to*measure*the*

constitutionality*of*state*laws*in*regard*to*freedom*of*religion*

NY*Times*v.*USA*(aka*

Pentagon*Papers)*

President*cannot*withhold*pentagon*papers*from*the*press*

(no*unlimited*right*to*executive*privilege)**

Miller*v.*California*

Obscenity*is*not*protected*under*freedom*of*speech**

Roe*v.*Wade*

First*trimester*abortions*are*ok**

US*v.*Nixon*

Executive*privilege*is*not*unlimited**

Gregg*v.*Georgia*

Death*penalty*is*ok*

Buckley*v.*Valeo*

Campaign*money*limits,*independent*expenditures*ok**

Texas*v.*Johnson*

Flag*burning*is*ok,*freedom*of*expression*(5/*>%70;#58'';D)*

Allegany*v.*ACLU*

Courts*cannot*prominently*display*religious*symbols*

Loving*v.*Virginia**

Bi]racial*marriage*is*ok**

a;%)%*0;#"%70;/#

• Governments*work*to*avoid*.'E0;0+5*(spending*more*than*we*make)*and*.'>+*

(the*sum*of*all*the*deficits)*

• 288%(+-)0+/#4%5+#F#Most*highly*valued*alternative*given*up*or*forgone*when*

choice*is*made*(making*trade]offs)*

• ,-887/#F*amounts*of*product*producers*are*willing*to*sell*

o A6O#%E#,-887/#F*as*price*increases,*the*quantity*suppliers*are*willing*to*

supply*increases*

• :'*6).#F#Various*amounts*of*a*product*or*service*consumers*are*willing*and*

able*to*buy*at*a*price*

o A6O#%E#:'*6).#F*As*price*falls,*the*quantity*demanded*rises*

• Maintaining*good*levels*of*supply*and*demand*is*critical*for*stable*prices*

Monetary*Policy*

• @%)'+6(/#"%70;/#F#Actions*the*Q'.'(67#<'5'(&'*takes*to*control*the*economy*by*

promoting*growth*and*contractions,*and*to*control*the*money*supply*

• H)E76+0%)#F*there*is*too*much*currency*in*circulation,*so*the*value*of*money*falls*

• The*Federal*Reserve*is*allowed*independence*in*setting*monetary*policy*because*

this*removes*politics*from*economic*policy,*and*allows*the*Fed*to*rely*on*experts*

and*not*politicians*

• The*Federal*Reserve*tries*to*keep*the*economy*stable,*it*has*three*tools:*

1. <'5'(&'#<'_-0('*')+#F#the*amount*of*money*the*Fed*requires*banks*

to*keep*in*reserve.*To*slow*growth,*the*fed*raises*the*reserve*

requirement,*to*increase*growth,*the*fed*decreases*the*reserve*

requirement*

2. CD'#:05;%-)+#<6+'#F#interest*rate*the*fed*charges*on*banks*when*they*

borrow*money.**To*slow*growth,*the*fed*raises*discount*rate,*to*

increase*growth,*the*fed*lowers*the*discount*rate*

3. $%&'()*')+#M%).5#F#bonds*are*investments*in*which*an*investor*

loans*money*to*the*government*for*a*certain*amount*of*time*at*a*

certain*interest*rate.**To*slow*growth,*the*fed*sells*bonds*(takes*

money*out*of*economy).**To*increase*growth,*the*fed*buy*bonds*

(injects*money*into*the*economy)*

Fiscal*Policy*

• Q05;67#"%70;/#F#What*the*president*and*congress*do*to*control*economy*via*taxing*

and*spending*

• M-.9'+#F*the*president’s*formal*estimate*of*how*much*every*government*

agency*and*program*will*cost.**Congress*has*to*confirm*this*budget,*and*then*

find*ways*to*pay*for*all*these*expenditures*

• "(%9('550&'#C6Y6+0%)#F#a*tax*system*that*forces*people*with*higher*incomes*to*

pay*a*larger*fraction*of*their*income*than*do*people*with*lower*incomes*

• Q76+#C6Y6+0%)#F*a*tax*system*that*charges*a*flat*payment*of*taxes*from*people*of*

