AP Gov Semester 1 exam questions and answers verified for accuracy

Define checks and balances. limits imposed on all branches of a government by vesting in each branch the right to amend or void those acts of another branch Briefly state the significance of the Judicial Branch. It can declare laws unconstitutional and define the jurisdiction of federal courts. Briefly state the significance of the Executive Branch. It can nominate judges to all federal courts (including the Supreme Court), approve laws, command the armed forces, and make treaties. Briefly state the significance of the Legislative Branch. It can collect taxes, declare war, write laws, and approve and impeach presidential nominations, judges, or officials. What are failures of the Articles of Confederation? 1) Congress couldn't tax, 2) couldn't regulate commerce among the states, 3) couldn't create a single monetary system, 4) states conducted foreign relations without regard to the wishes of other states What are aspects of the Articles of Confederation? 1) the national government derives its powers from the states, 2) intended to prevent tyranny, 3) accommodate each state's needs individually, 4) laws by consensus only (unification is impossible) Define Articles of the Constitution. They establish the three branches of government and cover the Amendment process, supremacy, relations, etc. Define Amendments to the Constitution. They add flexibility to the Constitution and protect rights. In general, it is a change to the Constitution. Define and explain the impact of the Bill of Rights. the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution. They are the Amendments that give rights to individuals and protect basic citizenship rights. Define the Great Compromise, and explain briefly how it is beneficial. It created a bicameral legislature that could only pass legislation with a majority. The House of Representatives would serve larger states, while the Senate would benefit smaller states. Define pluralism. It is a theory of government in which interest groups compete and promote policy preferences. Define hyper-pluralism. It is a theory of government in which the government is pulled in various directions because of extreme pluralism; it leads to gridlock!! What were the two main aspects of Locke's theory of government? 1) If the government was treating people unfairly, they could rebel. 2) All Americans have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Define the proposal in the Virginia Plan. that sovereignty be vested in the people AND the states. Define the proposal in the New Jersey Plan. that Congress could raise revenues; it would have kept a unicameral legislature that was chosen by state legislatures. What is another term for the Great Compromise? What is another term for the Connecticut Compromise? Define federalism. Power is divided between the central, state, and local governments. Define dual federalism, and state whether or not it exists today. The national government and smaller governments are both part of a whole, but each has delineated responsibilities. The Supremacy Clause is a big aspect of this kind of federalism. This kind of federalism does NOT exist today. Define cooperative federalism, and state whether or not it exists today. The national government works collaboratively with smaller governments to improve society for the public. It does NOT exist today. Define regulated federalism, and state whether or not it exists today. The federal government aids smaller state and local governments but limits what they can do with the aid. It does NOT exist today. Define new federalism, and state whether or not it exists today. The national government returns much power back to the states; it is also known as devolution. It DOES exist today. How can the Constitution be amended? First, both houses of Congress propose the Amendment with a 2/3 vote. Then, the Amendment is sent to the states. Finally, at least 3/4 of state legislatures ratify it. BRIEFLY explain McCulloch v. Maryland. Maryland imposed a tax on all banks in Maryland, but McCulloch issued bank notes without paying these taxes. Maryland sued McCulloch for failing to pay, but the Supreme Court voted for McCulloch because the Constitution did not explicitly state that Maryland could tax banks. BRIEFLY explain Gibbons v. Ogden. Ogden had a monopoly to operate steamboats in New York and New Jersey, but Gibbons was licensed federally to operate steamboats between these two areas. Ogden sued Gibbons for failing to comply with the monopoly, but Gibbons won because of the commerce clause. BRIEFLY explain Marbury v. Madison. James Madison, secretary of state, failed to deliver John Adams's commissions to William Marbury before Adams was removed from office. Thus, Marbury sued Madison. Marbury won with the passing of the Judiciary Act of 1789. In fewer than 6 words, what did the Judiciary Act of 1789 do? It created the Supreme Court. Why does the Electoral system exist? It's a compromise between people who wanted direct popular vote and other people who thought that that would diminish smaller states' power. It also requires widespread support for a particular candidate. What is the structure of the Electoral College? It is made up of the House members in a state (variable) plus the Senators from that state (2). Washington D.C. has 3 electoral votes as well. Briefly summarize the 1st Amendment. freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, and petition Briefly summarize the 2nd Amendment. right to bear arms Briefly summarize the 3rd Amendment. homeowners can choose whether or not they