STUDYGUIDE1 – Flashcards
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Pluralism, elite theory, and social movement theory essentially answer the question of?
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where power really lies in american politics
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According to elite theory, what is the source of influence?
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Status based on leading positions in society.
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Under pluralism, what is the source of influence?
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A group's organization, resources ; connections.
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Social movement theory emphasizes the power of?
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Popular uprisings/movements.
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Congress, the president, the Supreme Court, and the Department of Homeland Security are all institutions that shape?
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a. power. b. ideas. c. politics. D. all of the above are true.
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Mastering how the four I's; ideas, institutions, interests, and individuals are what shape politics which also requires an understanding of?
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History
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The organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action are known as?
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institutions
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The role of citizens is limited to choosing among competing leaders in the __________ theory of democracy.
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elite
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The key concept of the pluralist theory of democracy is?
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groups
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What is the term for an approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them?
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Rational-choice theory
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The system of government that rests ultimate governing power in its people, who may rule directly or via representatives, is called?
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Republic
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The theory that says that mass popular uprisings have the potential to introduce great changes regardless of who is in control of ordinary, day-to-day politics is known as?
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Social Movement Theory
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What is the name for the national social movement, primarily attracting fiscal and social conservatives, that sought to limit government spending and cut taxes?
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Tea Party
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Negative liberty is?
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Freedom from constraints or the interference of others.
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In 1944 President Roosevelt proclaimed the four freedoms. Of these, the first two: freedom of speech and religion—are types of?
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Negative liberty
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What is the main difference between a republic and a democracy?
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In a democracy, people vote directly, and in a republic, people rule indirectly through their elected representatives.
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The view that the United States is unique, marked by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government, is known as?
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American exceptionalism
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Which term means "the ability to pursue one's own desires without interference from others"?
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Freedom
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Which term means "the freedom and ability to pursue one's goals"?
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Positive Liberty
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What is a process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution?
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initiative
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What is the name for Americans who believe in minimal government—small army, no social programs, no social or moral legislation?
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Libertarians
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The idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being is called?
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individualism
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Which term refers to a government whose citizens are responsible for one another's well-being and use government policy to assure that all are comfortably cared for?
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social democracy
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Political equality is a situation in which?
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Every citizen has the same political rights and opportunities.
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What is a statistical term for the number in the middle or the case that has an equal number of examples above or below it?
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median
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What is the idea that every American has an equal chance to win economic success?
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equal opportunity
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The British did not agree with the colonial view of delegate representation because
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The English did not change their election districts every time the population shifted.
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The Boston Tea Party is a reference to?
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The colonists denying Parliament's right to tax or regulate them without the approval of their elected legislatures.
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The Declaration of Independence derives its ideas from which Scottish political theorist, who wrote Two Treatises on Government?
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John Locke
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Pluralism
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people can influence government through many interest groups
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what theory is an example of groups for global warming or banning abortions?
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pluralism
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Elite Theory
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power rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy powerful people
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Bureaucratic theory
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control of gov. lies with the men and woman who carry out the day-to-day operations of modern government and business
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Social Movement Theory
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mass popular uprisings have the potential to introduce great changes no matter who is in control
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Institutions
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organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action
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Supreme Court and Congress are examples of what?
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Institutions
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Politics definition?
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How a society makes collective decisions. (who gets what, when, and how)
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What does freedom mean?
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It means that the gov. will protect your life, liberty, and your property from the coercion of others
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Freedom of want? (roosevelt)
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positive
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What rights can no one infringe on individual rights?
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Freedom of speech and religion (worship)
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Who wrote, "no novelty in the U.S. struck me more vividly.. than the equality of condition" after visiting the U.S.?
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Alexis Tocqueville
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Solidarity
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the idea that people have a tight bond and are responsible for one another
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where there are only small differences in wealth between citizens (1790, very small difference in wealth and little poverty)(now dramatically changed)
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Economic equality
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What equality would removing money from elections have to do with?
