UNITS OF THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

1-Historical Foundations of the American Government.
2-Participating in Politics.
3-The Legislative Branch.
4-The Executive Branch.
5-The Judicial Branch.
6-State and Local Government.
7-The Political World Today.The Future of the American Government.

Objectives

1-Trace the major events leading to the establishment of the Constitution (II A).

2-Describe the various philosophies that influenced the development of the government of the U.S. (II A).

3-Review major documents which provided the foundations for the Constitution (II A).

4-Understand the historical origins of basic constitutional concepts (II A).

5-Provide examples of the way each branch of the national government checks and balances the powers granted to the other branches (II A).

6-Define the concept of Federalism (II C).

7-Analyze the strengths and weakness of the federal system of government (II C).

8-Identify the powers granted and denied to the national and state governments (II C).

9-Evaluate the structure and function of government at all levels in American political life (II C).

10-Explain the concept of majority rule with protection of individual and minority rights (III B).

11-Analyze freedoms granted in the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to all citizens regardless of race, religion, and origin (III B).

12-Define government as a universal institution and describe its major functions (VI A).

13-Differentiate among the major forms of government in the world today (VI A).

14-Compare the structure and functions of American democracy with other forms of government (VI A).

15-Assess the spread and effects of democratic principles from the ancient Greece to the present days (VI A).

VOCABULARY

1-GOVERNMENT: THE INSTITUTION THROUGH WHICH A SOCIETY MAKES AND ENFORCES ITS PUBLIC POLICIES.

2-PUBLIC POLICES: ALL THOSE THINGS A GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO DO, SUCH AS IMPOSING TAXES, SETTING A MINIMUM WAGE, MAINTAINING ARMED FORCES, PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, ETC.

3-STATE: A BODY OF PEOPLE, LIVING IN A DEFINED TERRITORY, ORGANIZED POLITICALLY, AND HAVING THE POWER TO MAKE AND ENFORCE THE LAW.

4-SOVEREIGN: THE ABSOLUTE POWER A STATE HAS WITHIN ITS TERRITORY TO DECIDE ITS DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICIES.

5-CONFEDERATION: AN ALLIANCE OF INDEPENDENT STATES.

6-PARLIAMENT: COUNCIL, LEGISLATURE, CONGRESS. A REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF GOVERNMENT WITH THE POWER TO MAKE / APPROVE THE LAWS.

7-DICTATORSHIP: A GOVERNMENT THAT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE AND USES SOME KIND OF REPRESSIVE METHODS TO RULE. TOTALITARIAN / AUTHORITARIAN POWER.

8-DEMOCRACY: A GOVERNMENT IN WHICH THE SUPREME AUTHORITY RESTS WITH THE PEOPLE.

9-COMPROMISE: THE PROCESS OF BLENDING AND ADJUSTING, OF RECONCILING COMPETING VIEWS AND INTERESTS.

10-ANARCHY: IT IS THE ABSENCE OF GOVERNMENT.

11-CHARTER: A WRITTEN GRANT OF AUTHORITY (KING, POPE).

12-UNICAMERAL / BICAMERAL: ONE / TWO HOUSE LEGISLATURE.

13-BOYCOTT: A REFUSAL TO BUY OR SELL GOODS TO SOME OTHER NATION / COMPANY.

14-CONSTITUTION: BODY OF FUNDAMENTAL LAWS SETTING OUT THE PRINCIPLES, STRUCTURES, AND PROCESSES OF THE GOVERNMENT.

15-RATIFICATION: FORMAL APPROVAL.

16-FRAMERS: THE GROUP OF OUTSTANDING PERSONALITIES WHO ELABORATED THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION (WASHINGTON, MADISON, BEN FRANKLIN, HAMILTON, ETC.)

17-FEDERALISTS / ANTI-FEDERALISTS: IN FAVOR / AGAINST THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION.

18-LIMITED GOVERNMENT: THE GOV. IS NOT ALL-POWERFUL. IT ONLY MAY DO THE PEOPLE’S WILL.

19-CONSTITUTIONALISM: THE GOV. MUST BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES.

20-RULE OF LAW: GOVERNMENT AND ITS OFFICERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE LAW, NEVER ABOVE IT.

21-AMENDMENT: CHANGE.

22-GRANTS-IN-AID: FEDERAL MONEY ASSIGNED TO THE STATES FOR CARRY OUT SOME SPECIFIC PROGRAMS (CATEGORICAL GRANTS).

23-BLOCK GRANTS: FEDERAL MONEY ASSIGNED TO THE STATES WITH MORE BROADLY DEFINED PURPOSES AND FEWER STRINGS ATTACHED.

24-INTERSTATE COMPACTS: AGREEMENTS AMONG THE STATES.

25-FULL FAITH AND CREDIT: EACH STATE MUST RESPECT THE PUBLIC ACTS, RECORDS, AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF EVERY OTHER STATE (BIRTH CERTIFICATES, DEEDS OF PROPERTY, CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, DIVORCES, ETC.).

26-EXTRADITION: A LEGAL PROCESS IN WHICH A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE IN A STATE IS RETURNED TO THAT STATE FROM ANOTHER.

THE ORIGIN OF THE STATE

1-THE FORCE THEORY: One person or group claimed control over an area and forced all within it to submit to his / their rule.

2-THE EVOLUTIONARY THEORY: The state developed naturally out of the early family (the family head), which became a clan, a tribe, a nation.

3-THE DIVINE RIGHT THEORY: The state was created by God and He gave the “divine right” to rule to those of royal birth. The people must obey their rulers as they obey God.

4-THE SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY: In earliest history humans lived in a “state of nature”, no government existed. Later, people agreed to create a state to protect themselves from violence, attacks from other groups, etc. By contract, people in a territory agreed to give up to the state as much power as was needed to promote the well-being of all. This theory argues that the state exists only to serve the will and needs of the people.

THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT (The Preamble to the Constitution)

1-TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION

2-TO ESTABLISH JUSTICE

3-TO INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY

4-TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE

5-TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE

6-TO SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY

BASIC CONCEPTS OF DEMOCRACY

1-A RECOGNITION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL WORTH AND DIGNITY OF EVERY PERSON.

2-A RESPECT FOR THE EQUALITY OF ALL PERSONS.

3-A FAITH IN MAJORITY RULE AND AN INSISTENCE UPON MINORITY RIGHTS.

4-AN ACCEPTANCE OF THE NECESSITY OF COMPROMISE.

5-AN INSISTENCE UPON THE WIDEST POSSIBLE DEGREE OF INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM.

6-A CERTAIN MINIMUM LEVEL OF ECONOMIC SECURITY, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION FOR THE PEOPLE.

