East Penn Academic Government Notes

Democratic Party More liberal, and as a whole, supports an active government that assists people and helps to regulate parts of our society. Through tough times, the government should help more. Republican Party More conservative, and as a whole, supports less government regulatino and encourages "rugged individualism". They argue that individuals are responsible for their life's outcome. Minor Parties Four distinct types of minor parties: Ideological Parties Based on a particular set of beliefs, holds high value ontheir principles. They provide a comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters. Single-Issue Parties Focus on only one public policy matter. Economic Portest Parties Rooted in period of economic discontent, these parties proclaim disgust with major parties, and demand for better times. They forucs energy on "enemies" of the monetary system. Splinter Parties Those that have split away directly from other major par...

Political parties are a group of people who seek to control the government through the winning of elections and holding of public office. Nominating Candidates Parties select candidates then present them to the ovters for the general election. Informing and Activating Supporters Inspire and activate citizens' interests and participation in their party's favor. Bonding Agent Function Paties ensure "good performance" of its candidate by ensuring that they are qualified. Watchdog Function Party of power tries to convince voters they should throw the controlling party out and put them in. This scrutiny makes the controlling party more careful of their actions and responsive to the people. Governing United States is government by party. Party ideologies influence governmental decisions. Two-Party System Republicans and Democrats dominate American politics, and only those two have a chance of winning. Single member district pattern works to discouragte min...

Interstate Compacts States cannot enter into treaties, international alliances, or confederations. States can enter into interstate compacts, which are agreements among themselves with other states. Full Faith and Credit Clause States must respect the validity of the other state's judicial proceedings, public acts, and personal records. Extradition Clause Extradition is a process by which a fugitive from justice in one States can be returned to that States. Privileges and Immunities Clause Prevents a State from treating citizens of other States in a discriminatory manner. States must allow residents to: Become residents of new states. Buy, rent, sell, and own property. Use courts. Travel uninhibited.

Invasion and Internal Disorder The federal government must protect each state against invasion. It also guarantees protection against internal disorder. The federal government only steps in rarely, by a request from governor or legislature, national laws or broken, or national functions are interfered with. Admitting New States Only Congress can admit new States. They cannot be created by unwillingly taking territory from other states. Process State asks Congress for permission Congress asks the people of the territory to propose a State constitution Congress admits the new state Conditions Each state should enter on equal footing, and they cannot compromise the independence of a State to manage its own affairs. Grants Grants federal money to state and local governments. It promotes cooperative federalism, where the national government helps the states. Block Grants Made for more broadly designed purposes, with fewer strings attached. States have a greater fr...

Federalism A system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of government on a  territorial basis between a central government and state governments. Enumerated Powers Powers directly spelled out in the Constitution for the National Government. Commander-in-Chief Income taxes Implied Powers Not directly stated in Constitution, but suggested by the Enumerated Powers. Inherent Powers Powers that belong to the National Government because it is a government in a sovereign state in the world community. It is not expressed, acquired over time, and only exists because the United States does. Reserved Powers In the Tenth Amendment, powers the Constitution does not grant to the national government but also does not deny to the States. Most of what government gets done in this country is done by the States. Concurrent Powers Powers that both the national government and states possess and execute, making a federal system possible. What is t...

Basic Legislation  Congress can pass laws to clarify aspects of the Constitution and has used this method to increase its own powers Has created: Federal Courts Executive branch departments, offices, agencies Presidential Actions Executive Orders A rule or directive issued by the president having the force of law, not mentioned in the Constitution Treaty Constitutional power given to the President to establish a: Formal agreement between two or more sovereign states Requires the Senate’s approval Presidents and Foreign Affairs Executive agreements Unofficially expanded president’s constitutional influence/ power in foreign affairs: Pact made by the President with the head of a foreign state Not in Constitution, but used more frequently Parties and Other Precedents Political parties have changed the function of the electoral college: Bodies that selects the nation’s president It was a way to ensure that people vote properly, now i...

Purpose of the Document Lays out how government is organized, leaders are selected, and government is limited. Amendments Amendments are changes or additions that become part of the written language of the Constitution. Methods for Proposing National convention called by Congress at request of two thirds of the State legislatures. This is the least common method and hasn't been called since the original convention. Congress may propose it with a two thirds vote in each house. Options for Ratification Ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or a two thirds vote in both houses. Ratified by conventions in three-fourths of the states. Only done in case of twenty-first amendment. Difficulties in Amending Must be debated multiple times Create a supermajority twice Country is populous and diverse Criticisms of Amending Constitution change without clear-cut expression by the People. It's also incredibly difficult. There are much easier ways to ...