Key Concepts and Historical Questions

Foundational Documents and Authors

• Two Treatises of Government: Written by John Locke.
• Declaration of Independence: Authored by Thomas Jefferson.
• Mayflower Compact: An unofficial document for self-government laws for the Pilgrims.

Early American Government and Influences

• House of Burgesses: First legislature in the United States.
• Articles of Confederation: Gave Congress powers to:
  • Declare war
  • Appoint military
  • Sign treaties
  • Make alliances
  • Appoint foreign ambassadors
• Magna Carta: Established concept of limited government.

Constitution and its Structure

• Basis: Promoted idea of popular sovereignty.
• Three Parts: Preamble, Articles, Amendments.
• Seven Articles:
  1. Legislative branch - Congress duties.
  2. Executive branch - Execution of laws.
  3. Judicial branch - Establishes Supreme Court.
  4. State relationships and national government.
  5. Changing the Constitution.
  6. Federal government’s supremacy.
  7. Ratification process.

Powers and Judicial Review

• Enumerated Powers: Include post office, declare war, support Army, regulate commerce, coin money, taxes, maintain navy.
• Judicial Review: Made Supreme Court equal to other branches.

Legislative Processes and Congress

• Presidential Veto Override: Requires ⅔ vote in both houses.
• Types of Powers: Make laws, declare war, reject appointments.
• Supreme Court Decisions: Overturned by ⅔ Congress and ¾ state approval.
• Amendments: Proposed by Congress, ratified by states or national convention.
• Amendment Ratification Period: Seven years.
• Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments.
• Bicameral Legislature: Two-house structure.

Congressional Operations

• Qualifications:
  • Senate: 30+ years old, 9+ years citizen, resident of state.
  • House: 25+ years old, 7+ years citizen, resident of state/district.
• Floor Whips: Assist majority and minority leaders.
• Bill Process in Senate: Controlled by Senate leaders.
• Joint Committees: Facilitate political interactions.

Budget and Legislation

• CBO & GPO:
  • CBO: Coordinates budget, studies proposals, tracks spending.
  • GPO: Congressional Record and Statistical Abstract.
• Pork Barrel Legislation: Federal projects and money to local districts.

Executive Branch and Presidency

• Presidential Succession: 25th Amendment.
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Largest EOP agency.
• Presidential Oath: Administered by Chief Justice.
• Term Limit: 8 years.
• Cabinet: Chosen for experience.

Judicial System

• Original Jurisdiction: Supreme Court.
• Indictment: Formal charge by grand jury.
• Trial Courts: Most work conducted.
• Supreme Court Opinions: Written explanations of decisions.

Legal Procedures

• Writ of Certiorari: Order for case review from lower court.
• Amicus Curiae: Friend of the court.
• Voting Bloc: Group with similar views influencing outcomes.
• Precedent: Model for future decisions.

Notable Court Cases

• Brown v. Board of Education: Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson.

Appointments and Opinions

• Supreme Court Appointments: Confirmed by Senate.
• Concurring Opinion: Agreeing with majority but for different reasons.
• Number of Justices: Determined by Congress.

These notes capture the key elements and foundational concepts discussed in the lecture, serving as a concise study guide.