Midterm Review
A.P. United States Government and Politics
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Political participation
Voter turnout trends
Demographics and voting likelihood
Demographics and ideology
10th amendment
Electoral college
Political parties – structure, strength, trends
Why a two-party system?
14th amendment
Procedure for amending the Constitution
Education and voting/political activism
What is reapportionment? Who does it?
Who draws congressional district lines (redistricting)?
What is malapportionment?
What is gerrymandering?
What is the franking privilege?
Why do Congressional incumbents have a huge advantage in electoral politics?
1st amendment – two parts (clauses)
What is the wall of separation doctrine?
What are the goals of interest groups?...insider v. outsider strategy?...main way
lobbyists attempt to influence legislators?...on what types of issues would lobbyist
information be desirable?
What are federal grants-in-aid?
What is the distinction between a categorical grant, a block grant, and revenue
sharing?
What is the difference between a condition-in-aid and a mandate?
Why do we have a separation of powers and checks and balances in our federal
government?
Provide examples of checks between our three branches of government
James Madison’s view o f factions
How do the national media act as a “gatekeeper”, “scorekeeper”, and a
“watchdog”?
What is meant by “horserace” journalism?
What is a critical or realigning election?
What is an “entitlement”?
What is the distinction between a primary and a general election?
What is the difference between an “open” and “closed” primary?
Identify considerations that are made when a Presidential nominee is choosing a
Vice Presidential running mate?
What is a Pac?...purpose?...created when?...trends?
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How is the President selected?...members of the Senate?...members of the
House?...federal judges (including Supreme Court judges)?
What is the significance of Shay’s rebellion?
Define federalism.
What is meant by dual federalism?
Trends regarding the role of Presidential primaries, State Conventions and
National Convention?
What is the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?
What is meant by political socialization?
What is the single most important factor in one’s political socialization?
What is a linkage institution?
Which types of campaigns have public financing available in the U.S.?
What are some merits/demerits of federalism?
Which amendment provides for “reserved powers” of state governments?
26th amendment
What is the necessary and proper clause?...significance?
What is the most common form of political activity in the U.S.?
What is the trend in regard to apathy and mistrust in government since the 1960s?
Essays - TBA