A. P. US Government & Politics

1. A. P. US Government & Politics Exam Review

2. Weekly Agenda • Monday – Development of U.S. Government & Federalism • Tuesday – Political Culture, Political Parties & Voting and Elections • Wednesday – Interest Groups, Media & The Legislative Branch • Thursday – The Executive, The National Judiciary, Civil Liberties & Civil Rights • Friday – Politics & Public Policymaking

3. Monday: Architecture & Development of U.S. Government • What is government? • “Who Gets what, when, & how.” –Laswell • It is institutions, people and processes used to make policy • Public policy is the exercise of government power in doing those things necessary to maintain legitimate authority and control over society.

4. Purposes of Government (the Preamble) • Forming a more perfect union: creation of a strong union of states, while also maintaining state sovereignty • Establishing justice: reasonable, fair and impartial law • Insuring domestic tranquility: preservation of public order • Providing for the common defense: protection and maintenance of national defense • Promoting the general welfare: providing public services and economic health of the nation • Securing the blessings of liberty: promoting individual freedoms

5. Forms of Government • Anarchy: lack of government • Autocracy: rule by one • Absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, dictatorship • Oligarchy: rule by a few • Aristocracy (elite), theocracy (religious) • Democracy: rule by the people • direct democracy, representative democracy

6. Theories of Democratic Government • Traditional democratic theory: government depends on the consent of the governed may be given directly or through representatives • Pluralist theory: interest groups compete for their own self interest requiring compromise to avoid conflict (Robert Dahl) • Elitist theory: a small group of elite form an upper class and rule in their own self interest (C. Wright Mills) • Bureaucratic theory: hierarchical structure and standardized procedures control day-to-day workings of government (Max Weber)

7. Influences on American Government • Ancient Greeks & Romans: the concepts of direct and representative democracy influenced the founders • Enlightenment philosophers: John Locke supported the Social Contract Theory – a voluntary agreement the government and the governed. His work was published in the Two Treatises on Civil Government (1689) and stated people are born with natural rights to life, liberty & property (natural law). Thomas Jefferson adopted these ideas in the Declaration of Independence. • Magna Carta: (1215) 1st attempt to limit the power of the king forced on the British king by the nobility • Parliament: began as an advisory group to the king and evolved into the law making body of Britain

8. Influences continued… • Petition of Right: (1628) Extended the protections of the Magna Carta to include commoners. And further limited the monarchs powers. • English Bill of Rights: (1689) An agreement between parliament and the King to prevent further abuse of power, guaranteed free parliamentary elections, the right to a fair and speedy trial, freedom from excessive bail, and cruel and unusual punishment

9. Declaration of Independence • Is mainly the work of Thomas Jefferson. The principles are based on the works of enlightenment philosopher John Locke. • The D.O.I can be broken down into 3 parts: • A theory of government based on social contract and natural rights • A list of grievances against the king • A statement of colonial unity

10. Articles of Confederation • (1781-1789) became the 1st government of the United States • It was a ‘league of friendship” among the states • The crisis that became known as Shay’s rebellion led to the calling of a constitutional convention to fix the articles

11. Constitutional convention 1787 • Every state but Rhode Island sent representatives • Agreement in the following • An new constitution would be drafted • It would be a republic • Have a federal system • Be composed of 3 branches (executive, legislative, & judicial

12. Virginia plan Single executive chosen by congress, one term, veto power, removed by congress Judges chosen by congress Representation from population and $ contributed Bicameral legislature Lower house chosen by the people Upper house chosen by the lower house & state legislatures New Jersey Plan Plural executive chosen by congress, no veto power, removal by states Judges appointed for life by executive Representation would be equal for each state regardless of size or wealth Unicameral legislature Reps chosen by state Each state gets one vote Compromises

13. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Created a “league of friendship” Congress could not tax Congress could not regulate interstate trade or foreign commerce No separate executive to enforce the acts of congress No national judiciary to handle state disputes Both states & the national government had the power to coin $ Each state had one vote regardless of size or population 9 of 13 states required to pass legislation Unanimous consent required to amend the articles How the Constitution Remedied Weaknesses Created a federal system dividing powers between national & state levels National government was given the power to tax Congress given the power to regulate trade between states & with foreign countries Article II created a separate executive department to enforce laws Article III created a national judiciary Only the national government could coin $ States are represented based on population in the House & equally in the Senate Bills need a simple majority from both houses 2/3 congress & 3/5 states are needed to amend the Constitution The outcome

14. Ratification September 17, 1787 • The Anti-Federalists believed the new constitution gave too much power to the national government • And lacked a bill of rights • The Federalists supported a strong central government • James Madison, Alexander Hamilton & John Jay wrote 85 essays named “the Federalist Papers” under the secret name “Publius”. • Today these papers provide insight into the founders original intent

15. Basic Principles in the Constitution • Limited government – belief that government is not all powerful; government has only those powers given to it • Popular sovereignty – the people are the source of government’s authority • Separation of power – power is separated among the 3 branches of government; each has its own powers & duties and is independent of and equal to the other branches • Checks& balances – each branch is subject to restraints by the other 2 branches • Federalism – a division of governmental powers between the national government & the states