LANDMARK ENGLISH DOCUMENTS

1-THE MAGNA CARTA: Trial by jury, due process of law, protection against the arbitrary taking of life, liberty, and property.

2-THE PETITION OF RIGHT: Not imprison political critics, not declare martial law during peacetime, not force people to pay taxes without common consent by act of the parliament.

3-THE BILL OF RIGHTS: Prohibited a standing army in peacetime, required that parliament elections must be free, established that the king can not suspend the laws, declared freedom from excessive bail and cruel punishment.

LANDMARK AMERICAN DOCUMENTS

1-THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT

2-THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

3-THE ARTICLES OF THE CONFEDERATION

4-THE CONSTITUTION

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

1-THE VIRGINIA PLAN

2-THE NEW JERSEY PLAN

3-THE CONNECTICUT COMPROMISE

4-THE 3/5 COMPROMISE

5-THE SLAVE TRADE COMPROMISE (20 YEARS).

PHILOSOPHICAL SOURCES OF THE CONSTITUTION

1-MONTESQUIEU’S THE SPIRIT OF THE LAWS: Separation of Powers

2-ROUSSEAU’S SOCIAL CONTRACT: Limited Government, Popular Sovereignty.

3-JOHN LOCKE’S TWO TREATIES OF GOVERNMENT: People’s Rights.

4-ADAM SMITH: FOUNDATIONS OF CAPITALISM.

RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION (1789)

1-FEDERALISTS vs.  ANTI-FEDERALISTS

2-THE BILL OF RIGHTS

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CONSTITUTION

1-POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

2-LIMITED GOVERNMENT (CONSTITUTIONALISM & RULE OF THE LAW)

3-SEPARATION OF POWERS (EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL)

4-CHECKS AND BALANCES

5-FEDERALISM (FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT)

6-JUDICIAL REVIEW (Marbury vs. Madison 1803)

AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

1-THE FORMAL PROCESS: Changes or additions that become part of the written language of the constitution.

Proposed by Congress (2/3) & Ratified by the State Legislatures (3/4).

Proposed by Congress (2/3) & Ratified at State Conventions (3/4).

Proposed at a National Convention & Ratified by the State Legislatures (3/4).

Proposed at a National Convention & Ratified at State Conventions (3/4)

(See the subjects of the 27 current amendments.)

2-THE INFORMAL PROCESS: Changes that have been made without modifying the text of the Constitution as a result of the day-to-day experiences of government.

The passage of basic legislation by Congress (Spell out the brief provisions, define the meaning of some statements).

Actions taken by the President (Not declared wars, executive agreements vs. formal treaties.

Decisions of the Supreme Court (Interpretation of the text).

Activities of political parties (Electoral vs. Popular vote to elect the President).

Custom (The Cabinet as an advisory body, the non-third-term tradition).

THE POWERS OF THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS

1-DELEGATED POWERS: THE POWERS GRANTED IN THE CONSTITUTION TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

EXPRESSED POWERS: SPELLED OUT EXPRESSLY IN THE CONSTITUTION

IMPLIED POWERS: THOSE THAT ARE NOT EXPRESSLY STATED BUT ARE REASONABLE IMPLIED BY THOSE POWERS THAT ARE (REGULATE INTERSTATE COMMERCE: BUILD HYDROELECTRIC POWER DAMS, KIDNAPPED PERSONS ACROSS STATE LINES, PROHIBIT RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES).

INHERENT POWERS: THOSE THAT NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE WORLD HAVE HISTORICALLY POSSESSED (REGULATE IMMIGRATION, ACQUIRE NEW TERRITORIES, GIVE DIPLOMATIC RECOGNITION).

2-RESERVED POWERS: THE POWERS RESERVED IN THE CONSTITUTION TO THE STATES (MARRIAGE LAWS, EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL LICENSES).

3-POWERS DENIED TO THE NATIONAL, STATE, AND BOTH LEVEL OF GOVERNMENTS: LEVY DUTIES ON EXPORTS, CREATE A PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM / CONDUCT ILLEGAL SEARCHES, SIGN TREATIES WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES, COIN OR PRINT MONEY / DENY FREEDOM OF RELIGION, SPEECH, AND PRESS.

4-EXCLUSIVE POWERS: ONLY CAN BE EXERCISED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

5-CONCURRENT POWERS: THE POWERS THAT BOTH THE NATIONAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS POSSESS AND EXERCISE (LAY AND COLLECT TAXES, CONSTRUCT ROADS).

THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE FEDERAL LAWS.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH THE STATES

1-GUARANTEE A REPRESENTATIVE AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT.

2-PROTECTION AGAINST FOREIGN INVASION AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

3-RESPECT THE TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY (STATES’ BOUNDARIES).

4-REGULATE AND ADMIT NEW STATES: ENABLING ACT (CONGRESS DIRECTS THE FRAMING OF A STATE CONSTITUTION AND THE APPROVAL OF IT), ACT OF ADMISSION, AND PRESIDENT SIGNATURE.

5-GENERAL HELP TO THE STATES: GRANTS-IN-AID PROGRAMS, BLOCK GRANTS, REVENUE SHARING, FEDERAL AGENCIES SUPPORT (FBI, SHARE CENSUS’ INFORMATION), ETC.

FORMS OF GOVERNMENT

1-UNITARY GOVERNMENT: A CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT IN WHICH ALL POWERS BELONG TO THE CORE OR CENTRAL AUTHORITY. LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT ONLY EXIST TO FACILITATE THE RULE OF THE CENTRAL AUTHORITY (MOST OF TODAY NATIONS).

2-FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: THE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT ARE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (U.S.).

3-CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT: THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT HAS THE POWER TO HANDLE ONLY THOSE MATTERS THAT THE INDEPENDENT-MEMBER STATES HAVE ASSIGNED TO IT: DEFENSE AND FOREIGN COMMERCE. THE STATES COOPERATE IN SOME MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN BUT RETAIN THEIR SEPARATE IDENTITIES (THE U.S. BEFORE THE CONSTITUTION, THE SOVIET UNION AFTER 1991).

4-PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT: A GOVERNMENT IN WHICH EXISTS A SEPARATION OF POWERS BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE ARE INDEPENDENT AND COEQUAL. (U.S.)

5-PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT: THE EXECUTIVE POWER IS MADE UP OF THE LEGISLATIVE. THE PRIME MINISTER / PREMIER IS THE LEADER OF THE MAJORITY PARTY IN PARLIAMENT, THE MEMBERS OF THE CABINET ARE MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT. THE EXECUTIVE IS PART AND IS SUBJECT TO THE CONTROL OF THE LEGISLATURE.

