POSC 101 INTRO TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT MIDTERM EXAM 1 STUDY GUIDE

These are key terms that you should know for the final exam. Keep in mind that it is not enough to simply know the definitions of these key terms. You also need to think critically about how different key terms relate to each other, how these terms fall into the larger themes of the class that weve discussed, and where relevant, any examples you can think of that were discussed in class.

LARGER THEMES What is Politics? (both definitions) What is Government? What are the purposes of government? What makes government different than other political institutions? Explain the foundation of American government: popular sovereignty combined with constitutionalism. What is the difference between classic liberalism and civic republicanism? Give examples of each. What is the purpose of a constitution? What does it mean to say the constitution is a living document? What is it about the constitution itself that allows for it to be a living document? What are the potential benefits and problems to having the constitution be a living document? What does the concept checks and balances mean. What is tyranny? How does a separation of powers equate to checks/balances? What is the purpose and drawbacks to checks and balances? What are examples of checks and balances in our government? What is the difference between a delegate and a trustee? Why did the Federalists believe a Bill of Rights did not need to be ratified in the Constitution? Explain how the Federal implied powers and States reserved powers contradict one another? Understand how the American civil war is an example of this contradiction. What are examples of the Federal Governments enumerated powers, the federal governments implied powers, and the States reserved powers? What are the pros and cons to federalism?

What is the difference between dual federalism and cooperative federalism. Which government is stronger in which system and why? What does the federal government use as an incentive to encourage states to implement and enforce federal law? What is the process to split California into multiple states? What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy? What are examples of direct democracy in California? What are the pros and cons to the proposition system in California?

KEY TERMS American Government Basics Politics (both definitions) Government Free Rider Problem Public Good Foundation of American Government Popular Sovereignty (6 principles) Constitutionalism American Political Culture Classic Liberalism (6 principles) Individuality Civic Republicanism

Constitution Constitution

Living Document Articles of Confederation (and its problems) Factions Checks and balances Tyranny of Majority/Minority Republican Principle Delegate v. Trustee Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan) The Virginia Plan v. The New Jersey Plan 3/5th Compromise

Federalism Federalism Federal Enumerated Powers Federal Implied Powers Interstate Commerce Clause Necessary and Proper Clause States Reserved Powers Dual Federalism Cooperative Federalism Pros and Cons of Federalism Shifting Loyalties, Experimentation, Governments exist to address both national and local concerns, Tyranny of Local Majorities (ex. Jim Crow Laws) Supremacy Clause

California Government California Government Structure (differences with federal) Direct Democracy Proposition System Recalls Referendums Initiatives Charters Incorporation General law counties and general law cities Charter counties and charter cities