all*different*income*levels*

• <'9('550&'#C6Y6+0%)#F#a*tax*system*in*which*people*with*lower*incomes*pay*a*

higher*fraction*of*their*incomes*than*do*people*with*higher*incomes**

• Taxes*–*income*government*gets*from*people*

! Raising*taxes*àslows*economic*growth*

! Cutting*taxes*àspeeds*up*economic*growth*

• Spending*–*money*spent*by*government*on*goods*and*services*

! Decreased*government*spending*àslows*economic*growth*

! Increased*government*spending*àspeeds*up*economic*growth*

• Regulatory*Policy*–*the*manner*in*which*government*regulates*the*economy*to*

provide*for*the*greater*good*

! More*regulation*àslows*economic*growth*

! Less*regulation*àspeeds*up*economic*growth**

Economic*Theories*

! f'/)'506)05*#F#Belief*that*government*must*manage*the*economy*by*spending*

more*money*during*recessions*and*cutting*spending*when*there*is*inflation*

! @%)'+6(05*#F*The*belief*that*inflation*occurs*when*government*prints*too*much*

money,*and*that*government*should*leave*the*economy*to*the*free*market*

! "76))0)9#F*The*belief*that*total*government*control*over*the*economy*such*as*

wage*and*price*controls*or*direction*of*investment*can*improve*the*economy**

! ,-887/R,0.'#a;%)%*0;5#F#Belief*that*lower*taxes*and*fewer*regulations*stimulate*

economic*growth*

! <'696)%*0;5#F*Reagan’s*economic*policies*that*combined*monetarism,*supply]

side*economics,*and*lower*spending*(except*on*the*military)*to*stimulate*the*

economy*

,%;067#W'7E6('#

! Capitalism*is*inevitably*a*class]based*society*with*inequities*between*classes*

! Social*policy*aims*at*helping*poorest*members*of*society*

! Liberals*tend*to*blame*society*and*favor*government*intervention,*conservatives*

tend*to*blame*individuals*and*favor*private*sector*solutions*

! Welfare*programs*are*funded*by*taxes*

Types*of*Welfare*

! @6e%(0+6(06)#"%70+0;5#–*Universal*welfare*programs*in*which*everyone*pays*and*

everyone*benefits*(Social*Security,*Medicare)*

! 470')+#"%70+0;5#F#Means*tested*programs*in*which*everyone*pays*yet*only*a*few*

benefit*(Food*Stamps,*Medicaid)*

! ,'(&0;'#,+(6+'9/#F*policies*that*provide*poor*people*with*

education*and*job*training*to*lift*them*out*of*poverty*

! H);%*'#,+(6+'9/#F*policies*that*give*poor*people*money*to*lift*

them*out*of*poverty*

! a6()'.#H);%*'#C6Y#4('.0+#F#provision*of*1975*law*that*entitles*

working*families*with*children*to*receive*money*from*government*

if*their*income*is*below*a*certain*level*

Welfare*in*USA*

1.*,+6+'#,8%)5%('.#a(6*1789]1932*

! During*this*period*most*of*the*welfare*in*the*nation*came*from*

the*state*governments,*federal*government*didn’t*play*any*role*in*

it.**States*passed*laws*dealing*with*social*problems*(child*labor,*

public*schools,*unemployment*benefits,*mandated*pensions)*

2. Q'.'(67#a(6*1932]1980*

! During*this*period*the*federal*government*took*more*

responsibility*for*the*poor.**This*began*because*of*the*crisis*

following*the*Great*Depression.**FDR*in*the*New*Deal*established*

Social*Security.**LBJ*in*the*Great*Society*established*Medicare,*

Food*Stamps,*and*Medicaid*

3. ,6E'+/#G'+#a(6*1980s**

! This*period*was*during*the*Reagan*Administration.**Reagan*

believed*that*welfare*spending*was*too*much*and*had*created*a*

dependency*on*the*state.**He*decreased*spending*on*Medicare*

and*reduced*welfare*to*be*a*“safety*net”*

4. M7%;B#$(6)+#a(6*1995]2010**

! Congressional*republicans*pass*laws*returning*responsibility*to*

the*states.**Block*grants*to*the*states*have*very*few*requirements.**

For*instance*the*Welfare*Reform*Act*of*1966*replaced*aid*

programs*with*voucher*programs*(the*Aid*to*Families*with*

Dependent*Children*“!Q:4”*program*was*replaced*by*a*voucher*

program*–*Temporary*Assistance*for*Needy*Families*“C!GQ”).***

Medicare*and*Social*Security*

! Medicare*and*Social*Security*are*the*two*most*famous*Majoritarian*programs.***

! ,%;067#,';-(0+/#F#a*program*that*began*in*1935*that*taxed*individuals*to*provide*