6-DICTATORSHIP

7-DEMOCRACY

a-DIRECT DEMOCRACY OR PURE DEMOCRACY: THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE IS TRANSLATED INTO PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTLY, IN MASS MEETINGS (SMALL TOWNS IN NEW ENGLAND & SWISS CANTONS).

b-REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY: A SMALL GROUP OF PERSONS CHOSEN BY THE PEOPLE ACT AS THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND EXPRESS THE POPULAR WILL CONDUCTING THE DAY-TO-DAY MATTERS OF GOVERNMENT.

8-MONARCHY vs. REPUBLIC: KING AND SUBJECTS (DIVINE RIGHTS) vs. PRESIDENT AND CITIZENS (ELECTORAL SYSTEM).

THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

1-The Constitution. The Bill of Rights.

2-The Government:

-Branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial

-Levels: Federal  / State / Local

3-Principles: Federalism, Separation of Powers, Checks & Balances

4-Political Parties: Democratic,  Republican, Others

5-News Media

6-Public Opinion (Polls/Surveys) & Elections (Campaigns/PAC’s/Money/Media).

7-INTEREST GROUPS: Iron Triangles, PAC’s, Lobbying

a-Businesses, Trade/Ind. Assoc. (Tobacco, Oil, Banks, Automakers, Insurance, Health Care, Tourism, Military, Aeronautic/Space), Chambers of Comm.

b-Labor Unions (AFL-CIO)

c-Professional (American Medical Assoc., American Bar Assoc., American Assoc. of Univ. Professors).

d-Public Interest (League of Women, Common Cause)

e-Citizen Groups (Single Issues (Pro-Life/Pro-Choice, Environment, Gays, Elders, Nat. Rifle Assoc., Mothers vs. Drunk Driving)

f-Ideological (Christian Moral Fund, American for Democratic Action, NAACP, Supremacists: KKK, Skinheads, Militias.)

g-Government Groups: Federal (Special Agencies), Sub-national (State Governors, League of Cities, Mayors), Foreign (Embassies, Corporations, etc.)

2-Participating in Politics.

Objectives

1-Map the state primaries in presidential elections (I A).

2-Explain the election process at the national, state, and local levels (I A).

3-Identify major political divisions of the U.S. (I A).

4-Explain the relationship between a nation’s political system and its political culture (II D).

5-Describe the basic structure and functions of political parties in the U.S. (II D).

6-Describe a significant third party movement in American history and assess the reasons for its eventual demise (II D).

7-Describe the role of political parties in the democratic process (II D).

8-Examine the democratic and undemocratic aspects of the electoral process (II D).

9-Discuss ways by which citizens exercise their political rights (III B).

10-Examine the role of a free press in a democratic society (III B).

11-Analyze the effectiveness of interest groups on government policy (V A).

12-Recognize that American society is and has always been pluralistic and multicultural (V A).

13-Describe the types of pressure groups that impact foreign policy (VI A).

14-Compare and contrast the U.S. and other nations media’s coverage of selected events and issues (VI B).

VOCABULARY

1-POLITICAL PARTY: A GROUP OF PERSONS WHO SEEK TO CONTROL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE WINNING OF ELECTIONS AND THE HOLDING OF PUBLIC OFFICE.

2-MAJOR PARTIES: THE DOMINANT POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE U.S. (Democratic & Republican)

3-COALITION: - A UNION OF MANY PERSONS OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS WHO HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO TRY TO GET CANDIDATES ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE.

- AN ALLIANCE OF DIFFERENT PARTIES / POLITICAL GROUPS TO BECOME STRONGER AND WIN / OBTAIN BETTER RESULTS IN THE ELECTIONS.

4-MINOR PARTY: ONE OF THE LESS WIDELY SUPPORTED PARTIES IN THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM.

5-TWO-PARTY SYSTEM: ONLY THE MAJOR PARTY’S CANDIDATES HAVE A REASONABLE CHANCE OF WINNING THE ELECTIONS.

6-SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICT: ONLY ONE CANDIDATE FROM THE DISTRICT IS ELECTED TO EACH STATE OR FEDERAL OFFICE ON THE BALLOT. IT IS ALL OR NOTHING. PARTIES DO NOT SHARE THE SEATS ACCORDING TO THE # OF VOTES EACH ONE GOT.

7-PLURALITY: TO WIN, CANDIDATES ONLY NEED THE LARGEST NUMBER OF VOTES CAST FOR THE OFFICE, NOT THE MAJORITY (51%).

8-PLURARISTIC SOCIETY: A SOCIETY CONSISTING OF SEVERAL DISTINCT CULTURES, RELIGIOUS, ETHNIC AND RACIAL AND GROUPS.

9-CONSENSUS: A GENERAL AGREEMENT AMONG VARIOUS GROUPS.

10-MULTIPARTY SYSTEM: ONE IN WHICH SEVERAL MAJOR AND LESSER PARTIES EXIST.

11-ONE-PARTY SYSTEM: DICTATORSHIP. THIS IS REALLY A “NO-PARTY” SYSTEM.

12-ELECTORATE: THE PEOPLE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.

13-IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES: THOSE BASED ON A PARTICULAR SET OF BELIEFS, A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL MATTERS.

14-SINGLE-ISSUE PARTIES: THOSE CONCENTRATING ON A SINGLE PUBLIC POLICY MATTER.

15-ECONOMIC PROTEST PARTIES: THOSE ROOTED IN PERIODS OF CRISIS OR DISCONTENT AND FOCUSED ON PARTICULAR ENEMIES (MONETARY SYSTEM, RAILROADS, WALL STREET, IMPORTS, ETC.).

16-SPLINTER PARTIES: THOSE WHICH HAVE SPLIT AWAY FROM ONE OF THE MAJOR PARTIES AND HAVE FORMED AROUND SOME STRONG PERSONALITY WHO FAILED TO WIN HIS FORMER MAJOR PARTY’S PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION (PROGRESSIVE PARTIES / THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1912), GEORGE WALLACE (1968)).

17-WARD: IT IS A UNIT INTO WHICH A CITY IS DIVIDED FOR THE ELECTION OF ITS COUNCIL MEMBERS. (DISTRICT - CONFUSION WITH STATE & FEDERAL ELECTIONS).

18-PRECINCT: IT IS THE SMALLEST UNIT OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATION. VOTERS OF EACH PRECINCT (BETWEEN 500-1000) REPORT TO ONE POLLING PLACE (WHERE VOTERS VOTE). A BOARD SUPERVISE THE PROCESS. ONE POLL WATCHER FROM EACH PARTY IS ALSO ALLOWED.

19-STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING: THE PRACTICE OF VOTING FOR ALL THE CANDIDATES FOR ALL THE OPEN OFFICES FROM BUT ONE PARTY.