quarter soldiers Briefly summarize the 4th Amendment. police officers must have a search warrant, supported by probable cause, while investigating private property Briefly summarize the 5th Amendment. It declares double jeopardy and self-incrimination in court unlawful. Briefly summarize the 6th Amendment. It gives the right to a speedy trial and the confrontation of witnesses in court. Briefly summarize the 7th Amendment. It gives trial by jury in civil cases. Briefly summarize the 8th Amendment. It prevents cruel and unusual punishment, particularly in legal situations. Briefly summarize the 9th Amendment. The rights of the people are not limited to those listed in the Constitution. Briefly summarize the 10th Amendment. Powers not granted to the federal government are either granted to the people or the states. Briefly summarize the 11th Amendment. States cannot be sued by other states or foreigners. Briefly summarize the 12th Amendment. It defines procedures for the election of the president and vice president. Briefly summarize the 13th Amendment. It abolishes slavery and indentured servitude, except when used as criminal punishment. Briefly summarize the 14th Amendment. If you're born here, you're a citizen. It also adds due process rights in court settings. Briefly summarize the 15th Amendment. Suffrage cannot be denied on account of race. Briefly summarize the 16th Amendment. Congress can collect income tax. Briefly summarize the 17th Amendment. Senators are now elected by popular vote, not legislatures. Briefly summarize the 18th Amendment. The manufacture and transportation of alcohol are declared unlawful. Briefly summarize the 19th Amendment. Suffrage cannot be denied on account of sex. Briefly summarize the 20th Amendment. The president and VP come into office on January 20th, and Congressmen and Senators come into office on January 3r.d Briefly summarize the 21st Amendment. The manufacture and transportation of alcohol are declared lawful. Briefly summarize the 22nd Amendment. The president can serve for a maximum of two terms. Briefly summarize the 23rd Amendment. It adds Washington D.C. to the Electoral College. Briefly summarize the 24th Amendment. It abolishes poll taxes, historically because they were used for discrimination. Briefly summarize the 25th Amendment. It deals with the succession of the president and fills any vacancies. Briefly summarize the 26th Amendment. It establishes the voting age to be 18 years. Briefly summarize the 27th Amendment. It fixes congressional pay. Name 4 benefits of federalism. It 1) protects against tyranny, 2) promotes unity, 3) creates "laboratories" for policy experiments, and 4) encourages political participation. Name 2 drawbacks of federalism. It 1) creates a lack of consistency of laws and policies from state to state. It also 2) creates tension between state and federal officials. Define block grants. large grants provided from the federal government to state or local governments for use in a general purpose Define project grants. grants given by the government to fund research projects; an individual must acquire qualifications before applying to such a grant Define formula grants. provide funds as dictated by law; they may be spent only for narrowly defined purposes Define earmark grants. paid political lobbyists are used to secure them; they are explicitly specified in appropriations of the U.S. Congress What was Madison's view on factions? Madison wanted to render factions unable to act, because he thought they were counterproductive to a successful democracy. Explain the interests of the Democratic party. 1) the Constitution can be interpreted loosely, 2) uphold social justice, 3) improve the economy through increased taxes, 4) too much military spending is unhealthy, 5) the government needs to be big to protect citizens, 6) support affirmative action Explain the interests of the Republican party. 1) we should adhere to the Constitution as much as possible, 2) uphold individual justice and responsibility, 3) improve the economy through spending cuts, 4) increase national security and the military, 5) the government must be small to protect individual rights, 6) oppose affirmative action Explain four functions of political parties. They 1) unite people who share common beliefs about how society should work, 2) participate in campaigns, 3) form a coalition among disparate interests, and 4) raise money. Explain two functions of interest groups. They 1) influence politics by changing the mindsets of undecided voters and 2) donate large amounts of money to political campaigns to sway outcomes. Describe the two effects of Buckley v. Valeo. It was a Supreme Court case that 1) limited campaign contributions and 2) allowed candidates to donate as much money as they wanted to their own campaigns. Define litigation. using the courts to change laws (ex: laws to fight segregation) Define direct lobbying. lobbying to policy makers Define grassroots lobbying. lobbying and communication with letters, emails, etc. Define coalition in terms of lobbying. Interest groups join forces. Define political socialization. Children and adolescents acquire political cognition, beliefs, and behaviors. (ex: a 14-year-old learns about political parties and decides to assimilate herself with the Republicans) What are the types of interest groups? 1) economic, 2) causes (ex: welfare, religion), 3) public (environment, civil rights) What is the impact of mass media on society? It informs people of the issues so subjectively and in such a biased light that it may influence the victims' stances on political issues.