Review+of+2301


 * Review of 2301**

Power Points:

In this section we review the key concepts and terms we covered in GOVT 2301. This allows us to put GOVT 2302 in its proper context, or at least get a head start in trying to make sense of this material. After reading through the powerpoints, paying attention in class (for lecture students of course), and reading through the links below, you should be able to answer assessment questions on the following topics:


 * What is an unalienable, or natural right? How are they discussed in the Declaration of Independence and what is the relationship between natural rights and government?
 * What is sovereignty?
 * Be familiar with autocracies, oligarcies and democracies.
 * What is a constitution? What does it do?
 * What is the purpose of government according to the Preamble of the Constitution?
 * How are the following principles established in the U.S. Constitution? Republicanism, Separated Powers, Federalism, Individual Liberty.
 * What unique problems do direct democracies pose for government? How are these problems solved?
 * What are the essential features of democracy?
 * What are the three branches of government and what are their respective functions?
 * How is the Texas Constitution different than the U.S. Constitution? Why?
 * What parts of the U.S. Constitution define the powers of the national and state goverments? Which allow for change?
 * What are the key features of the electoral systems on the national, state, and local levels?
 * What do political parties do?
 * What is a civil liberty? Where are they defined?
 * What is a civil right? Why is the equal protection clause, and the fourteenth amendment in general, central to civil rights?
 * Why is public opinion important in a democracy?
 * What roles do interest groups play in American government?
 * What impact does the press play have on American Government?

Here are some terms and phrases you should be comfortable with. Again, be prepared to answer questions that ask you to define them, or use them in some intelligible way.


 * [|government]. ([|wikipedia] )
 * [|authority].
 * [|constitution].
 * [|politics].
 * [|unalienable rights].
 * [|popular sovereignty].
 * [|consent of the governed].
 * [|tyranny].
 * [|autocracy].
 * [|oligarchy].
 * [|democracy].
 * [|tyranny of the majority].
 * [|factions].
 * [|Jacksonian Democracy].
 * [|republic].
 * [|legislature].
 * [|executive].
 * [|judiciary].
 * [|separated powers].
 * [|checks and balances].
 * [|general elections].
 * [|electoral college].
 * [|primary elections].
 * [|political parties].
 * [|federalism].
 * [|enumerated powers].
 * [|implied powers].
 * [|reserved powers].
 * [|Bill of Rights].
 * [|civil liberties].
 * [|public opinion].
 * [|ideology].
 * [|liberalism].
 * [|conservatism].
 * [|freedom of the press].
 * [|interest groups].
 * [|civil rights].