Mid-Term Review Sheet
Intro to Political Science
Mid-Term Study Guide
I. Vocabulary
Power
Politics
Political Science
Nation
Country
3/5 Compromise
Great Compromise
Filibuster
Gerrymandering
Delegate
Trustee
Veto
Pocket veto
Delegate powers
Expressed powers
Implied powers
Court of appeals
Judicial restraint
Original jurisdiction
Precedent
Stare decisis
Habeus Corpus
Double jeopardy
Clear and present danger test
Eminent domain
Lemon test
Libel
Slander
Affirmative action
De facto
De jure
Brown v BOE
II. Short answer:
1) Explain two ways in which a Constitutional Amendment can become effective.
2) Presidents claim three types of powers – name them and explain the difference between them.
3) The ratification of the Constitution rested on two major compromise measures. Name one of them and explain what the compromise did.
4) Explain the normal relationship between trial courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.
III. Essay Questions – pick two of the following questions, write a two-page essay on each one, and email it to your instructor at Texan@xpatriatedtexan.com
1) Which of the individual rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights is most important, and why?
2) Some of the measures that have been proposed for Constitutional Amendments are equal rights/pay for women, a ban on flag burning, anti-discrimination based on sexual preference, and allowing public schools to lead public prayers. Pick one of these measures (or identify another) and explain why you think it should or should not be a Constitutional Amendment.
3) Does the electoral college promote democracy or defeat it? Explain your answer.
4) Should federal judges have to face a periodic renewal of their office? Why or why not?
5) The Pledge of Allegiance claims that the United States is “one nation”. Is this true or false? Explain your answer.