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Political
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Social equality
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all individuals have the same status in soceity
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when representatives follow expressed wishes of the voters
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delegate representation
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representatives do what they regard as the best interest of the voters (independent of what the voters want
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trustee representation (english view)
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Where government controls trade and economy
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Mercantilism
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1754-1763
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The French and Indian War
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Stamp Act Congress
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October 1765
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Townshend Acts
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1767
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Boston Massacre
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1770
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"perhaps the most famous piece of anti-military propaganda in American history"
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Boston Massacre
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Boston Massacre was?
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street fight between redcoats and colonists because the soldiers were tired of being harrassed by mobs throwing snowballs and rocks at them
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December 16, 1773
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Boston Tea Party
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republic is...?
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Representative form of democracy/ people are in charge.
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What are the 7 big ideas of american exceptionalism?
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Liberty, self rule (democracy), limited government, individualism, the American dream, equality, and faith in God.
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Negative liberty...
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limits government action/ right to act how you want
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Negative liberty limits government action. They make sure that others (government officials) do not....
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interfere with individuals perusing their own goals
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President Roosevelt thought that the negative liberties _____ and ______: that no one could infringe on those rights
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freedom of speech and freedom of worship (religion)
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President Roosevelt thought that _____ (def?) was positive liberty.....
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freedom from want (helping needy people from hard times)
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3 DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA (ATTRIBUTES)
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POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY, POLITICAL EQUALITY & POLITICAL LIBERTY
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POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY
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people have authority; govt. does what the people want
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POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY ALSO MEANS
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THE AVOIDANCE OF TYRANNY.
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TYRANNY
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ABSOLUTE POWER IN A GOVERNMENT with a single ruler
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POLITICAL LIBERTY
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freedom from gov. control
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POLITICAL EQUALITY
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everyone gets one vote and has an equal say
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LINCOLNS DEF OF DEMOCRACY
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"...GOVT. OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE & FOR THE PEOPLE..." (LINCOLN)
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DEF OF DEMOCRACY
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"RULE BY THE PEOPLE" SELF GOVT. BY THE MANY
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DIRECT PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY--DIRECT DEMOCRACY (2 points)
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-PEOPLE ACTIVELY AND DIRECTLY RULING THEMSELVES -THAT CITIZENS BE ABLE TO REGULARLY MEET TO DEBATE AND MAKE DECISIONS
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REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
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RULE BY THE PEOPLE, EXERCISED INDIRECTLY, THROUGH ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES
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POINTS OF E.E. SCHATTSCHNEIDER DEF. OF DEMOCRACY
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-THE MAIN INGREDIENTS OF THIS DEFINITION ARE CONFLICT, COMPETITION, ORGANIZATION, LEADERSHIP, AND RESPONSIBILITY. -A SORT OF WORKING DEFINITION OF DEMOCRACY.
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"DEMOCRACY IS A COMPETITIVE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN WHICH COMPETING LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS DEFINE THE ALTERNATIVES TO PUBLIC POLICY IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE PUBLIC CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS."
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E.E. SCHATTSCHNEIDER DEF. OF DEMOCRACY
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LIST OF 4 CONDITIONS OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY
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1. GOVT. POLICIES REFLECT THE POPULAR WILL (VALUES) 2. PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS. 3. HIGH-QUALITY INFORMATION AND DEBATE IS AVAILABLE 4. THE MAJORITY RULES...IE. A MAJORITY DECISION RULE
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POLITICAL LIBERTY POINTS
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-WITHOUT THESE LIBERTIES ANY OTHER FUNDAMENTALS OF DEMOCRACY COULD NOT EXIST -FOR MOST PEOPLE, DEMOCRACY AND LIBERTY ARE INSEPARABLE: THE CONCEPT OF SELF-GOVERNMENT
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POLITICAL EQUALITY POINTS
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-PEOPLE ENTER INTO THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS AS EQUALS -ALLOWS A SOCIETY TO MEASURE OR ENFORCE THE POPULAR WILL -BRINGS ABOUT POLITICAL EFFICACY (THE SENSE THAT YOU CAN AFFECT WHAT GOVT. DOES)
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wrote the prince and discourses
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Machiavelli
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banished from the medici family (he didn't want the medici fan. to take away his status quo)
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Machiavelli
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who was not idealistic as Aristotle?
