pos1041 study guide ch1-4
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Indian River State College *
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1041
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Political Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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12
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POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
1.
Citizens in democracies exercise popular sovereignty, while in oligarchies and autocracies, power is concentrated in the hands of fewer individuals. How does a democracy differ from an autocracy or oligarchy? -in a democracy, citizens rule themselves, while a single individual or small group controls most governing decisions in an oligarchy or autocracy. 2.
The Founders created a system that balances majority rule and minority rights, yet it requires differing levels of knowledge and involvement from the public. Which of the following statements best characterizes the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy? -in a representative democracy, voters select individuals to act on their behalf, while direct democracy involves citizens voting directly on legislation, such as through initiatives and referenda in some states. 3.
Describe the rights and responsibilities that citizens have in a democracy. Why are political knowledge and political efficacy important ingredients for a democracy? -an informed and engaged public that participates and serves as a check on government is vital for ensuring that government is responsive to the public.
4.
The sharp and steady decline in Americans’ sense of efficacy has caused citizens to disengage from politics. Which of the following statements about Americans’ knowledge and involvement in politics and government is true? -Americans’ level of efficacy has declined over time, and political involvement and knowledge is generally low among the public. 5.
The United States continues to diversify and is projected to become a majority-
minority country by 2050. Which of the following statements best characterizes population changes in the United States over time? -the American population has become more racially and ethnically diverse. 6.
Questions concerning how to achieve fair representation have become more important as population shifts have occurred both within and across states. What effect has the changing composition of the American population had on politics and government? -it raises contentious debates about balance of representation among different regions of the country and between urban and rural areas.
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
7.
While each is a guiding principle of American representative democracy, what the concepts mean and how they have been applied over time has changed. Which of the following statements regarding the values of liberty, equality, and justice is true? -liberty, equality, and justice are contested values and their meaning has changed over time.
8.
The core values of liberty, equality, and justice are interrelated, and the meaning of these concepts has shifted across time depending on the political context. How have the values of liberty, equality, and justice shaped the U.S. political system? -liberty, equality, and justice are core values that have not been equally applied over time, yet continue to inform debates around important issues like press freedom, income inequality, and criminal justice reform. 9.
Democrats have often advocated for enlarging the size of government, while Republicans have argued for restraining it. Overall, which statement best describes Americans’ views about the government? -Americans are deeply divided over the scope of government with Democrats supporting an enlarged role and Republicans preferring limited government.
10.
The differing levels of trust are likely because state and local governments are smaller than the federal government, which means citizens can exert greater influence on local and state politics. Which statement best characterizes Americans’ trust in government? -Americans’ trust in the federal government has been declining, through their trust in state government has remained relatively consistent.
11.
Most Americans of African descent were not officially citizens in the United States until:
-1868, when the 14
th
Amendment to the Constitution conferred citizenship on formerly enslaved people.
12.
How do authoritarian governments differ from totalitarian governments?
-Authoritarian governments, while recognizing no formal challenges to their authority, may still be restrained by other social institutions, while totalitarian governments recognize no formal limits and will seek to eliminate institutions that may challenge them.
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
13.
Generally speaking, in order to be a good citizen in the United States, it is most critical to have:
-political knowledge about the American system of government.
14.
Although the internet has increased Americans’ access to information about government, which of the following presents the most significant existence of increasing their political knowledge?
-disinformation
15.
What liberty, equality, and justice mean and how they have been applied has evolved over time.
-true
16.
Which of the following is an example of social justice?
-Black Lives Matter protestors organize and march to raise awareness about issues in policing and law enforcement and seek policy changes.
17.
Even as the colonists were extolling the virtues of freedom and self-governance, they were limited sovereignty for Native nations. Which of the following motivated the colonists’ desire for a stronger central government leading to the Declaration of Independence? -the desire of the colonists to pursue westward expansion against the wishes of King George III and native people.
18.
While Congress was given some powers, any laws it passed could be carried out only by state governments. Which of the following descriptions of the Articles of Confederation is accurate?