funds*that*were*used*to*support*the*poor,*elderly,*and*unemployed.***

! @'.0;6('#F*an*insurance*program*begun*under*LBJ*in*1964*that*paid*for*the*

medical*expenses*of*senior*citizens**

! Both*of*these*programs*are*failing*economically*and*will*soon*be*bankrupt*

Welfare*Reform*

! There*are*several*proposals*to*reform*the*welfare*system*

! The*retirement*of*the*baby*boom*generation*and*the*aging*of*the*American*

population*will*lead*to*the*bankruptcy*of*these*programs*

! Because*Social*Security*will*soon*be*bankrupt,*proposed*reforms*are:*

1. Raising*the*retirement*age*

2. Increasing*taxes*

3. Decrease*retirement*benefits*

4. Privatizing*social*security*by*requiring*citizens*to*invest*their*social*

security*taxes*in*the*stock*market*

! Medicare’s*problems*include:*

1. Because*it*is*free,*hospital*visits*by*seniors*are*very*common*

2. Many*elderly*get*treatment*that*isn’t*necessary*

3. Doctors*and*hospitals*are*paid*with*contracts*that*could*change*

whenever*

! Medicare’s*problems*need*to*be*addressed*soon,*or*the*costs*will*be*

tremendous*

Q%('09)#6).#:'E')5'#"%70;/#

US*Government*Interests*

• National*Security*

• Strategic*importance*of*the*area*

• Strength*of*the*economy*

• Availability*of*resources*

• Previous*agreements*with*nations*

• Ideology**

Reaction*of*People*

• Concerns*from*political*parties*and*interest*groups*

• Public*opinion**

• Strength*of*the*national*economy*

Factors*Relating*to*Other*Countries*

• Assets*belonging*to*the*other*country*

• Alliances*with*other*nations*

• Probable*response*to*the*policy*

• History/culture*of*the*country*

Actions*to*be*Taken*

Positive*Actions*

Negative*Actions*(conflict)*

• Make*statements*of*

praise/support*

• Exchange*key*info*

• Hold*summit*meeting*

• Loosen*immigration*policy*

• Send*peace*corps*

• Statements*of*condemnation*

• Cut*diplomatic*ties*

• Limit*travel/visas*

• Raise*tariffs,*impose*56);+0%)5#

• Issue*threats*

• Demand*debt*payments*

• Grant*economic*aid,*give*loans*

• Provide*humanitarian*assistance*

• Forgive*debt*

• Cut*tariffs,*remove*embargoes*

• Provide*military*aid,*sell*weapons*

• Cultural*exchanges**

• Mobilize/deploy*troops*

• Perform*covert*operations*to*

weaken*government*

• Support*anti]government*factions*

• Assassinate*leaders*

• Spread*propaganda*

• Arrest*their*citizens*

The*President*and*Foreign*Policy*

• The*President*is*considered*the*leader*in*developing*foreign*policy*

• President*is*the*commander*and*chief,*and*has*the*power*to*negotiate*treaties*

and*executive*agreements,*appoint*ambassadors,*and*set*the*nation’s*tone*on*

foreign*policy*issues*

• G6+0%)67#,';-(0+/#4%-);07*–*chaired*by*the*president,*includes*vice*president,*