20-SPLIT-TICKET VOTING: THE PEOPLE VOTE FOR CANDIDATES OF BOTH PARTIES OR DIFFERENT OFFICES AT THE SAME ELECTION (CANDIDATE NAMES vs. PARTY LOYALTY).

21-SUFFRAGE / FRANCHISE: THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

22-REGISTRATION: IT IS THE PROCEDURE OF VOTER IDENTIFICATION INTENDED TO PREVENT FRAUDULENT VOTING.

23-POLL TAX: TAX PAYMENT REQUIRED TO VOTE (AGAINST BLACKS). SEE THE LITERACY TESTS & THE GRANDFATHER CLAUSE. THE 24th. AMENDMENT (1964) OUTLAWED THIS TAX.

24-GERRYMANDERING: THE PRACTICE OF DRAWING THE LINES OF ELECTORAL DISTRICTS IN ORDER TO LIMIT / INCREASE THE VOTING STRENGTH OF A PARTICULAR GROUP OR PARTY (THIS WAS OUTLAWED BY THE SUPREME COURT IN 1960).

25-INJUNCTION: FEDERAL COURT ORDER.

26-POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION: THE PROCESS BY WHICH PEOPLE GAIN THEIR POLITICAL ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS.

27-PARTY IDENTIFICATION: THE LOYALTY OF PEOPLE TO A POLITICAL PARTY.

28-INDEPENDENTS: PEOPLE WITH NO “OFFICIAL” PARTY AFFILIATION. NO PARTICIPATION IN A CLOSED PRIMARY.

29-CAUCUS: A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PERSONS WHO MEET TO SELECT THE CANDIDATES THEY WILL SUPPORT IN AN UPCOMING ELECTION, TO LOBBY FOR THE APPROVAL OF LAWS THAT FAVOR THE GROUP’S INTERESTS, AND TO ACT AS A BLOCK IN CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES, DEBATES, ETC.

30-GENERAL ELECTIONS: REGULARLY SCHEDULED ELECTIONS AT WHICH VOTERS MAKE THE FINAL SELECTION OF OFFICEHOLDERS.

31-DIRECT PRIMARY: THIS IS AN ELECTION HELD WITHIN THE PARTY TO PICK THE PARTY’S CANDIDATES FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION. THIS CAN BE CLOSED, OPEN, OR BLANKET.

32-CLOSED PRIMARY: A PARTY NOMINATING ELECTION IN WHICH ONLY PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED PARTY MEMBERS CAN VOTE.

33-OPEN PRIMARY: A PARTY NOMINATING ELECTION IN WHICH ANY QUALIFIED VOTER CAN TAKE PART. VOTERS DECIDE AT THE POLLING PLACE IN WHICH PARTY PRIMARY THEY WISH TO VOTE.

34-BLANKET PRIMARY: A WIDE-OPEN PRIMARY ELECTION. VOTERS CAN NOMINATE CANDIDATES FROM DIFFERENT PARTIES (A REP. FOR ONE OFFICE, A DEM. FOR ANOTHER OFFICE, AND SO ON).

35-RUNOFF PRIMARY: IN THE STATES WHERE A MAJORITY (51%) IS REQUIRED TO WIN A PRIMARY, WHEN NO ONE WINS IN THE FIRST PRIMARY, THE TWO TOP VOTE-GETTERS RACE AGAIN IN A RUNOFF PRIMARY.

36-NON-PARTISAN PRIMARY: AN ELECTION IN WHICH CANDIDATES ARE NOMINATED ON A PERSONAL AND NONPARTISAN BASIS. LATER, HE / SHE RUNS UNOPPOSED IN THE GENERAL ELECTION SUBJECT ONLY TO WRITE-IN OPPOSITION (MANY DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND STATE JUDGES).

37-COATTAIL EFFECT: A STRONG CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR AN OFFICE INFLUENCES VOTERS TO SUPPORT OTHER LESS KNOWN CANDIDATES FROM THE SAME PARTY RUNNING FOR OTHER OFFICES.

38-BALLOT: THE DEVICE BY WHICH A VOTER REGISTERS HIS / HER CHOICE IN AN ELECTION. THE WAY VOTERS CAST THEIR BALLOTS IS SECRET. SAMPLE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE PRIOR TO AN ELECTION.

39-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (PAC’s): THE POLITICAL ARMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (CAMPAIGN FUNDING).

40-PUBLIC OPINION: THOSE ATTITUDES HELD BY A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PERSONS ON MATTERS OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS.

41-CONSTITUENCY: THE PEOPLE THAT ELECTED A PUBLIC OFFICIAL.

42-MANDATE: INSTRUCTIONS OR COMMANDS A CONSTITUENCY GIVES TO ITS ELECTED OFFICIALS.

43-PUBLIC OPINION POLL: A DEVICE THAT ATTEMPTS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC OPINION.

44-STRAW VOTE: A TYPE OF POLL THAT SEEKS TO READ THE PUBLIC’S MIND SIMPLY BY ASKING TO MANY PEOPLE THE SAME QUESTION.

45-SAMPLE: A REPRESENTATIVE SLICE OF THE TOTAL UNIVERSE USED FOR A POLL.

46-RANDOM SAMPLE: A SAMPLE IN WHICH EACH MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSE AND EACH AREA / REGION WITHIN HAVE A MATHEMATICALLY EQUAL CHANCE OF BEING INCLUDED WITHIN THE SAMPLE.

47-QUOTA SAMPLE: A SAMPLE DELIBERATELY CONSTRUCTED TO REFLECT SEVERAL OF THE MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UNIVERSE (GENDER, RACE, AGE, OCCUPATION).

48-MEDIUM / MASS MEDIA: THOSE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION THAT CAN REACH LARGE, WIDELY DISPERSED AUDIENCES OR MASSES OF PEOPLE SIMULTANEOUSLY.

49-SOUND BITES: SNAPPY REPORTS THAT CAN BE AIRED IN 30 -45 SECONDS SPACES TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S OPINION ABOUT A POLITICAL CANDIDATE.

50-INTEREST GROUP: A PRIVATE ORGANIZATION THAT TRIES TO PERSUADE PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT THE GROUP’S INTERESTS.

51-PUBLIC POLICY: ALL THOSE THINGS THAT A GOVERNMENT ATTEMPT TO DO IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE CERTAIN GOALS.

52-PUBLIC AFFAIRS: THOSE EVENTS AND ISSUES THAT CONCERN THE PEOPLE AT LARGE.

53-PROPAGANDA: A TECHNIQUE OF PERSUASION AIMED AT INFLUENCING INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP BEHAVIORS, CREATING A PARTICULAR POPULAR BELIEF (TRUE OR FALSE).