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Machiavelli
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Who wrote the intro to self interest?
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Machiavelli
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Who wrote the intro to nature?
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Hobbes
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What are the points that state political life is best understood more as a state of war than a state of peace?
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-things must be viewed in their most basic condition- stripped of decorations -fundamental reality of the human conditions is war not peace
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what idea did mach. challenge?
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that it is man's human nature to think about things in their perfect condition
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for most men what is more important than public life? (most pay no attention to public life)
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private life
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who wrote two treatises of government
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John Locke
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Who wrote that by consent, individuals created a government to protect their natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
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John Locke
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Who wrote Leviathan?
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Hobbes
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salutary neglect
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english policy of ignoring colonies
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Democracy
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The people decide who gets what and when Demo- The People, Cracy-To Rule
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Federalism
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The division of power across state, local and national government
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Bipartisanship
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When both parties work together
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Constituent
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Those voting
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According to the Greeks, scholars of the Christian Middle Ages, and European philosophers (such as John Locke & Thomas Hobbes), what is the utility (purpose) of government?
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Greeks - To create and environment that promotes human excellence - Beware of mob rule Christian Middle Ages-To promote morality, be pious, goal heaven, promote ethical behavior
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What are the major political contributions of Hobbes
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Believed people tire of state of nature and chose to have a government that has power over them. We are born to a state of war
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What are the major political contributions of Locke
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We are born with natural rights: life, liberty, property. Since these are natural rights government cannot take them away People form government to protect rights If govt fails to protect rights, people have right to overthrow and create new
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According to your textbook, what is the key theme of American Politics
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Politics is conflict and compromise
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Why did the American colonists want to break away from the political control of the British crown?
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Passage of oppressive acts. After 7 year war, UK wanted states to pay for war, taxes, sugar tax, stamp act Declarity Act: Pass laws that were binding to colonies UK asserted their right to rule Tea Tax Forced to house soldiers Closed Boston Port Trials for offenses against crown Town meetings were suspended Mass governor was replaced with British Governor Trials were held in Nova Scotia or London
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What political beliefs did they invoke as justification for their behavior?
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John Locke - If the government faills to protect our natural rights, The People have the right to overthrow and create a new one.
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Also, what specific policies of the Crown did the Colonists reject?
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Declarity Act: Pass laws that were binding to colonies UK asserted their right to rule Tea Tax Forced to house soldiers Closed Boston Port Trials for offenses against crown Town meetings were suspended Mass governor was replaced with British Governor Trials were held in Nova Scotia or London
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What was the purpose for holding (the goals) the First Continental Congress?
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To mend the rift with the Crown Two groups, Economic and Non Economic/Political Find and record solutions, petition the govt with the problems
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What was accomplished at this meeting if the First Continental Congress? (What did they do?)
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British increased troops, trade sanctions, seized all military arms, closed military stores and hardware
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What was the purpose for holding (the goals) the Second Continental Congress?
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Situation worsened, needed to break free from UK
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What was done at the Second Continental Congress? (What did they do?)
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Decided to break free from UK, justified by Locke Formed an army Selected a General Worked with French for assistance, money & recognizing colonists
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What were the Articles of Confederation and why isn't it our Constitution today?
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States Rights. First attempt at a new government. Too restrictive. Replaced with the Constitution. No president, no tax, no court
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What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
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No money, states began competing, tax from one state to another when moving across state, Bankruptcy farms
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The first three articles of our Constitution discuss whom/what?
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Established: 1. Legislative Branch, Congress 2. Executive Branch 3. Judicial Branch
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What issues did anti-federalist support and what did they fear?
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Supported States Rights and personal liberty Feared personal liberties would be lost
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Know and be able to explain the three compromises that had to occur (regarding legislative representation, how to assess the size of a population, and the protection of certain civil liberties ; states' rights) in order to get the Constitution ratified
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1. States Rights: Heavily populated states wanted more representation, less populated wanted a set number of reps. COMPROMISE: Legislature would have two chambers: House of Representative based on population, Senate 2 reps per state. 2. Should slaves be counted? COMPOMISE: 3/5ths Compromise - 5 slaves would count as 3 people 3. Personal Liberties: COMPROMISE: The Bill of Rights
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What are the formal powers of the Legislative Branch (the 17 enumerated powers of Congress)? What power is given to Congress in Section 1, of Article 1 of the Constitution?