Secretary*of*State,*Secretary*of*Defense,*P%0)+#4D0'E5#%E#,+6EE^#head*of*CIA,*

Attorney*General.**It*is*designed*to*present*various*perspectives,*facilitate*

presidential*decision*making*discussions,*and*implement*presidential*decisions*

Congress*and*Foreign*Policy*

• Congress’s*most*powerful*tool*is*its*8%O'(#%E#+D'#8-(5',*Congress*is* responsible*

for*6-+D%(0`0)9*and*688(%8(06+0)9#the*funds*needed*for*foreign*policy*missions*

• W6(#"%O'(5#!;+#%E#TcbJ#F#All*commitments*of*troops*in*hostile*situations*must*

be*reported*within*48*hours.**Troops*may*only*be*deployed*for*60*days*without*a*

formal*congressional*declaration*of*war*or*statutory*authorization*

• In*reality*the*War*Powers*Act*is*relatively*weak,*because*Congressmen*are*

typically*very*unwilling*to*end*an*operation*after*troops*have*been*deployed**

Four*Worldviews*

• H5%76+0%)05*#F#opposes*involvement*in*wars/conflicts,*believes*American*should*

withdraw*from*world*affairs*

• 4%)+60)*')+#(antiappeasement)#R**belief*that*the*US*should*resist*the*expansion*

of*aggressive*nations*(especially*the*Soviet*Union)*

• :05')969'*')+#F#belief*that*America*was*harmed*by*the*Vietnam*War*and*

should*avoid*similar*events*

• ]-*6)#<09D+5#F*view*that*America*should*intervene*to*improve*the*lives*of*

people*in*other*countries*

"('&0%-5#!"#a556/#d-'5+0%)5#6).#<'58%)5'#$-0.'70)'5#

On*the*AP*NSL*exam*you*will*be*given*100*minutes*to*answer*4*essay*questions,*here*

are*some*of*the*previous*essays.*There*should*be*enough*information*in*the*study*guide*

to*answer*all*of*these*questions,*if*not*please*contact*me*or*look*for*more*information*

at*this*website:**

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/usgov/samp.html?usgovpol**

When*answering*AP*free*responses*it*is*important*to*remember*that*your*grader*is*NOT*

Mrs.*Starin,*and*does*NOT*care*about*the*quality*of*your*writing.*JUST*HIT*THE*MAIN*

POINTS.*You*earn*points*based*on*whatever*you*write*that*is*correct,*so*please,*don’t*be*

fancy*–*just*answer*the*question*as*briefly*as*possible.*This*is*NSL,*not*English.**

It*is*also*important*to*note*that*it*is*unlikely*to*have*an*essay*on*a*topic*covered*in*the*

2010*exam.*Therefore*it*is*wise*to*go*through*this*website*to*see*what*essay*topics*are*

likely*to*be*asked.*(Even*though*the*final*question*included*below*seems*to*violate*this*

principle,*it*is*included*because*it*is*a*good*example*of*a*question*that*demands*graph*

comprehension*as*well*as*a*sound*knowledge*base).*

2008,*Question*One:**

Congressional*reapportionment*and*redistricting*are*conducted*every*ten*years.*When*

redistricting*is*conducted,*politicians*often*engage*in*gerrymandering.*

(a)*Define*congressional*reapportionment*and*explain*one*reason*why*it*is*important*to*

states.*

(b)*Define*congressional*redistricting.*

(c)*Explain*two*goals*of*politicians*when*they*gerrymander*during*redistricting.*

(d)*Describe*two*limits*that*the*United*States*Supreme*Court*has*placed*on*

congressional*redistricting.*

Answers:*

(a) Reapportionment*–*The*reallocation*of*the*number*of*representatives*each*state*

has*in*the*House*of*Representatives.**It*is*important*because:*

• Reapportionment*increases*or*decreases*the*number*of*seats*a*state*has*

in*the*House/Congress*(not*the*Senate)**

• More*representatives*mean*that*a*state*has*more*influence**

• Reapportionment*increases*or*decreases*a*state’s*number*of*electoral*

votes**

(b) Redistricting*–*the*drawing/redrawing*of*House*(not*Senate)*district*lines*

• To*enhance*political*strength*of*a*party*

• To*protect*incumbents/weaken*challengers*

• To*increase*minority*representation*or*decrease*minority*representation*

• To*reward*political*allies*

(d) Limits*may*include:*

• A*discussion*of*Supreme*Court*cases:*Baker*v.*Carr*and*Shaw*v.*Reno.**

• Districts*must*be*equally*populated,*and*may*not*weaken*minorities*

2008,*Question*Three:*

Fiscal*policy*and*monetary*policy*are*two*tools*used*by*the*federal*government*to*

