Midterm Review Topics
Unit I: Constitutional Underpinnings
Enlightenment philosophers – their contributions
Federalists v. Anti-federalists
Federalism
Federalist Papers and authors
Articles of Confederation v. The Constitution ( changes, similarities, etc)
Plans of the Constitution, Articles, Amendments
Original Constitution and the guaranteed rights
Checks and Balances – know examples
Const. powers of all the branches
Amending the Const. ( know the fractions)
What is the primary function of government according to the founding fathers?
Different views of government: Elitist, pluralist, etc.
M and M cases
Unit II: Political Parties, Public Opinion, Political Socialization, Media, etc.
Elections: primaries, general, electoral college, types, etc.
Origin of the 2-party-system
PACS, Interest Groups: functions of each
Voting groups: characteristics, more likely vs. less likely
Campaign Financing: public monies, hard money, soft money, restrictions
Const. rights to vote
Caucus v. Primary
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 ( restrictions on $$$$$)
Liberal v. Conservative views
Nominating candidates for office
Lobbying
Political Socialization !!!!
The Rise of Moderates
Unit III: Congress
Organization
Powers
Committees: power, role, organization, leadership, types, etc.
Time periods of Congress: ‘74, ‘92
Incumbency advantages
Rules and procedures of H and S
Boundaries of Congressional districts
Terms: Mark up, gerrymandering, redistricting, re-apportionment, pigeonhole,
Filibuster,
etc.
Decentralization in the House
Leadership in the H and S
Senatorial Courtesy
Cloture
Conference Committee