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To Legislate Then...................... 1. Power to tax and to spend the money raised by taxes, to provide for the nation's defense and general welfare. 2. To borrow money. (bonds, etc) 3. To regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states. Interstate commerce covers all movement of people and things across state lines, and every form of communication and transportation. 4. To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States 5. To coin money and set its value ; regulate weights and measures. Congress created the Federal Reserve System to regulate the nation's monetary supply. To fix the standard of weights and measures 6. To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States; 7. To establish a Post Office and post roads. 8. To issue patents and copyrights to inventors and authors, trademarks. Promote science in the arts by protecting intellectual property rights. 9. To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; Create federal courts below Supreme Court 10. To define and punish piracy, felonies on high seas and crimes against the law of nations 11. To declare war - Congress declares war, while the president wages war. 12. To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years; 13. To provide and maintain the Navy 14. To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces Congress' control of funding the military provides another check on the executive branch. 15. To provide a militia, right of the states to appoint officers and train them 16. To exercise exclusive legislative powers over the seat of government (DC) and other places purchased to be federal facilities. 17, To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the forgoing powers and all other powers vested by the Constitution. and get them done (The Elastic Clause)
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What special (or particular) powers are given to the House of Representatives? And to the Senate?
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House Revenue bills (taxes) begin at the House Charges of impeachment Senate Approve and ratify Presidential nominees, treaties, Impeachment trial
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How is the power of the Legislature checked/balanced/constrained?
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Executive checks - President can: veto, call Congress into Special Session, delay ; implement legislation against the original intention of Congress, VP has tie breaking vote in Senate Congress Checks: Bring about charges of impeachment, Senate approves presidential nominations. Judicial Checks - Supreme Court can declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional, Chief Justice presides over impeachment trial The Bill of Rights
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Explain the basics regarding the membership (how many), duration of term and how members are elected (explain the nature of single-member, plurality elections) for both chambers of Congress
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House 435 members (by population), 2 year term, entire house elected every 2 years, 25 yrs old, citizen 7 yrs, must live in state where district is located 100 Senators, 2 from ea state, 6 yrs, staggered 1/3 every two years, at least 30 yrs old, citizen for 9 yrs in state
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What is an incumbent (define the term) and what benefits do incumbents possess that enable them to be reelected so frequently? How often are they re-elected?
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Person running for election that already holds the office. Benefits: campaign supporters, established money and contributors, already known, constituent services, franking privileges, ability of members of congress to send out mail to constituents for free, Gerrymandering: manipulating how districts are drawn.
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What are the two ways that our Legislature is organized?
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The Political Party and Committee System
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What is a Standing Committee
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Standing Committees are permanent
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What is a Select Committee
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temporary, must be renewed every 2 years
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What is a Joint Committee
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Includes members of both houses
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What is a Conference Committee
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a type of joint committee with one job, to reconcile 2 slightly different versions of same law
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What is a subcommittee
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Smaller part of a committee
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Know and explain the duties of the following positions: Speaker of the House
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Most powerful, Sends bills to committee, decides who sits on committee, decides who chairs committee, Chairman of House Rules Committee, Is the focal point, 2nd in line for President
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Know and explain duties of President of the Senate
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VP, Opens and closes senate session, tie breaker
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Know and explain duties of Majority/Minority Leaders
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They are the spokesmen of the parties
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Know and explain duties of Whips
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persuade party members to vote a certain way on a bill
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Know and explain duties of: President Pro-Temp of the Senate?
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Subs for Vice President
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How does a bill become a law? Explain the process and know how difficult it is for a bill to become a law.
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1. Introduced by member of that chamber 2. Assigned to a committee for deliberation, then sent to subcommittee 3. Floor action: submitted to the full chamber for debate 4. Conference Committee: bill is reconciled then sent to both chambers for another vote 5. Goes to President for signature or veto, If vetoed, can be overturned by 2/3 vote
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How is the President elected?