influence*the*United*States*economy.*The*executive*and*legislative*branches*share*the*

responsibility*of*setting*fiscal*policy.*The*Federal*Reserve*Board*has*the*primary*role*of*

setting*monetary*policy.*

(a)*Define*fiscal*policy.*

(b)*Describe*one*significant*way*the*executive*branch*influences*fiscal*policy.*

(c)*Describe*one*significant*way*the*legislative*branch*influences*fiscal*policy.*

(d)*Define*monetary*policy.*

(e)*Explain*two*reasons*why*the*Federal*Reserve*Board*is*given*independence*in*

establishing*monetary*policy.*

A*full*explanation*of*correct*answers*can*be*found*on*pages*17]18**

2007,*Question*One:*

A*significant*feature*of*the*Electoral*College*is*that*most*states*have*a*winner]take]all*

system.*

(a)*Describe*the*winner]take]all*feature*of*the*Electoral*College*

(b)*Explain*one*way*in*which*the*winner]take]all*system*affects*how*presidential*

candidates*from*the*two*main*political*parties*run*their*campaigns*

(c)*Explain*one*way*in*which*the*winner]take]all*feature*of*the*Electoral*College*hinders*

third*party*candidates*

(d)*Explain*two*reasons*why*the*Electoral*College*has*not*been*abolished*

* *

Answers:*

a) The*candidate*who*gets*the*most*votes*(a*plurality)*wins*all*the*electoral*

votes*from*that*state*

b) Candidates*focus*more*on*swing*states,*spend*more*money*for*ads*in*swing*

states,*choose*running*mates*who*are*popular*in*swing*states,*and*focus*on*

issues*that*are*important*in*swing*states*

c) Third]party*candidates*may*get*many*individual*votes,*but*unless*they*win*

the*entire*state*they*will*get*no*electoral*votes*

d) It*helps*to*ensure*that*a*candidate*will*win*a*majority*of*the*electoral*votes,*

it*would*require*a*constitutional*amendment*to*change*it,*there*is*no*clear*

consensus*for*an*alternative,*it*favors*the*two*party*system,*and*small*states*

support*the*electoral*college*system*because*it*gives*them*more*

representation*

2007,*Question*Three:*

Conflicts*between*congress*and*the*president*over*war*powers*have*their*origin*in*the*

United*States*constitution.*In*1973*congress*passed*the*War*Powers*Resolution*in*an*

attempt*to*clarify*the*balance*of*powers*between*the*two*branches*of*government*

(a)*Describe*the*primary*constitutional*conflict*between*Congress*and*the*President*

over*the*decision*to*go*to*war*

(b)*Describe*two*provisions*of*the*War*Powers*Resolution*that*were*designed*to*limit*

the*president’s*power*over*war*making*

(c)*The*War*Powers*Resolution*has*received*mixed*reviews,*but*Congress*has*other*

powers*over*war*making.*Other*than*the*constitutional*power*that*you*described*in*(a),*

identify*and*explain*two*other*formal*powers*Congress*has*over*war*making*

Answers:*

a)**The*president*is*the*commander*and*chief,*but*the*congress*has*the*power*to*

declare*war*

b)**The*president*must*notify*congress*48*hours*after*sending*troops*and*

conflicts*are*limited*to*60*days*without*a*congressional*declaration*of*war*or*a*

statutory*authorization*for*continued*action*

c)**Congress*has*the*power*to*authorize/appropriate*any*funds*needed*by*the*

military,*congress*has*the*power*to*ratify*treaties,*congress*can*hold*

investigative*hearings,*and*congress*has*the*power*to*confirm*presidential*

nominees*

2007,*Question*Four:*

(a)*Define*federalism*

(b)*Select*two*of*the*following*and*explain*how*each*has*been*used*to*increase*the*

power*of*the*federal*government*relative*to*the*states*

• Categorical*Grants*

• Federal*Mandates*

• Selective*Incorporation*

(c)*Select*two*of*the*following*and*explain*how*each*has*been*used*to*increase*the*

