American Government & Civics Final Exam Review Guide The exam is 80 multiple choice questions worth one point each, 10 multiple choice questions over 2 readings worth one point each, and a 10 point written response The exam counts toward 20% of your semester grade The exam will cover material from Chapters 1-11 The Review Guide is NOT a required assignment. Completing the Review Guide will be a great way to prepare for the exam. Along with this, use chapter notes to help prepare for the final. They can all be found at www.mruthe.com CHAPTERS 1, 2, 3 Foundations of American Government I can distinguish between the various types of government I can identify and describe the various forms of democracy I can recognize how the Enlightenment influences the Framers I can identify early English documents that have influenced the American Government I can identify the major weaknesses and problems in the Articles of Confederation I can explain how the various conflicts at the Constitutional Convention were resolved I can identify the reasons why the Framers included Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances in the Constitution I can identify and explain the groups who disagreed over the ratification of the Constitution and how the disagreement was settled I can define the various systems of government (Unitary, Confederal, Federal) I can explain the difference between the different types of governmental powers (both national and state) I can explain the reasons why the National Government has gotten stronger since the Constitution was written. Sovereignty Oligarchy Democracy Republic John Locke Bicameral Federalism Supremacy Clause Elastic Clause Ratification Federalist Anti-Federalist Bill of Rights Unitary System Confederation Delegated Powers (also called enumerated or expressed powers) Implied Powers Inherent Powers Reserved Powers Full Faith and Credit Clause Block Grants Categorical Grants
CHAPTERS 4 & 5 POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, PARTIES AND ELECTIONS I can identify the main differences between liberals and conservatives I can define political culture and how it is shaped in America I can explain the factors that shape political attitudes I can identify the different ways public opinion is measured I can explain the characteristics that factors into participating in government I can identify the reasons why voter turnout has declined I can identify and explain the four roles of political parties I can explain the reasons America s two-party system exists I can describe the types of elections in the United States I can identify the two types of primaries I can describe the process of a presidential election I can explain how interest groups play a role in American politics and elections I can explain the ways the media plays a role in elections and campaigns Liberal Conservative Political Culture Capitalism Political Socialization Polling Voter turnout Motor-Voter Law Ideologies Interest Group Partisanship Two-Party System Winner-Take-All Direct Primaries Closed Primaries Open Primaries Party Conventions Moderates Interest Groups Lobbying Political Action Committees
CHAPTER 6 Congress I can identify the Constitutional Powers of Congress I can explain how Congress powers have evolved over time I can identify the leaders of Congress and explain how their power impacts Congress I can identify the different types of committees in Congress I can explain the role of committees in Congress I can explain how incumbency has led to the advent of the career politician I can explain how the perks of being a Congress can be an advantage to reelection I can identify the steps on how a bill becomes a law I can explain why it is difficult for a bill to become a law Legislation Constituent Gridlock Bill Partisanship Caucus Speaker of the House Incumbency Franking Privilege Rules Committee Filibuster Conference Committee CHAPTERS 7 & 8 The President & Executive Branch I can identify the presidential qualities the public expects form their president I can identify the formal qualification to become President I can identify and explain the powers assigned to the President I can explain the roles of the cabinet, Executive Office of the President and the White House Office I can explain the Electoral College and how it is used to select the president I can explain the role of the Vice President I can explain how patronage has changed over time I can identify and explain the various ways the bureaucracy has been held accountable. Executive Power Commander in Chief Habeas Corpus Cabinet Electoral College Presidential Succession Patronage Spoils System Merit System Pendleton Act Government Corporations Independent Agencies Regulatory Agencies Hatch Act
CHAPTER 9 The Court System I can explain the different types of jurisdiction of the Federal Court System I can identify and explain the structure and hierarchy of the Federal Court System I can explain the difference between Constitutional Courts and Legislative Courts I can explain the process a case is brought before the Supreme Court and how the Court decides a case I can explain the nomination process for federal justices and the criteria used to selected them I can explain the power of the Federal Courts Judicial Review Marbury v Madison Original Jurisdiction Appellate Jurisdiction Judicial Circuits District Courts Courts of Appeal Writ of Certiorari Rule of Four Briefs Amicus Curiae Brief Majority Opinion Dissenting Opinion Concurring Opinion Precedent Stare Decisis CHAPTER 10 Civil Rights and Liberties I understand how the 14 th Amendment impacted the Bill of Rights I can describe the two clause in the First Amendment I can explain the different types of speech I can explain the way the Supreme Court has increased rights of the accused I can explain the Due Process Clause I can explain the types of legal and illegal searches I can describe how someone can become a US Citizen I can explain the rights and responsibility of aliens Due Process of Law Equal Protection Under the Law First Amendment Establishment Clause Free Exercise Clause Pure Speech Speech Plus Symbolic Speech 4 th Amendment Exclusionary Rule 5th Amendment Self-Incrimination Miranda Rights 8 th Amendment Natural Born Citizen Naturalization Process Expatriation
CHAPTER 11 Policy I can identify and explain the 6 steps in the policy making process I can define and describe the difference between fiscal policy and monetary policy I can identify the ways the Federal Government can collect income I can identify the major types of social and domestic policy I can identify the goals of our foreign policy and how the US reaches those goals Monetary Policy Fiscal Policy Progressive Tax Regressive Tax Entitlements Discount Rate Monopoly Wagner Act Regulation Medicare Medicaid Diplomacy Sanction