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By the indirect vote. Popular vote is tallied, each state is given a certain amount of electerates based on state population for prior census. Popular vote in each state goes to the winning party. Electoral college cast votes for President
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How long is a Presidential term?
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4 years
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How many times can a President be reelected?
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2 terms, no more than a total of 10 years
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What powers does the Presidency possess?
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Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Make treaties Nominate ambassadors Present info on State of the Union to Congress Recommend legislation to Congress Convene both House and Senate under extraordinary cases Adgourn congress Veto legislation Take care that laws are faithfully executed Nominate officials Request written opinions of Administrative officials Fill admin vacancies during congressional recess Grant reprieves Nominate federal judges
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Explain what Presidents formal/expressed powers are
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Formal/Expressed Powers: Executive power, pardons, recommend legislation, veto legislation, convene congress, Receive Ambassadors, make treaties, make appointments, Commander in Chief
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What does the term, the imperial presidency, refer to? (define the term)
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President has the powers have expanded over time do to changes in the technological threats, advancements in weaponry and information gathering. The president has the power of an emperor.
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Explain what President's delegated powers,
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Powers delegated to the president by the Congress
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Explain what President's inherent/implied/inferred powers and the power to persuade
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Powers that the President believes he has. Example powers previous President had and used
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How is the federal judiciary organized? How many tiers
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3 tiers. Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District Courts
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How is the federal judiciary organized? Name ; job of each tier?)
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Supreme Court, highest court, Court of Appeals, intermediate level, strictly appealate District Courts, lowest level 94 judicial districts, trial, no appeals
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What kinds of court opinions does the Supreme Court issue?
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Majority Opinions
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How many Justices sit on the Supreme Court?
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9
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What powers does the Supreme Court have (what utility does the Supreme Court serve?)?
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Final authority over both state and federal courts Power of Judicial Review, Chief Justice sits on trial of Impeachment, Settle disputes, interprets the Consititution
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What is the process of Supreme Court hearing a case (procedure)?
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Decide what to hear Written arguments/briefs are submitted and studied Oral arguments are heard Court conferences are held Opinion is written.
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What is the process of Supreme Court choosing a case.
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Rules of Access: Original Jurisdiction Legal Controversy National Significant Appeal jurisdiction through certiorari process
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Explain what is meant by the term 'judicial review'
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Declare legislative or executive branch acts unconstitutional
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Explain what is meant by the term 'highest appellate court'
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It has final authority over all courts
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What is meant by the phrase: Rule of Four
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Only four justices must vote yes to place on docket
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How is the power of the Federal Judiciary checked/balanced/constrained?
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SC over Pres: may declare executive action unlawful, unconstitutional Pres over SC: Nominates federal judges, may issue pardons, executes court decisions SC over Congress: Power to interpret legal disputes arising under acts of Congress, may declare acts unconstitutional Congress over SC: Decides size of federal courts System, # of SC justices and appellate jurisdiction of SC. May impeach and remove Federal Judges. may rewrite legislation that courts have interpreted and initiate constitutional amendments, confirm judicial nominees
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What kind of cases are the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
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State vs state, cases involving ambassadors
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What is meant by the phrase: Judicial Activism
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courts providing justice and fairness
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What is meant by the phrase: Judicial Constraint
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just interpreting the constitution
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What is a civil liberty?
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Political freedoms that protect people from government abuses of power. They are in the Bill of Rights.
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What is a civil right?
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.A demand we make on government to ensure protection of civil liberties.
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How is a civil liberty different than a civil right?
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Civil Liberties are freedoms given to us by the Bill of Rights. Civil Rights - government cannot violate these freedoms
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How are our civil liberties protected?
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The Bill of Rights
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How are our civil rights protected?
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Rooted in laws and equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. The Supreme Court.
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How did the 14th Amendment impact civil rights?
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All citizens are given equal protection under the law.
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Plessy vs Ferguson
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Allowed complete segregation. Forbade interracial marriage and mandated separation of races in neighborhoods, hotel, etc...