power*of*the*states*relative*to*the*federal*government*

• Welfare*Reform*Act*of*1996*

• Block*Grants*

• 10

*Amendment**

Answers:*

a) Federalism*–*a*constitutional*division*of*powers*between*the*federal*and*

state*levels*

b) Categorical*grants*are*designed*for*specific*purposes,*and*are*watched*over*

closely*by*the*federal*government.**Federal*mandates*instruct*states*to*

implement*certain*policies.**Selective*incorporation*allows*federal*courts*to*

overturn*state*and*local*practices*

c) The*Welfare*Reform*Act*returned*power*and*resources*to*the*states*to*run*

their*own*welfare*programs.**Block*grants*are*given*to*states*with*few*strings*

attached,*so*states*have*a*great*deal*of*freedom*in*deciding*how*to*use*the*

money.**The*tenth*amendment*reserves*power*to*the*states*and*the*people.**

It*is*used*to*argue*for*a*return*of*power*to*the*state*governments.*

2010,*Question*Three:*

Over*the*last*several*decades,*the*composition*of*the*Democratic*and*Republican*

parties*has*changed*in*important*ways.*A*major*partisan*shift*has*occurred*in*the*South,*

but*other*demographic*changes*have*also*been*identified.*Changes*in*party*composition*

are*reflected*at*different*rates*in*presidential*elections*than*in*congressional*elections.*

(a)*Identify*one*specific*trend*evident*in*the*figure*above.*

(b)*Choose*two*of*the*following*and*use*each*to*explain*why*southern*voters*from*1948*

to*2000*were*electing*Democratic*candidates*to*Congress*more*frequently*than*

choosing*Democratic*candidates*for*the*presidency.*

• Incumbency*advantage*

• Gerrymandering*

• Differences*between*state*and*national*parties*

(c)*Several*other*changes*in*party*composition*have*emerged*in*the*past*few*decades.*

Select*three*of*the*following*groups*and*for*each*explain*how*parties*have*changed*in*

composition*with*respect*to*that*group.*

• Catholics*

• Labor*union*members*

• Women*

• Social*conservatives*

Answers:**

a)*This*question*requires*only*basic*graph*reading*abilities:**

• Percentage*of*House*seats*for*Democrats*has*trended*down**

• Percentage*of*presidential*electoral*votes*for*Democrats*has*trended*

down*

b)**The*easier*two*topics*would*probably*be*incumbency*advantage*and*

gerrymandering,*but*all*three*are*included*below:*

• Incumbency*advantage*—*Although*Southern*voters*were*voting*for*

Republican*presidential*candidates,*they*continued*to*vote*for*incumbent*

Democratic*congressional*candidates*because*of*the*incumbency*

advantage.**

• Gerrymandering*—*District*lines*created*safe*seats/majority–minority*

districts,*which*protected*Democratic*seats*even*though*there*were*

more*Republican*voters*in*statewide*presidential*elections.**

• State*versus*national*parties*—*Because*national*and*state*parties*were*

largely*independent*of*each*other,*to*get*votes*Democratic*congressional*

candidates*responded*to*local*interests,*whereas*Democratic*presidential*

candidates*responded*to*a*national*constituency.**

c) Be*brief*with*these*answers,*the*question*does*not*ask*for*“why”*

• Catholics*—*They*have*become*less*reliable*Democratic*voters.**

• Labor*union*members*—*They*have*become*less*reliable*Democratic*

voters;*have*decreased*in*number*and*thus*there*are*fewer*Democratic*

supporters;*have*become*a*smaller*percentage*of*the*Democratic*voting*

bloc.**

• Women*—*They*have*become*more*reliable*Democratic*voters;*have*

increased*in*number*and*thus*there*are*more*Democratic*supporters;*

have*become*a*larger*percentage*of*the*Democratic*voting*bloc.**

• Social*conservatives*—*They*were*previously*nonexistent*and*have*now*

crystallized*to*become*more*reliable*Republican*voters;*previously*found*

in*the*Democratic*party*and*have*moved*to*the*Republican*party.**