54-LOBBYING: THOSE ACTIVITIES BY WHICH INTEREST GROUPS TRY TO PRESSURE LEGISLATORS (MONEY, VOTES, CERTAIN PRIVILEGES) TO SUPPORT THEIR INTERESTS.

55-CANDIDATE-CENTERED vs. PARTY-CENTERED POLITICS.

56-INCUMBENT: ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIAL.

MAIN IDEAS IN THIS UNIT

1-AMERICANS’ POLITICAL OPINIONS ARE SHAPED BY SEVERAL FRAMES OF REFERENCE: IDEOLOGY, GROUP ATTACHMENTS, PARTISANSHIP, AND POLITICAL CULTURE.

2-THE AMERICAN POLITICAL CULTURE CENTERS ON A SET OF CORE IDEALS: LIBERTY, EQUALITY, SELF-GOVERNMENT, INDIVIDUALISM, DIVERSITY, AND UNITY.

3-PUBLIC OPINION HAS AN IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON GOVERNMENT BUT ORDINARILY DOES NOT DIRECTLY DETERMINE WHAT OFFICIALS WILL DO.

4-POLITICS IN THE U.S. IS CHARACTERIZED BY SEVERAL PATTERNS: HIGHLY FRAGMENTED GOVERNING SYSTEM, HIGH DEGREE OF PLURALISM, EMPHASIS ON INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, SEPARATION OF THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SPHERES.

5-VOTER TURNOUT IN U.S. ELECTIONS IS LOW. MOST CITIZENS DO NOT PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN POLITICS. MOST AMERICANS MAKE A SHARP DISTINCTION BETWEEN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES AND NATIONAL LIFE.

6-PARTY COMPETITION IS THE MECHANISM THAT PROVIDES THE MEANS FOR VOTING MAJORITIES TO PARTICIPATE AND INFLUENCE ON THE DIRECTION OF GOVERNMENT.

7-THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC COALITIONS ARE VERY BROAD. THEY NORMALLY ADVOCATE FOR MODERATE AND SOMEWHAT OVERLAPPING POLICIES.

8-ALTHOUGH NEARLY ALL INTERESTS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY ARE ORGANIZED TO SOME DEGREE, THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ARE BY FAR THE MOST ORGANIZED AND INFLUENTIAL. LOBBYING IS THE TRADITIONAL MEAN USED TO INFLUENCE POLITICAL LEADERS. THE OVERREPRESENTED INFLUENCE OF BUSINESS AND HIGHER-INCOME GROUPS’ INTERESTS ON THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT POLICIES DISTORTS THE AMERICAN DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM.

9-FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE EXISTENCE OF THOUSANDS OF SEPARATE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS DOES NOT RESULT IN A ROBUST MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS. THEY PRESENT A COMMON VERSION OF THE NEWS.

10-THE NEWS MEDIA PERFORM 3 SIGNIFICANT ROLES: SIGNALER (BRINGING RELEVANT ISSUES INTO PUBLIC VIEW), COMMON CARRIER (BEING A CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH POLITICAL LEADERS CAN ADDRESS THE PUBLIC), AND WATCHDOG (SCRUTINIZING THE OFFICIAL BEHAVIOR FOR EVIDENCE OF DECEITFUL, CARELESS, OR CORRUPT ACTS).

MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES

1-NOMINATE AND SUPPORT CANDIDATES FOR RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

2-INFORM PEOPLE AND STIMULATE THEIR INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

3-GRANT “SEALS OF APPROVAL” TO ITS CANDIDATES. ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS, CHARACTER, AND THEREFORE, THEY WILL HAVE A GOOD PERFORMANCE IN OFFICE.

4-PROVIDE THE BASIS FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCTION OF GOVERNMENT.

5-ACT AS WATCHDOGS OVER THE CONDUCT OF THE PUBLIC’S BUSINESS. CRITICIZE THE WRONG POLICES AND BEHAVIOR OF THE PARTY IN POWER.

REASONS FOR THE TWO-PARTY SYSTEM    (SEE ALSO PARTY STRENGTH)

1-THE HISTORICAL BASIS: FEDERALISTS vs. ANTI-FEDERALISTS.

2-THE FORCE OF TRADITION: IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY.

3-THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM TENDS TO PROMOTE THIS (SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICT, PLURALITY).

THE ERAS OF ONE-PARTY DOMINATION

1800-1860: THE DEMOCRATS WON 13 OF THE 15 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. JEFFERSON AND JACKSON. ECONOMIC EXPANSION. GOING WEST: OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE.

1860-1932: THE REPUBLICANS WON 14 OF 18 ELECTIONS. THE CIVIL WAR. LINCOLN’S LEGACY: INDUSTRY AND FINANCIAL INTERESTS. DEMOCRATS SURVIVED ONLY BECAUSE THE “SOLID SOUTH”. IMPERIAL POLICIES: McKinley & TEDDY ROOSEVELT.

1932-1968: THE DEMOCRATS WON 7 OF THE 9 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. THE GREAT DEPRESSION, THE WW II. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. THE POOR AND THE MIDDLE CLASS’ INTERESTS.

1968-2008: THE REPUBLICANS WON 7 OF THE 9 SEVEN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS. THE COLD WAR. THE FALL OF COMMUNISM. DEMOCRATS CONTROLLED THE CONGRESS. REAGAN: NEW FEDERALISM, HOPE & PRIDE. BUSH, Jr.: WAR AGAINST TERRORISM. THE WORST EVER?

2008-????: A NEW DEMOCRATIC ERA?

MINOR PARTIES (Role of critic and innovator, call for attention on special issues)

1-IDEOLOGICAL PARTIES

2-SINGLE-ISSUE PARTIES

3-ECONOMIC PROTEST PARTIES

4-SPLINTER PARTIES

Also Check: Democratic Party & Republican Party

NATIONAL PARTY “POLITICAL MACHINERY”

1-THE NATIONAL CONVENTION: The party’s national voice. It nominates the party’s candidates for the White House.

2-THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE: It handle the party’s affairs between conventions. In presidential election years, the attention of the committee is focused on the organization of the national convention and the campaign.

3-THE NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON: He / she heads up the national committee during the 4 years between conventions.

4-THE CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEES: They work to reelect incumbents, to save the seats given up by retiring party members, and to unseat incumbents in the other party in those races where there are chances for success.

FACTORS WHICH ARE WEAKENING THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL PARTY “POLITICAL MACHINE”.

1-GROWING NUMBER OF “INDEPENDENT” VOTERS.

2-TREND IN FAVOR OF CANDIDATE-CENTERED POLITICS.