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Jim Crow Laws
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Established separate but equal. Allowed segregation as long as blacks had equal facilities.
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Brown v Board of Education?
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Rejected separate but equal followed by Brown II which ordered schools desegregated.
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What are the specific functions that elections perform/provide?
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Means to hold elected officials accountable Means to socialize political activity A way to bolster the government's power A method to exert mass influence in politics
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How does our government regulate elections?
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Decides how many votes it takes to win. Decides whether single member or plurality. Decides requirements for different offices. FEC sets disclosures and finance rules.
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What was the first and last Constitutional Amendments that enlarged the US electorate?
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15th Amend - extended voting rights to all races 26th Amend - extended voting rights to age 18
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How is the President elected?
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Electoral college. 270 votes needed to win.
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How are member to the House of Reps. elected?
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Single member, plurality elections
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What are the causal variables (factors) that shape voting behavior?
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Age, gender, race, education, income
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What characteristics describe the person who statistically is the most versus least likely to vote?
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White, college grad, 55 yrs and up
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What characteristics describe the typical voter for the Democratic Party?
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female, minority, under age 50,single, non college grad, most important issues foreign policy, economy, health care,
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What about the Republican Party?
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male, white, over age 50, married, college grad, issues: deficit, economy
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What are some current problems with the way elections are held in the US (issues of concern)?
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Low voter turnout, voting irregularities, high cost of running for office, campaign finance rules, gerrymandering,
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Hard money
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Contributions by individuals and PACs that are for political change
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Soft Money
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unregulated contributions to parties to assist in party-building or voter registration efforts
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PAC
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Private group that raises and distributes funds for election campaigns $5000 to a candidate, $15,000 to a national party Can receive $5000 from any one person
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Super PAC
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Independent expenditure only committees Cannot make contributions to candidate campaigns or parties No legal limit to funds they can raise
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501.c4
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issue advocacy groups no donor information revealed
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What is gerrymandering?
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The deliberate drawing of congresstional districts to influence the outcome of an election
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What is the impact of gerrymandering on politics?
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Pack a district with voters of one party or dilute another party's voters
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What are political parties? Define the term
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To elect their members to office.
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What do political parties do? Explain the various functions/activities they perform
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Recruit candidates Get out the vote Facilitate mass electoral choice Influence national government Run campaigns Parties act together and vote the same way
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Why do we still have a 2-Party system?
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Smaller shared idealogical preferences and goals We like checks and balances Historical legacy
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Explain what factors hinder the rise of more political parties with a real chance of winning federal office while reinforcing the existing of two major parties such as the impact of the rational voter and rational candidate.
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We know that only the top 2 candidates have a chance at winning, therefore there is no reason to vote or run don't want to waste vote. Money is thrown away because it is so expensive. Also, candidates are scutinized.
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How do political parties select their presidential candidate?
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Through primaries and caucuses. Every state has a vote
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What is the difference between a primary versus a caucus?
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Primaries are closed to party only. Caucus used by small states under 100 people attend. Cannot leave until final count. Also discuss party platform.
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What is done at a political party's national convention?
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Party debates and votes on party platform and chooses nominee.
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What issues are confronting American political parties in the current period?
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Polarization of Dems and Republicans. Ticket splitting Decline of party identification Rise of media and internet Impact of Tea Party Peoples fatigue of existing parties-view as corrupt.
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What is meant by the term 'linkage institution'?
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Links peple t politics and polit
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Define what an interest group is?
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Organized group of people that make policy related appeals to government. Actively attempt to influence policymakers in all branches of government at all levels.
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What is a lobbyist?
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Someone that is hired to influence legislatures toward a certain cause
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Which interest groups are important to American politics today?
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AARP, AFL CIO, NRA, NEA, Sierra Club, Pharmaceutical PhRMA
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What functions (positive roles) do interest groups fulfill in American politics?
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They work together, accountability, information. Like minded people working together.Solidarity, coercion. Education, Information, Participation, give money to PACS
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How do interest groups attempt to influence policy development ; implementation? (strategies)
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Direct lobbying, litigation, pay for court fees and atty, mobilizing public opinion, electoral politics, money,
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Why is it that the involvement of interest groups in politics is often criticized?