-the colonists established a weak central government in the Articles of Confederation, reflecting their fear that a strong government would infringe upon individual liberty.
19.
The Great Compromise brought together delegates from the large states who wanted representation based on population and those from small states who sought equal representation. During the Constitutional Convention, the delegates disagreed over how representation should be determined, resulting in:
-a bicameral legislature in which one chamber would be apportioned based on state population and in the other states would receive equal representation
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POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
20.
This compromise meant the southern states gained influence in the House of Representatives, but not as much as they wanted. How was the debate surrounding the counting of enslaved Black people for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives resolved?
-northerners and southerners eventually agreed only 3/5ths of enslaved people would be counted
21.
Federalism and the separation of powers allow the institutions of government to counteract and check one another so neither institution becomes too powerful. How does the Constitution limit the power of the national government?
-the Constitution includes two key principles- federalism and the separation of powers
22.
The Framers sought to create a presidency that would make the federal government capable of timely and decisive action yet also allow it to withstand excessively democratic pressures. The Framers sought to establish a national government strong enough to act yet not so strong that it could pose a threat to individual liberties and freedom. Which of the following reflects these competing considerations of the Framers?
-the Constitution creates a president with the authority to negotiate treaties and grant pardons who shares powers with the legislative and judicial branches and is chosen through indirect election
23.
The debate between the Federalists and Antifederalists over the power of the national government led to compromises found in the Constitution that continue to shape politics today. How did the perspective of the Federalists differ from that of the Antifederalists?
-while the Federalists supported a stronger national government, the Antifederalists favored limited government
24.
The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, and they aim to protect individual rights and liberties from government overreach. While the Federalists ultimately prevailed, the Antifederalists did have a lasting impact on the Constitution by making a persuasive case for the inclusion of:
-the Bill of Rights 25.
The separation of powers and federalism are two key features of the Constitution. Discuss why the Founders chose to include these institutional arrangements in the Constitution and how they function. In your answer, be sure to define what is meant
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
by separation of powers and federalism and describe how each functions in the American political system.
-The separation of powers divides govemmental responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, preventing the concentration of power Federalism allocates authority between the natonal and state governments, creating a dual sovereignty structure. The Founders chose to include these institutional arrangements in the Constitution to establish a balanced system. In today's society, federalism ensures distinct powers for national and state govemments, preventing potential tyranny. The separation of powers, on the other hand, permits the legislative branch to create laws, the executive to enforce the laws, and the judicial to interpret the laws, preventing any branch from becoming too powerful. This also fosters a system of checks and balances, where the President can veto a law, but Congress can override the veto with a two thirds majority. This framework protects individuals’ liberties and maintains a dynamic government.
26.
Shays’ Rebellion was significant because it:
-convinced many observers that the government under the Articles of Confederation had become dangerously inefficient and indecisive
27.
Aggressive new tax and trade policies imposed by the British upon the colonists split the elites and increased the radicals’ political influence, producing boycotts and demonstrations.
-true 28.
What does the supremacy clause assert?
-the Constitution and all laws made under it are superior to any state laws
29.
The Antifederalists argued that the powers of the federal government should be clearly spelled out and “confined to certain defined national objects.” This most directly refers to:
-limited government
30.
During the Philadelphia convention, the New Jersey Plan was generally supported by _______ states.
-less-populous 31.
The framers of the Constitution sought a new government that would be strong enough to promote commerce and protect from radical state legislatures
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
-true 32.
Beginning in 1760, British tax and trade policies:
-undermined support for British rule among the colonial elite by threatening the economic interest of New England merchants and southern planters
33.
Which of the following provisions was included in the Constitution to create a federal government strong enough to promote commerce and protect property from radical state legislatures?
-national government control over commerce and finance
34.
The 3/5ths Compromise stipulated that for purposes of apportioning congressional seats only 3/5ths of enslaved people would be counted.
-true 35.
The Federalists recognized that to achieve ratification of the Constitution they would have to compromise with the Antifederalists on the matter. Which of the following statements best describes the Federalists’ and Antifederalists’ views on the Bill of Rights?
