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Constitution
A nation's basic law, creates political institutions, assigns or divides
power in government and often provides certain guarantees to
citizens. Can be written or unwritten.
Agents of Socialization
Family (most important); TV/media (growing in importance);
friends/peers; school (formal socialization). How we develop
(absorb) opinions & beliefs.
,American Political Culture
A set of basic, foundational values and beliefs about government
that is shared by most citizens. Key elements: democracy, equality
before the law, limited government, capitalism & private property
Anti-Federalists
A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in
1787. They opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and
supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!"
Articles of Confederation
Set up the 1st independent American government (1783-88).
Nonbinding "league of friendship" among sovereign states with
weak central government to help with common defense &
cooperation (like the European Union). Replaced by our current
constitution in 1788.
Bandwagon Effect
"Copy-cat" behavior. People often do things just because other
people do them. In primary elections, it is when people support
the candidate everyone else seems to be supporting (poll
leaders). Leads to Primary Frontloading (states want to have the
most impact in the primary process)
,Block Grants
Grants ($) given to the states by the federal government for a
general purpose (like education or road-building). Unlike
categorical grants, states have discretion to decide how to spend
the money. Example = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
(TANF) (States develop and implement welfare programs using
federal money).
Casework
Assistance given to individual constituents by congressional members,
like helping an elderly person figure out how to get Medicare
benefits. Major incumbency advantage.
Categorical Grant
A grant ($) given to the states by the federal government for a
specific purpose or program. The federal government tells the
states exactly how to spend the money (no state discretion unlike
block grants). Example = Medicaid. Most common type of federal
grant because it gives Congress the most control over the states.
Checks and Balances
A major principle of the American system of government. Helps maintain
separation of powers so that no one branch gets too powerful. Explained in
Federalist 51. Examples: President vetos laws; Senate confirms appointments &
treaties; Congress impeaches president & judges...
, Chief Justice John Marshall
In office from 1801-1835 (longest serving CJ). Supported increased
power of federal government. Decided McCulloch v. Maryland,
Gibbons v. Ogden, and Marbury v. Madison.
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibits discrimination based on race or gender in employment
or public accommodations (restaurants, hotels). Created EEOC to
enforce. Based on Congress's interstate commerce clause power
(discrimination impacts interstate commerce). The most
important federal civil rights law.
Commerce Clause
Art. 1, Sec. 8 of the Constitution (enumerated power). Congress has
the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the
several states ["Interstate Commerce Clause"], and with the
Indians. Interpreted by the Supreme Court very broadly (Gibbons
v. Ogden) until Lopez & Morrison.
Confederation
Nonbinding union of sovereign states (example = European Union,
America under Articles of Confederation).