3-INCREASING SPLIT-TICKET VOTING.

4-INTERNAL PARTY CONFLICTS AND DISORGANIZATION.

5-THE HEAVY USE OF TELEVISION, PROFESSIONAL CAMPAIGN MANAGERS, DIRECT-MAIL ADVERTISING, POLLS.

6-THE GROWTH OF SINGLE-ISSUE ORGANIZATIONS THAT TAKE SIDES AND RAISE MONEY FOR THE CANDIDATES THAT SUPPORT THEIR INTERESTS (PACs).

STAGES IN THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN VOTING RIGHTS

1789: WHITE MALE PROPERTY OWNERS.

1850: ALL WHITE ADULT MALES.

1870: THE 15th. AMENDMENT: THE RIGHT TO VOTE TO ALL CITIZENS OVER 21 YEARS OLD. (PROTECT BLACK AMERICANS). JIM CROW LAWS. THE KKK.

1920: THE 19th. AMENDMENT: EQUAL SUFFRAGE-SEX (GIVE WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE).

1961: THE 23rd. AMENDMENT: THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS FOR VOTERS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

1964: THE 24th. AMENDMENT: ELIMINATED THE POLL TAX.

1965/70: THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT: RACIAL EQUALITY. IT ABOLISHED THE LITERACY TESTS.

1971: THE 26th. AMENDMENT: SET THE MINIMUM AGE TO VOTE AT 18.

REQUIREMENTS TO VOTE

1-CITIZENSHIP

2-RESIDENCE (Required time vary in the states)

3-AGE (18)

4-REGISTRATION (Avoid fraud).

“CANNOT-VOTERS”:

1-PEOPLE IN MENTAL INSTITUTIONS (500,000)

2-PEOPLE IN JAILS AND PRISONS (1 MILLION)

3-PEOPLE DISHONORABLY DISMISSED FROM THE ARMED FORCES, HOMELESS, AND POLYGAMISTS (ONLY IN SOME STATES).

4-RESIDENT ALIENS (6 MILLIONS)

5-PHYSICALLY DISABLED (5-6 MILLIONS)

6-PEOPLE TRAVELING OR LIVING ABROAD (2-3 MILLIONS)

7-PEOPLE WITH RELIGIOUS BELIEFS THAT PROHIBIT THEM TO VOTE (100, 000).

OTHER REASONS AFFECTING TURNOUT:

1-LACK OF INTEREST, INDIFFERENCE, AND APATHY.

2-DISTRUST POLITICS AND POLITICIANS

3-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS: OCCUPATION AND INCOME, EDUCATION, GENDER AND AGE, ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND.

4-ELECTION DAY IS A REGULAR WORKING DAY

CAMPAIGN FUNDING

1-SMALL CONTRIBUTORS ($5 / $10): ONLY 10% OF ALL VOTERS.

2-THE “FAT CATS” (LARGE DONATIONS): PERSONAL INTERESTS. APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC OFFICE, SOCIAL RECOGNITION.

3-CANDIDATES THEMSELVES & FAMILY.

4-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES (PAC’s): INTEREST GROUPS (BIG BUSINESS). FAVORABLE LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS.

5-TEMPORARY ORGANIZATIONS.

6-POLITICAL PARTIES.

REGULATIONS ON FEDERAL CAMPAIGN FINANCING (NO STATE OR LOCAL)

THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION (1974). THE FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT (F.E.C.A.): 1971 & AMENDMENTS: 1974, 1976.

1-Cash gifts of more than $100 are prohibited.

2-Contributions from any foreign source are prohibited.

3-All political ads must carry the name of the sponsors.

4-All contributions must be made through a single campaign committee.

5-Any contribution of more than $200 must be identified by source and date.

6-Any contribution of more than $5,000 must be reported to the F.E.C..

7-No PAC may give more than $5,000 to any candidate. But there is not limit on PAC giving to different candidates or in the number of different PAC’s giving to one candidate.

8-No person can give more than $1,000 to any candidate in a primary election and no more than $1,000 in a general election.

9-No person can give more than $5,000 in a year to a PAC.

10-No person can give more than $20,000 in a year to a National Party Committee.

11-The total contributions of a person to federal candidates and committees in any one year are limited to no more than $25,000.

12-No major party contender accepting federal subsidies can spend more than $27,6 millions in the pre-convention period.

13-The major party’s national committees can spend on more than $10,3 millions in the presidential campaigns.

FACTORS THAT SHAPE PUBLIC OPINION

1-FAMILY

2-SCHOOLS

3-OPINION LEADERS

4-MASS MEDIA

MAJOR POLITICAL / IDEOLOGICAL POSITIONS

1-RADICAL / POPULIST: Favor activist government as a means of promoting both economic security and social values. Ask for deep changes in favor of the poor and the working class.

2-LIBERAL: Favor activist government as a means of economic security and equitable redistribution of resources but reject gov. intervention in favor of a particular set of social values. Ask for calm changes mainly in favor of the middle class.

3-MODERATE

4-CONSERVATIVE: The marketplace as the only means of distributing economic benefits and the government must support the traditional values. Favor the status quo: no political or economic changes. Favor the business segment of society.

5-REACTIONARY / LIBERTARIAN: The government must not interfere in the economy nor in the setting of social values. Ask for restoring early economic and social privileges of the high class.

MEASURING PUBLIC OPINION

1-ELECTIONS

2-INTEREST GROUPS

3-THE MASS MEDIA

4-CONTACTS BETWEEN THE LEADERS AND THE PEOPLE (Include mail and phone calls).

5-POLLS (The best measure).

THE MASS MEDIA

1-THERE ARE MORE THAN 1,400 TV STATIONS (300 PUBLIC). MORE THAN 68% OF ALL AMERICANS GET INFORMED ONLY BY TV.

2-THE BIG FIVE (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, AND CNN) GENERATE MORE THAN 90% OF ALL THE TV PROGRAMMING (THE CANNING PROCESS). MOST OF THIS COMPANIES ARE OWNED BY BIG ECONOMIC BUSINESS (GE-NBC, WESTINGHOUSE-CBS, TIME-WARNER-TURNER, DISNEY-ABC).

3-LESS AND LESS PEOPLE READ BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES.

4-A FEW ELITE DAILIES (NY TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, WALL STREET JOURNAL) ESTABLISH A NATIONAL STANDARD OF STORY SELECTION.

5-ONLY ONE NEWS AGENCY (300 FULL-TIME REPORTERS), ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP), DISTRIBUTES MORE THAN 95% OF THE NEWS STORIES USED BY NATIONAL DAILIES AND TV STATIONS.

6-COMMERCIALS (BIG BUSINESS) ARE A MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME OF NEWSPAPERS, TV AND RADIO STATIONS.