-while the Federalists felt that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary because there were already restrictions on the national government, the Antifederalists saw its exclusion as a major flaw that needed to be remedied
36.
The process of applying the Bill of Rights to the states through selective incorporation was slow, and today only the 3
rd
and 7
th
Amendments remain unincorporated. How does the Bill of Rights limit the power of the national government and state governments?
-the Bill of Rights initially only applied to the national government; however, in the Palko case, the Court established selective incorporation with provisions of the Bill of Rights applying to the state governments through the 14
th
Amendment.
37.
The Court has issued many significant rulings on the cases of these two clauses in recent years, ranging from decisions about the treatment of prison inmates, public displays of religious symbols, and health care. What is the difference between the establishment clause and the free exercise clause found in the 1
st
Amendment of the U.S. Constitution?
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POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
-the free exercise clause safeguards individuals’ religious rights, while the establishment clause restricts government from endorsing a particular religion or giving favor to a certain religion
38.
In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores
, the Supreme Court ruled that the provision violated the owners’ religious beliefs as protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which requires government to prove a “compelling interest” for requiring individuals to obey a law that violates their religious beliefs. Which of the following statements regarding Supreme Court rulings on recent religious freedom cases is true? -the Supreme Court ruled that the section of the Affordable Care Act mandating employers to provide their female employees with free contraceptives coverage violated the business owners’ religious beliefs
39.
These shield laws vary considerably in the protections afforded to journalists and their sources. Which of the following statements regarding the freedom of the press is true?
-although many states have shield laws that protect journalistic sources to varying degrees, there is no federal shield law and no special constitutional protections for journalists
40.
Political speech receives a higher standard (strict scrutiny) which places a heavy burden of proof on the government if it seeks to restrict speech; however, political speech may be regulated under certain circumstances. Which of the following statements regarding imitations on free speech is true?
-political speech has consistently been protected by the courts since the 1920s; however, speech can lose its protected status when it is deemed a “clear and present danger” or incites physical conflict with the use of fighting words
41.
With this decision, the Court made its first new incorporation decision in 40 years. What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald v. Chicago
?
-the Supreme Court applied the 2
nd
Amendment to the states, a process known as incorporation
42.
The Court ruled that the 2
nd
Amendment provides a constitutional right to keep a loaded handgun at home for self-defense, a view that had long been subject to debate. What effect did the Supreme Court’s ruling in District of Columbia v. Heller
have on gun ownership rights?
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
-the Court ruled in favor of expansive rights of gun ownership by individuals
43.
This case established the Miranda rule, which requires persons under arrest to be informed prior to police interrogation of their rights to remain silent and to have the benefit of legal counsel. What is the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Miranda v. Arizona
? -it advanced the civil liberties of the accused by expanding the 5
th
Amendment’s protection against coerced confessions and self-incrimination as well as confirming the right to counsel
44.
The Supreme Court has upheld the police’s use of “anticipatory warrants” and DNA testing of arrestees without the need for individualized suspicion. How has the Supreme Court’s interpretation of individuals’ 4
th
Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures evolved?
-the Supreme Court has softened the application of the exclusionary rule, allowing federal courts to use their discretion about it depending on the “nature and quality of the intrusion”
45.
Court cases regarding birth control and abortions have expanded the right to privacy. How has the government protected the right to privacy?
-although not explicitly mentioned in the Bill of Rights, various Supreme Court cases have recognized the right to privacy through other rights
46.
In Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey
, the Court upheld Roe
but narrowed its scope, stating that abortion can be subject to regulation by the states as long as the regulation does not constitute as “undue burden”. Which of these statements regarding a woman’s right to seek an abortion is true?
-while the Supreme Court has continued to affirm a woman’s right to seek an abortion, t has increasingly limited that right
47.
