WGU C963 - American Politics and the U.S. Constitution

WGU C963 - American Politics and the U.S. Constitution What was a Federalist argument in support of the ratification of the Constitution? A strong national government is better for national defense and economic growth. Which concept was James Madison referencing when he stated, "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition" in Federalist, no. 51? Separation of powers and checks and balances 00:0401:24 What is a judicial check on the executive branch? The Supreme Court can declare actions by the executive branch unconstitutional. What describes dual federalism? State government and national government have exclusive authority in clearly defined jurisdictions. What was a major difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution? The Articles of Confederation did not provide for a national judiciary. Why did the framers design the government under the Articles of Confederation with a Congress? They wanted a government based on the representation of the population. What did the Great Compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan that was finalized in the Constitution establish? A two-chamber Congress What were the results of the three-fifths compromise? It allowed slave states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for the purpose of representation. Who was responsible for drafting the Bill of Rights and submitting it to Congress? James Madison Why did the colonists oppose being taxed by Great Britain? They did not have elected representatives in the House of Commons. Which power does the president have under the Constitution? Appointing judges What is a protection against an elected president abusing powers for personal gain? The power of Congress to impeach the president What is the purpose of executive agreements? To establish agreements with foreign countries without congressional approval What are implied powers? powers used by the national government that are not expressly written in the Constitution but that are assumed through interpretation. What are expressed or enumerated powers? powers specifically stated in the constitution What are reserved powers? Powers not listed in the constitution that only the states have. What best explains why individual members of the Senate have more power than individual members of the House of Representatives? The smaller total number of Senate members compared to the number of representatives What describes the equal proportions method of congressional apportionment? Congressional districts are drawn in order to maintain similar numbers of voters in each district What describes the process of bills becoming laws in Congress? There are 7 steps in the process for a bill to become a law. Bills change significantly through House and Senate revisions. What is a power reserved for the states? Conducting elections How many Federal appellate courts exist in the US? 13 How many sitting justices are there on the Supreme Court? 9 How do most states award votes in the Electoral College? The candidate who wins the popular vote in the state gets all the electoral votes for the state. What is true about campaign ads in primary elections? They often try to raise the name recognition of a candidate. How are elections for the U.S. Senate conducted? One-third of the Senate seats are up for election every two years. Which election cycle event allows local party members to select their delegates for a presidential election? A caucus What was the purpose of creating the Federal Election Commission in the 1970s? To ensure transparency in campaign financing Public Interest Group promote public, or collective, goods that help most or all citizens Lobbying attempting to influence policy makers Political Action Committee (PAC) a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns Why is it difficult to measure the influence of interest groups? Interest groups tend to support lawmakers who would have likely supported the group's issues anyway. What is closely associated with a citizen being less likely to vote? Having a lower income job. What was required by states under the 1993 National Voter Registration Act? It required states to allow citizens to register to vote when they sign up for driver's licenses. Voter registration increased but voter turnout was largely unchanged. In which types of cases would the Supreme Court use the standard of strict scrutiny? Cases that restrict fundamental rights of protected classes Which right is protected under the free exercise clause of the Constitution? Freedom of religion What describes the principle of prior restraint? The government can prevent some information from being published if it affects national security. What is an appropriate characterization of media agenda setting? It determines which events deserve public attention. How do presidents use mandates after election? They use their public support to implement campaign promises. What is a criticism of the bandwagon effect on American politics? News media agencies provide more coverage to candidates that are leading in the polls