7-MOST OF RADIO STATIONS TODAY USE “CANNED NEWS” (NO JOURNALISTS - CUT COSTS).

INTEREST GROUPS (Pluralism vs. Elitism)

1-ECONOMIC GROUPS

BUSINESS

LABOR / UNIONS

AGRICULTURAL

PROFESSIONAL

2-CITIZEN GROUPS

PUBLIC INTEREST (League of Women)

SINGLE ISSUES (Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Environment, Gays, Elders, Rifle Ass.)

IDEOLOGICAL (Christian Moral Fund, NAACP, KKK)

3-GOVERNMENT GROUPS

FEDERAL (Federal Agencies)

SUB-NATIONAL (Council of State Governors, Conference of Mayors)

FOREIGN (Embassies, International Corporations)

INTEREST GROUPS & POLITICS

1-LOBBYING

2-PAC’s (MONEY TALKS?)

3-IRON TRIANGLES

4-MANIPULATING THE MEDIA

3-The Legislative Branch.

Objectives

1-Describe the process of redistricting (I A).

2-Describe the organizational structure and functions of the Congress (II B).

3-Outline the passage of a federal law (II B).

4-Evaluate the importance of the “elastic clause” (II B).

5-Summarize the constitutional powers of Congress (II B).

6-Describe the qualifications and responsibilities of members of Congress (II B).

7-Evaluate the effects of legislative acts on civil rights and civil liberties (III B).

VOCABULARY:

CONGRESS: THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES & THE SENATE

1-TERM: THE LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN ELECTIONS.

2-SESSION: FORMAL MEETINGS IN WHICH MEMBERS PERFORM LEGISLATIVE WORK. (MOST OF THE YEAR)

3-SPECIAL SESSION: A MEETING CALLED BY THE PRESIDENT TO DEAL WITH A PRESSING ISSUE.

4-ADJOURN SINE DIE: ENDING A SESSION.

5-APPORTIONMENT: DISTRIBUTION OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SEATS IN THE HOUSE AMONG THE STATES ON THE BASIS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE POPULATIONS.

6-REAPPORTION: CHANGES AFTER EACH DECENNIAL CENSUS. (1789 - 65 SEATS, 1792 - 106 SEATS, 1912 - 435)

7-SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICT: VOTERS IN EACH DISTRICT CAN ELECT ONLY ONE OF THE STATE’S REPRESENTATIVES, THE ONE WHO WILL REPRESENT THAT DISTRICT.

8-STATE AT-LARGE OR GENERAL TICKET SYSTEM: ALL VOTERS CAN VOTE FOR ALL THE STATE’S REPRESENTATIVES.

9-GERRYMANDERING: DISTRICTS CREATED TO THE ADVANTAGE OF A PARTICULAR POLITICAL PARTY: CONCENTRATE THE OPPOSITION IN ONE OR TWO DISTRICTS, LEAVING THE OTHERS COMFORTABLY SAFE, OR SPREAD THE OPPOSITION AS THINLY AS POSSIBLE AMONG SEVERAL DISTRICTS, MAKING IMPOSSIBLE ITS ABILITY TO WIN ANYWHERE.

10-CONTINUOS BODY: IN THE SENATE, ALL ITS SEATS ARE NEVER UP FOR ELECTION AT THE SAME TIME. THE TERMS ARE STAGGERED: 1/3 OF THE 100 SEATS (33) EXPIRED EVERY TWO YEARS.

11-CONSTITUENTS: THE PEOPLE WHOSE INTERESTS CONGRESSMEN SHOULD REPRESENT, THE ONES WHO ELECTED THEM.

12-OVERSIGHT FUNCTION: CHECK THAT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCIES WORK PROPERLY AND IN LINE WITH THE POLICIES AND LAWS SET BY THE CONGRESS.

13-STRICT CONSTRUCTIONISTS: ANTI-FEDERALISTS. STATES MUST KEEP AS MUCH POWER AS POSSIBLE. STRICT INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. JEFFERSON.

14-LIBERAL CONSTRUCTIONISTS: STRONG FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. LIBERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. HAMILTON.

15-EMINENT DOMAIN: THE POWER OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR PUBLIC USE.

16-THE NECESSARY AND PROPER CLAUSE (ARTICLE I, SECTION 8, CLAUSE 18 OF THE CONSTITUTION): CALLED THE ELASTIC CLAUSE. IT HAS ALLOWED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STRETCH ITS POWERS. BASED IN THAT PROVISION, THE IMPLIED POWERS FLOW.

17-IMPEACHMENT: BRINGING CHARGES AND REMOVING FROM OFFICE  ANY ELECTED CIVIL OFFICER.

18-THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: LEADER OF THE MAJORITY PARTY. THE THIRD MAN IN LINE.

19-FLOOR LEADERS (MAJORITY & MINORITY): PARTY OFFICERS WHO ARE LEGISLATIVE STRATEGISTS AND TRY TO CARRY OUT THE DECISIONS OF THEIR PARTIES’ CAUCUSES.

20-WHIP: HE / SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING WITH PARTY MEMBERS AND ADVISING THE FLOOR LEADER OF THE NUMBER OF VOTES THAT CAN BE COUNTED ON IN ANY PARTICULAR MATTER.

21-PARTY CAUCUS: IT IS A CLOSED MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF EACH PARTY IN EACH HOUSE.

22-STANDING COMMITTEES & SUBCOMMITTEES: THEY DO THE BULK OF THE WORK OF CONGRESS: PROPOSE / PROCESS THE BILLS.

23-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: THE PERSON WHO HEAD EACH STANDING COMMITTEE. THEY ARE CHOSEN FROM THE MAJORITY PARTY BY THE MAJORITY PARTY CAUCUS. THESE ARE STRATEGIC POSTS.

24-SENIORITY RULE: AN UNWRITTEN CUSTOM. THE MOST IMPORTANT POSTS WILL BE HELD BY THE PARTY MEMBERS WITH THE LONGEST RECORDS OF SERVICE IN CONGRESS.

25-SELECT COMMITTEE: A SPECIAL GROUP SET UP FOR SOME SPECIFIC PURPOSE, FOR A LIMITED TIME.

26-JOIN COMMITTEE: ONE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS OF BOTH HOUSES.

27-CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: A TEMPORARY JOINT BODY CREATED TO PRODUCE A COMPROMISE ON A SPECIFIC BILL.

28-BILL vs LAW:

29-CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS: THEY ARE ISSUED BY BOTH HOUSES JOINTLY AND DO NOT HAVE THE FORCE OF LAW. THEY ARE USED TO STATE THE CONGRESS POSITION ON SOME MATTER.

