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