16. The Constitution is divided into 3 parts: preamble, articles & amendments • The articles • Article I – Legislative branch • Article II – Executive branch • Article III – Judicial branch • Article IV – Intergovernmental relationships • Article V – Amendment process • Article VI – Supremacy of the Constitution • Article VII – Ratification Process

17. Ways to amend the constitution • Proposed by 2/3 vote of each house of Congress and ratified by ¾ of state legislatures (used 26 times) • Proposed by 2/3 vote of each house of Congress & ratified by special conventions in at least ¾ states (used once to ratify the 21st amendment) • Proposed by national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of state legislatures & ratified by ¾ of state legislatures (never used) • Proposed by a national convention called by Congress at the request of 2/3 of the state legislatures and ratified by special conventions in at least ¾ of the states (never used)

18. Informal Amendment Process • Legislative actions: Congress has passed various acts that have altered or made clear the meaning of the constitution ex. Judiciary Act 1789 • Executive actions: The manner in which presidents use their powers can create informal amendments & expand presidential authority ex. executive agreements • Judicial review: the people who serve as judges & the times in which they serve affect how courts interpret laws ex Marbury v. Madison (1803) • Custom & usage: Traditions which have been incorporated into the political system & lasted over time ex. senatorial courtesy

19. The Amendments • Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly & petition • Right to keep and bear arms • Sets conditions for quartering troops in private homes • Regulates search, seizure, & warrants • Protects against self-incrimination, grants due process, eminent domain, & grand jury indictment for capital crimes • Right to a speedy & public trial, impartial jury, attorney • Right to jury trial in civil cases • No excessive bail, protects against cruel & unusual punishment • Enumerates the rights of the people • Reserves powers of the states & people • Restricts lawsuits against the states • Provides for election of president and vice president by separate ballot in electoral college • Abolishes slavery • Rights of citizenship, due process & equal protection • Right to vote regardless of race color or previous condition of servitude • Authorized income taxes • Establishes direct election of Senators by popular vote • Prohibit intoxicating liquors • Establishes women’s suffrage • Sets terms & sessions of executive & legislative branches • Repeals prohibition (18th) • Limits presidential terms in office • Allows for voting in District of Columbia in presidential elections • Abolishes poll taxes • Addresses presidential succession, disability & vice-presidential vacancies • Gives 18 year olds the right to vote • Addresses congressional pay

20. Review Unit 2 Federalism

21. Constitutional Basis of Federalism • Delegated powers: expressed, or enumerated powers, those specifically given to the national government (Articles I-V) • Implied powers: although not expressed, powers that may be reasonably inferred from the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 – the Necessary & Proper Clause or Elastic Clause) • Inherent powers: powers that exist for the national government because the government is sovereign • Concurrent powers: powers that belong to both the national and state governments • Reserved powers: powers belonging specifically to the state because they were neither delegated to the national government nor denied to the states • Prohibited powers: powers denied to either the national government, the states or both

22. National & State Powers (Concurrent) Levy taxes Borrow $ Spend for general welfare Establish courts Enact & enforce laws Charter banks

23. Interstate Relations: Article IV • Full faith & credit clause: states are required to recognize the laws & legal documents of other states, such as birth certificates, marriage & drivers’ licenses ,wills. • Privileges & immunities Clause: states can’t unreasonably discriminate against residents from other states. Nonresidents can travel & own property in any state. • Extradition: states may return fugitives to a state where a crime was committed at the request of the governor of the state • Interstate compacts: states can make agreements to solve regional problems like “hot-pursuit agreements”, parole & probation.

24. Establishing National Supremacy • Article VI contains the Supremacy Clause, which helps resolve conflicts between national and state law. • McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was the 1st landmark case where the Supreme Court claimed the national government had supremacy over state governments. • Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) the Supreme Court expanded the powers of Congress over interstate commerse.

25. Federalism today • Dual Federalism (1789-1932): “layer cake” each level of government has supremacy within its own spere of influence • Cooperative Federalism (New Deal Era): “marble cake” levels of government cooperate with each other • New Federalism (Nixon, Reagan, Bush): tried to reverse cooperative federalism by allowing states more responsibility over $. Devolution is a transfer of power to political subunits • Fiscal Federalism : the national government’s patterns of taxing & spending • Grants-in-aid, Categorical grants, block grants, revenue sharing, mandates

26. Review Unit 3 Political Culture, Political Parties & Voting and Elections

27. American Democratic Values • Majority rule/minority rights: Although democracy is based upon majority rule, minority rights must be guaranteed. • Equality: equality of every individual before the law & in the political process • Private property: Ownership of property is protected by law & supported by the capitalist system • Compromise: allows for the combining of different interests & opinions to form public policy to best benefit society • Limited government: powers of government are restricted in a democracy by the will of the people & the law

28. Political Socialization- the process by which people acquire a sense of political identity • Family and home influences often help shape political party identification. It is stronger when both parents identify with the same political party • Schools teach patriotism, basic governmental functions & encourage political participation • Group affiliations (interest groups, labor unions) provide common bonds • Demographic factors (occupation, race, age, gender, region of country, income, education) • Media informs public about government and tries to influence political & public agendas • Opinion leaders those people who are respected due to position, expertise, or personality • Events may instill positive or negative attitudes.