30-JOINT RESOLUTIONS: THEY DEAL WITH UNUSUAL OR TEMPORARY MATTERS (ANNEXATIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS) AND THEY ARE LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM BILLS.

31-RESOLUTIONS: THEY ARE REGULARLY USED FOR THE ADOPTION OF A NEW RULE OR PROCEDURE IN ONE OF THE HOUSES. NOT A LAW.

32-RIDER: A PROVISION NOT LIKELY TO PASS ON ITS OWN MERIT, BUT ATTACHED TO AN IMPORTANT MEASURE.

33-QUORUM: A SIMPLE MAJORITY OF THE FULL MEMBERSHIP (218).

34-FILIBUSTER: PARLIAMENTARY MANEUVER TO DELAY OR PREVENT SENATE ACTION ON A BILL (TALK A BILL TO DEATH, TIME KILLING MOTIONS, QUORUM CALLS).

35-THE CLOSURE RULE: THIS WAS CREATED 0TO STOP FILIBUSTERS. IT NEEDS TO BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST BY 16 SENATORS AND OBTAIN THE FAVORABLE VOTE OF 3/5 OF THE SENATE (60). AFTER THIS, NO MORE THAN 30 HOURS OF FLOOR TIME MAY BE SPENT ON THAT BILL AND THEN IT MUST BE BROUGHT TO FINAL VOTE. ONLY 1/3 OF THE ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THIS RULE HAVE SUCCEEDED.

36-VETO / POCKET VETO / ITEM VETO:

37-HEARING: IT SERVES AS AN INFORMATION-GATHERING PROCESS FOR A COMMITTEE TO TAKE A DECISION.

38-PIGEONHOLE: SET ASIDE A BILL TO NEVER REAPPEAR.

39-THE RULES COMMITTEE: IT DECIDES THE ORDER IN WHICH CONGRESS WILL CONSIDER THE BILLS.

40-OVERRIDE:

41-INCUMBENTS:

MAJOR IDEAS IN THIS UNIT

1-CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS TEND TO HAVE A STRONG LOCAL ORIENTATION AND TO FAVOR INCUMBENTS.

2-CONGRESS IS ORGANIZED IN PART ALONG POLITICAL PARTY LINES; ITS COLLECTIVE LEADERSHIP IS PROVIDED BY PARTY LEADERS.

3-THE WORK OF CONGRESS IS DONE MAINLY THROUGH ITS COMMITTEES.

4-CONGRESS IS LIMITED BY THE LACK OF DIRECTION AND ORGANIZATION USUALLY NECESSARY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL POLICIES. IT WORKS WELL WHEN HANDLING POLICIES OF NARROW SCOPE.

5-INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE EXTRAORDINARILY RESPONSIVE TO LOCAL INTERESTS AND INTEREST GROUPS. THESE RESPONSES OFTEN TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF PARTY TENDENCIES.

6-CONGRESS’ OVERSIGHT FUNCTION IS OF LESS CONCERN TO ITS MEMBERS THAN THE LAWMAKING AND REPRESENTING FUNCTIONS.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR REPRESENTATIVES

1-AT LEAST 25 YEARS OLD. MEDIAN AGE IS OVER 52.

2-AMERICAN CITIZEN FOR 7 YEARS

3-LIVE IN THE STATE / DISTRICT FROM WHICH HE / SHE WAS CHOSEN.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENATORS

1-AT LEAST 30 YEARS OLD. MEDIAN AGE IS OVER 58.

2-AMERICAN CITIZEN FOR 9 YEARS.

3-LIVE IN THE STATE FROM WHICH HE / SHE WAS ELECTED.

DUTIES OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

1-ACT AS LEGISLATORS (MAKE THE LAW)

2-REPRESENT AND SERVE THEIR CONSTITUENTS

3-OVERSEE THE WORK OF THE AGENCIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.

HOW A CONGRESSMAN CAN VOTE

1-TRUSTEE: According to their personal conscience and independent judgment.

2-DELEGATE: As the agents of those who elected them. The constituents’ interests are first.

3-PARTISAN: In line with their party’s platform and the wishes of their party’s leaders. They owe their first allegiance to their political party.

4-POLITICO: Combine the basic elements of the other three described above.

Year 2008
1-FORMAL SALARY (Representatives & Senators): $169,300

2-FRINGE BENEFITS

2.1-TAX DEDUCTION FOR TWO HOUSES

2.2-LOW PREMIUMS FOR LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE

2.3-RETIREMENT PLAN OF $150,000 A YEAR FOR LIFE.

3-OFFICIAL EXPENSES (ADVANTAGES TO BE RE-ELECTED)

3.1-ALLOWANCE FOR RUNNING TWO OFFICES AND HIRING STAFF.

3.2-OFFICIAL MAIL IS POSTAGE FREE.

3.4-FREE PRINTING AND DISTRIBUTION OF SPEECHES, NEWSLETTERS, AND OTHER MATERIALS.

3.5-FREE PARKING.

3.6-FREE USE OF SOME FINE RESTAURANTS AND TWO GYMS WITH SWIMMING POOLS IN WASHINGTON DC.

3.7-TRAVELING EXPENSES.

3.8-FREE, UNLIMITED LONG-DISTANCE TELEPHONE CALLS.

STRUCTURE OF CONGRESS

POWERS OF CONGRESS

1-THE EXPRESSED POWERS

THE POWER TO TAX

THE POWER TO BORROW

THE COMMERCE POWER

THE CURRENCY POWER

THE BANKRUPTCY LAWS POWER

THE FOREIGN RELATIONS AND WAR POWERS

ADDITIONAL POWERS:

*NATURALIZATION

*THE POSTAL SERVICE

*COPYRIGHTS & PATENTS

*WEIGHTS & MEASURES

*JUDICIAL POWERS (CREATE FEDERAL COURTS AND PROVIDE FOR THEM).

2-THE IMPLIED POWERS (THE NECESSARY AND PROPER CLAUSE)

ESTABLISH THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

MAKE TAX EVASION A CRIME

ESTABLISH FEDERAL AID TO EDUCATION PROGRAMS

DRAFT MEN INTO THE ARMED FORCES

FIX MINIMUM WAGES AND MAXIMUM WORK HOURS

3-THE INHERENT POWERS

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

ELECTORAL DUTIES (PRESIDENT OR VICE EXCEPTIONALLY)

IMPEACHMENT

EXECUTIVE POWERS (CONFIRM PRESIDENT’S NOMINATIONS)

INVESTIGATORY POWERS

POLITICAL PARTIES IN CONGRESS

110^th. Congress (2007-09). Party Summary.

The Senate

Membership has changed with one death and one resignation.

The House of Representatives

Membership has fluctuated many times with six deaths and six resignations. The