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Poor under represented. bias toward rich and upper class, buying politicians, revolving door for Capitol Hill to K St. They draft legislation
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Utility of Media in Democratic Society
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i. Acts as a watch dog ii. Necessary agent to keep govt accountable
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Define the term 'media' and be able to explain its various types (forms)
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Agent of Mass Communication print media, TV, Radio, Internet
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What are some major trends regarding the media? (ei. Most popular? Least? Ownership? etc.)
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Newspapers are declining even though they supply the best information Audio and Visual tend to listen to only those that agree with them
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What are the sources of power for the media? Be able to explain each source of power
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Agenda setting - Controlling the information Priming - using music and images to psychologically alter the way information is rcvd Frames - Spinning info, commentary and talking points Adversarial Journalism - Viewing the government with a healthy skepticism and searching out for the truth via investigative reporting of government
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Agenda setting
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Controlling the information
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Priming
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using music and images to psychologically alter the way information is rcvd
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Frames
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Spinning info, commentary and talking points
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Adversarial Journalism
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Viewing the government with a healthy skepticism and searching out for the truth via investigative reporting of government
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How do politicians attempt to influence the media?
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Leaks, press releases, press conferences, managed coverage, lack of disclosure
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Why do people criticize the American media's contemporary role in politics?
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How we be well informed if they media is shaped by the very people that media is covering.
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How do the unique attributes of California affect our politics?
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Area is large and difficult to govern Large population creates demands Competing interests economic issues, government must be strong Higher costs of voting - ballots, languages
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Explain the direct democracy strategies of: initiatives, referendum, and recall-1. What are they?
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Initiative: Propositions, away for voters to propose a law by petition and then put on ballot Referendum: 2 types, a) allows voters to approve or reject amendments passed by Senate Legislature. b) Allows us to repeal a law passed by Sacramento Recall: Voters can petition for a special election to remove an official from office
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initiatives, referendum, and recall-Why do we have them?
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to bypass red tape and go directly to the people
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The Legislature: Assembly
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80 members, 2 year term, 3 term max. total of 6 years Make Laws, establish taxes, propose amendments, establish and regulate court, create maintain public schools, regulate commercial activities
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The Legislature: Senate
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40 members, 4 year term, 2 term max, total of 8 years Senate approves 170 political appointments Make Laws, establish taxes, propose amendments, establish and regulate court, create maintain public schools, regulate commercial activities
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The Legislature: Governor
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4 year term, 2 term max if served after Nov 2009 Powers: veto bills, heads the CA budget, directs CHP, Commander in Chief of Natl Guard, Executes laws, manages CA exec branch, Power of appt of over 170 appointees, decides clemency, calls special sessions, calls special elections
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The Legislature: Lieutenant Governor
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4 year term, 2 term limit Preside over CA Senate, acting gov, on boards of Cal University & Economic Development Commiss.
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The Legislature: Secretary of State
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4 year 2 Term in charge of elections and state record keeper
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The Legislature: Insurance Commissioner
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4 year 2 Term Monitors corporations that sell insurance, consumer advocate
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The Legislature: Attorney General
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4 year 2 Term chief legal advisor to the state law enforcement, prepares propositions for the ballot
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The Legislature: Controller
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4 year 2 Term State Accountant
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The Legislature: Treasurer
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4 year 2 Term State Banker, taxes
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The California Judiciary Who? How many? For how long (term length)? Powers? And Elected how?
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Supreme: 12 year term, 7 justices Appeals: 12 year term, 93 justices Superior: 6 year term, 58 Courts
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Budget: What are the top 3 sources of income & expenditures for the California General Fund?
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Income tax, sales tax, corp tax
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Budget: What is the process/ procedure for creating and approving the California Budget?
answer
Agencies....Gov, Dept of Finance.... Assembly/Senate.......Legislative analysis.....Assembly/Senate subcommittees.....revisions.......Full committee Assembly/Senate.....Assembly/Senate Floor....Budget Conference Committee......Assembly/Senate Floor.....Gov sign/line item vetos
