AP Government Exam Review Project Danielle Marchione Block A2

Revenue Sharing ❖ RELEVANCE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT: In March A bill that would adjust the formula for how the state distributes money to town systems, passed through the Legislature’s Taxation Committee in Augusta, Maine. This would decrease the number of communities that receive revenue sharing 2 funds, but would help those communities with a higher property tax burden receive more assistance from the state. Although some communities would lose money and some would gain money, all communities would ultimately receive more money if the bill was passed. ❖ DEFINITION: The system of disbursing part of federal tax revenues to state and local governments for their use.

Mandate Unfunded mandate ❖ DEFINITION: A command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue given by the electorate to its representative. ❖ DEFINITION: A statute or regulation that requires a state or local government, or private individuals or organizations, to perform certain actions, yet provides no money for fulfilling the requirements. When a federal government imposes a law or regulation without necessary funding, it becomes the responsibility of the state or local government to pay for the implementation of the law.

Mandate and Unfunded Mandate ❖ RELEVANCE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT: Mandate: AFTER OBAMACARE WAS SIGNED INTO LAW, THERE WAS A REVISION AROUND TWO YEARS AFTER THAT FORCED ALL EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE “FREE” BIRTH CONTROL TO ALL THEIR FEMALE EMPLOYEES. THE ULTIMATE ISSUE WAS THAT THIS MANDATE WENT AGAINST CERTAIN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS BECAUSE IT WAS A REQUIRED CONTRACEPTIVE. UNFUNDED MANDATE: A NEW BILL FOR VIRGINIA STATE PENSIONS STATES THAT TEACHERS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ARE TO GET A 5% RAISE IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS IT REQUIRES THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PAY FOR IT ALL BY RAISING LOCAL TAXES. IT IS NOT FUNDED MY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE NOT PLEASED WITH THE DECISION.

Political Socialization ❖ DEFINITION: The process by which political culture is transmitted in a given society, a shaping effect for individuals based on views and beliefs of their peers. ❖ RELEVANCE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT: Political Socialization applies to me in the U.S Government currently because this 2012 election will be the first year I can vote on a president and my parental influence has shaped my political opinion on which presidential candidate I may choose.

Public Opinion ❖ DEFINITION: The collective opinion of many people on a certain issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action or decision. ❖ RELEVANCE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT: Public Opinion recently effected the U.S. Government because back in February, Virginia wanted to pass a bill that made it mandatory for women to get an invasive ultrasound before receiving an abortion, Governor Bob McDonnell was suppose to sign the bill in the end of February, but before the bill could be signed, over 1,000 protestors stood outside Capitol Square. After the protest, the Virginia House delayed the signing of the bill and then it was later edited and the bill was “watered-down” requiring women to still receive the ultrasound but externally instead.

Straw Poll ❖ DEFINITION: A vote with non-binding results, therefore does not have an official effect on presidential primaries, but is considered the first test for presidential candidates. ❖ RELEVANCE TO U.S. GOVERNMENT: A relevant example of Straw pull was on August 13, 2011, the Iowa Straw Poll took place in Ames, Iowa at a fundraising dinner for the Iowa Republican party. Candidates were to pay a 15,000 dollar minimum to set up a tent at the venue also have to have the opportunity to give a short speech, if they didn’t pay they couldn’t have a speech. People were given a ballot with nine candidates where they were to vote after hearing the candidates’ speeches.