29. Public Opinion – a collection of shared attitudes of many different people in matters relating to politics, issues or policy • Sampling: those chosen to participate in the poll must be representative of the general population & chosen at random • Preparing valid questions: directions should be clear & questions clear, fair & unbiased • Controlling how the poll is taken: make sure respondent has some knowledge of issued addressed. Pollsters appearance and tone should not influence. Methods could include, phone, mail, & interview • Analyzing & reporting results: reports should include how the poll was conducted and sampling error

30. Ideology – a set of beliefs about politics they can change over time • Radical: favor rapid, fundamental change in existing social, economic or political order • Liberal: supports active government in promoting individual welfare & civil rights • Moderate: political ideology falls between liberal & conservative& may include some of both • Conservative: promotes limited government, traditional values, strong national security, & approaches change cautiously • Reactionary: wants return to previous state of affairs, often a social order or government that existed earlier in history

31. Political Parties – voluntary associations of likeminded people who seek to control government through getting candidates elected • Rolls of political parties • Party in the electorate: all of the people who associate with one of the political parties • Party in government: all of the appointed & elected officials at the national, state, and local levels • Party in organization: all those at various levels of party organization who work to maintain the strength of the party between elections, raise $ & organize conventions

32. Party systems One-party system: only one party exists or has a chance of winning an election (dictatorship) Two-party system: there may be several political parties but only two dominate elections. The system enhances stability because both parties want to appeal to the largest # of voters Multi-Party system: lots of political parties exist and stand a chance to win elections. Can cause fragmentation and confuses the clear majority vote What do political Parties do? Recruit candidates Nominate & support candidates for office Educate the electorate Organize the government Political Parties at work

33. Party Identification & Membership • Membership is voluntary and there are no dues factors the influence identification are: • Ideology • Education • Income • Occupation • Race or ethnicity • Gender • Religion • Family tradition • Region of the country • Marital status

34. Political Parties Continued…

35. The future of political parties • 3rd party challenges: in recent elections, 3rd party candidates have taken votes away from major candidates, lessening their ability to win a majority vote • Loss of support by party loyalists: an increase in the # if independent voters • Increase in split-ticket voting: many voters no longer vote strait ticket, only for one party • Lack of perceived differences between the parties • Party reforms: changes within the parties themselves to create more openness • Methods of campaigning: new technology has allowed candidates to be less reliant on parties and be more directly involved with voters

36. Political participation • Voting in elections • Discussing politics & attending political meetings • Forming interest groups & PACs • Contacting public officials • Campaigning for a candidate or political party • Running for office • Protesting government decisions

37. Other important voting info…

38. Election items

39. Review Unit 4 Interest Groups, the Media & Congress

40. Interest Groups

41. The Media

42. Congress

43. The Peoples House

44. Leadership of Congress- the majority political party in each house controls the leadership positions of Congress

45. Powers of Congress

46. House of Representatives A bill is introduced, numbered, & assigned a committee. The bill may be assigned to a sub committee for further study The bill is returned to committee, where it is approved or rejected. The rules committee sets terms of debate for the bill. The bill is debated by the House. A vote is taken, where the bill is passed or defeated. Bills that pass the House are sent to the Senate Senate A bill is introduced, numbered, & assigned to a committee. The bill may be assigned to a sub committee for further study The bill is returned to committee, where it is approved or rejected. No rules committee! The bill is debeted by the Senate. A vote is taken, where the bill is passed or defeated. Bills that pass the Senate are sent to the House. How a Bill becomes a Law

47. Then… Conference committee resolves differences between House & Senate versions of a bill. Compromise versions may not contain any new material. Then…

48. Legislative Tactics • Caucuses – may for voting blocks • Committee system – plays a major role in the passage of legislation; bills may die if committees fail to act upon them • Filibuster & cloture – in the Senate only, unlimited debate in an attempt to stall action on a bill; cloture is the method of limiting a filibuster through petition & vote • Pork barrel legislation – an attempt to provide finds & projects for a member’s home district or state • Logrolling – an attempt by members to gain the support of other members in return for their support on the member’s legislation; “I’ll support your bill, if you will support mine.”

49. Review Unit 5 The Executive, The National Judiciary, Civil Liberties & Civil Rights

50. The Executive Succession & Disability • The Constitution says if the president can no longer serve, the VP will carry out the duties & powers of the office. • The Constitution doesn’t state that the VP shall actually become president; that tradition began w/the death of W.H. Harrison • After the death of JFK the 25th amendment was added, stating that the VP becomes president if the office is vacant • The 25th amendment provides for presidential disability. If the president becomes unable to perform the duties of the office, the VP may become “acting president” under one of the following conditions • The president informs congress of the inability to perform the duties of president • The VP & a majority of the cabinet inform congress, in writing, that the president is unable to perform duties