There are numerous powers that are discussed as part of the consideration of federalism. Define and explain the differences between expressed, implied, reserved, and concurrent powers. In outlining the differences, please provide an example of each. -The expressed powers can be defined as the seventeen powers granted to the national government by the US Constitution in Article 1, Section 8. This provides Congress and the President the ability to collect taxes and declare war, to name a few. However, implied
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
powers are powers that are not established in the Constitution but are necessary for the national government to fulfill its responsibilities, permitting Congress to make laws that are
"necessary" to carry out the preceding powers.
Quite the contrary, reserved powers are powers that are not specifically delegated to the national government nor denied by the states, therefore reserving themselves to the states or the people in the Tenth Amendment. This allows the states to administer elections and regulate the health and safety of its citizens through its police power. While both governments have their separate powers, they share the authority of concurrent power, giving both the national and state governments the ability to regulate the quality of their products and granting or denying licenses to practice a trade or business.
48.
Which of the following statements best describes the 2005 Supreme Court’s ruling on medicinal marijuana? -
The federal government has the power to regulate use of medicinal marijuana under the commerce clause. 49.
Which statement best describes how welfare and aid to the proof were handled by government prior to the Great Depression? -
State and local governments took responsibility for assisting the poor, usually by channeling aid through private charities.
50.
Suppose the government wanted to develop a national high-speed rail network. The federal government supplies states with money to do so but imposes very strict laws on how it will be spent. This type of funding is most likely to come from -
A categorical grant. 51.
The “fugitive slave” clause of the Constitution.
-required “free states” without slavery to return freedom-seeking enslaved people to the states from which they escaped.
52.
States are required to return fugitives to other states from which they have fled by the Constitution’s.
-fugitives return clause.
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POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
53.
Concurrent powers are reserved solely to the federal courts.
-false
54.
State governments are often called the “laboratories of democracy” because they -allow governments to experiment with many different policies.
55.
During the first 150 years under the Constitution, the federal government was -focused narrowly on taking actions to assist commerce and encourage economic development.
56.
Which state’s health care law became the template for the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
-Massachusetts 57.
The “wall of separation” between church and state is most related to which clause of the First Amendment?
-establishment
58.
_________ prevents people from being tried twice for the same crime.
-Double Jeopardy 59.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) was significant because the Supreme Court concluded that the Constitution:
-prohibits the government from regulating political speech that is funded by corporations.
60.
What is the process by which the Supreme Court has expanded specific parts of the Bill of Rights to protect citizens against state actions?
-selective incorporation
61.
The Supreme Court ruled that the press, with the exception of broadcast media, is protected against prior restraint.
-true 62.
Which government agency is placed in charge of prohibiting false and misleading advertising?
-the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
63.
The first test for determining when the government may intervene to suppress political speech was called the ________.
-clear and present danger 64.
The _______ clause of the 1
st
Amendment protects an individual’s right to believe and practice whatever religion he or she chooses.
-free exercise 65.
According to the Supreme Court, which of the following is true about high school students in public schools?
-high school students’ speech has only limited protection
66.
What is the right to privacy and what is the constitutional basis for it? discuss three areas of law that directly involve questions about how far the right to privacy extends. in your answer, be sure to mention at least one supreme court case for each area of law.
-The right to privacy signifies that individuals have the right to control their personal lives and areas. Primarily derived from the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, individuals are free from unwarranted invasions. Although multiple areas are being questioned on how far this privacy extends, three tend to stand: birth control, abortion, and sexual orientation. Birth Control: In the landmark case of Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), the Supreme Court ruled that a state's ban on the use of birth control was unconstitutional, further explaining that the right to privacy also included the right for an individual to make decisions on the use of contraception. Abortion:
In the climactic case of Roe v. Wade (1973), the Supreme Court indicated that banning abortion was unconstitutional. Not only would it save the mother's life, but it is her right to privacy to be able to decide in regards to her body, thus having the ability to terminate the pregnancy before the birth.
POS1041 STUDY GUIDE CHAPTERS 1 – 4
Sexual Orientation:
In the case of Lawrence v. Texas (2003), the Supreme Court declared that the state law was unconstitutional, as such laws violated the right to privacy for individuals to have private relationships with whom they desire. This case was able to overturn Bowers v. Hardwick (1986).
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