1. Government Review

2. Constitution Review  How does the Constitution limit government and protect the rights of the individual?  -Bill of Rights: limits gov and protects individuals  Checks & balances—veto, override veto (2/3 vote), Senate approval of appointments, War Powers Act, courts check constit. Of laws and presidential acts  What is the difference between the first four amendments and 5 through 8?  Individ. Rights vs. Rights of accused

3. Federalism Review  What are the justifications for a federal system of government?  –limited power of central gov;  -needs of states are different depending on pop., location  Shared powers -tax, punishment for breaking laws, make laws, spend $$$ for general welfare  How and why has more power been transferred from state to the federal government?  -shift in society eg: Great Depression & New Deal  -federal reserve-stabilize economy  International & global concerns

4. How has more power been transferred from state to the federal government  More federal laws  14 th Amendment  Supreme Court decisions eg: Brown v. Board of Educ.  Federal Funding eg: drinking age & highway

5. Why is a federal system of government more democratic?

6. Elections  What is the sequence of events during a presidential election year?  Announce candidacy, primaries & caucuses, party nomination, convention, general campaign, Nov. election, electoral ballot count  What roles do political parties play in elections?  Distinguish Party ideology by advertisements, at convention  Back candidates with money raised  Provide information for voters about candidates (eg: labels)

7. The Executive Branch  Identify 4 powers of the President and checks on each power.  Appointment---Senate confirmation  Veto---override by 2/3 vote  Executive Order---Supreme Court could rule unconstit.; (Implied)  Recommend (urge Congress an issue)– Senator/Congress people’s refusal to take up issue  Commander-in-Chief  Pardon  Why and how has the president’s power expanded over time?  Leader of the “free world”/superpower  Media

8. The Legislative Branch  What are the distinctions between the two houses?  HOR-pop; Sen-equal rep  HOR- More members so committees more important; Sen--More powerful, fewer members;  HOR—2 year terms; Sen—6 years  What are several of the factors that influence legislation?  Interest groups, constituents, media, cost of laws, bills, Party

9. Judicial Branch  What process would a civil court case between a company and an employee follow to get to the Supreme Court?  What considerations do justices take when making decisions?

10. What tools do justices consider in decisions? Examples of application?  Purpose  History/context  Consequence  text  Precedent  tradition