All Flashcards
Define 'Delegate Model'.
Representatives act on the direct wishes of their constituents.
Define 'Trustee Model'.
Representatives use their own best judgment to make decisions.
Define 'Politico Model'.
Representatives balance their own judgment with constituent wishes, acting pragmatically.
What is 'Gridlock'?
When the government is unable to move forward due to partisan disagreements.
What is 'Divided Government'?
When the President is from one party and one or both chambers of Congress are controlled by another party.
Define 'Gerrymandering'.
Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.
Define 'Redistricting'.
The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries.
What is 'Partisanship'?
Strong allegiance to one's own political party, often leading to unwillingness to compromise with members of the opposing party.
Define 'Unequal Representation'.
When some people's votes count more than others due to district lines or other factors.
Define 'Lame-duck' president.
An executive toward the end of their term with diminishing influence.
What are the causes and effects of ideological divisions in Congress?
Cause: Differing political beliefs. Effect: Disagreements and gridlock.
What are the causes and effects of divided government?
Cause: Different party control of branches. Effect: Partisan votes, gridlock, lame-duck presidents.
What are the causes and effects of gerrymandering?
Cause: Manipulating district boundaries. Effect: Unfair representation, less competitive elections.
What is a cause and effect of increased partisanship?
Cause: Increased polarization. Effect: Reduced compromise in Congress.
What is a cause and effect of 'one person, one vote'?
Cause: Baker v. Carr. Effect: Districts with roughly equal populations.
What is a cause and effect of racial gerrymandering?
Cause: Drawing district lines based predominantly on race. Effect: Dilution of minority voting power.
What is a cause and effect of an aging population?
Cause: Increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. Effect: Increased demand for Social Security and Medicare.
What is a cause and effect of increased campaign spending?
Cause: Citizens United v. FEC. Effect: Greater influence of money in elections.
What is a cause and effect of social media?
Cause: Technological advancements. Effect: Increased political polarization and spread of misinformation.
What is a cause and effect of the decline in trust in government?
Cause: Political scandals and gridlock. Effect: Decreased voter turnout and civic engagement.
What was the significance of Baker v. Carr (1962)?
Opened the door to challenges against unequal district sizes, establishing 'one person, one vote'.
What was the significance of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
Ruled that race cannot be the predominant factor in redistricting; racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.
What principle did Baker v. Carr establish?
The principle of 'one person, one vote,' requiring districts to be roughly equal in population.
What did Shaw v. Reno prohibit?
Racial gerrymandering, ruling that race cannot be the predominant factor in redistricting.
What was the impact of Baker v. Carr on representation?
It allowed for challenges to unequal district sizes, leading to more equitable representation based on population.
What was the effect of Shaw v. Reno on redistricting?
It limited the use of race as the primary factor in drawing district lines, aiming to prevent discriminatory gerrymandering.
What constitutional principle was at stake in Baker v. Carr?
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, ensuring equal representation under the law.
What constitutional principle was at stake in Shaw v. Reno?
The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, preventing racial discrimination in redistricting.
What is the central holding of Baker v. Carr?
Federal courts can hear cases alleging that a state's drawing of electoral boundaries violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
What is the central holding of Shaw v. Reno?
Although it can be permissible to consider race when drawing district lines, race cannot be the predominant factor.