Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Mid Term
Mid Term on Thursday 10/20
41
Political Studies
Undergraduate 2
10/18/2011

Additional Political Studies Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
What is "Home Rule?"
Definition
If it's not prohibited by state/federal government, municiple governments can exercise any power.
Term
What is the difference between a democracy and a republic and which is Connecticut?
Definition

Democracy is governed by people (Everyone votes)

Republic you elect someone to choose for you

Term
Three branches of state government? Three levels of government
Definition

Local, State, & Federal

Legislative, Executive, & Judicial

Term
What is the Digital divide? Two examples. 
Definition
Gap between people with access to technology and those with limited access. (Suburban vs. Inner City, Rural vs. Urban)
Term
What is a Magnet School?
Definition
Public school with specialized curricula
Term
What is a Charter School?
Definition
School that has been freed from some rules & regulations to produce certain results
Term
How many Counties does Connecticut have and name them
Definition
8 Counties - New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, New London, Hartford, Litchfield, Tolland, & Windham
Term
When were Connecticut counties abolished and was the only function at the time
Definition

Abolished in 1960

& only function was sheriff

Term
Number of municipalities in Connecticut? Difference between a city and a town in Connecticut?
Definition
169 (There's no difference between city/town in CT)
Term
States that do not have County Government. The two states that call Counties by another name?
Definition

Louisiana has parishes, Alaska has bourroughs

(RI & CT do not have county gov't)

Term
What is an unfunded mandate?
Definition
Legal orders that require state/local governments to perform a certain activity or provide a service without funding provided.
Term
Who can propose a bill in Connecticut?
Definition
Any legislature or member of the house/senate
Term
What is the document that governs municipalities in Connecticut? By state law how often does it have to be reviewed and what is that called?
Definition
Charter -- every five years review
Term
Number of Congressional districts in Connecticut, number of Senate Districts, Number of House Districts
Definition

5 Congressional districts, 36 State Senate Districts, and 154 House Districts

(5-36-154)

Term
Where is the first place a bill is sent after it is proposed?
Definition
The committee
Term
Who is head of the State Senate, and are his two main responsibilities?
Definition

Lt. Governor.

Breaking ties or if govenor is incapacitated Lt. Gov steps in

Term
Name of the Head of the State House of Representatives
Definition
Speaker of the House
Term
The Senator who is in charge is called?
Definition
President Pro Tem
Term
What are the similarities and differences between an initiative and a referendum?
Definition

They are both on the ballot

Initiative is put on by the voters through a petition

Referandum is put on by the legislators

Term
What is the role of Connecticut’s Attorney General?
Definition
Chief Legal officer of the State
Term
What are two roles of the Secretary of State?
Definition
Keep records and head of all elections
Term
Five powers of the governor?
Definition

head of their party

Head of states National Guard

pardons

persuasion

prepare budget

Term
What can a governor do to a bill? What happens with each?
Definition

Sign into law

veto & back to legislature

Pocket Veto (If legislature still in session in 5 days, bill passes)

Term
Four main elements in the state constitution. Explain each.
Definition

Division of Powers (between 3 branches)

 

Checks & Balances (between 3 branches)

 

Bi-Cameralism (2 branches of legislature)

 

Federalism (between state & local)

Term
What is Sheff vs Oneil?
Definition
Not getting proper education due to race
Term
What is the difference between a unicameral and a bicameral legislature and what is the only state to have a unicameral legislature?
Definition

UniCameral - Nebraska (one house)

BiCameral - two legislative bodies

Term
What is “New Federalism?
Definition
Trend of returning powers back to the states
Term
What are education vouchers?
Definition
Certificate issued by gov't so parents can pay for education at school of choice
Term
Where is the first place a bill goes? Where does it go to work out the final wording between the house and senate?
Definition
Conference committee / appropriate committee
Term
Who are your state legislators and your towns chief elected official?
Definition

Stephen Ucci (Senator)

Frank Lombardo, III (Representative)

Joseph Polisena (Mayor)

Term
What is a mill?
Definition
Tax of $1 on every $1,000 of assessed value
Term
Three advantages of a Town Manager form of government.
Definition

Can fire

Professional

No ties to neighborhood

Term
Three advantages of a First Selectman/Mayor form of government.
Definition

From the town

less expensive

closer to voters

Term
Five main ways that state and local governments raise money.
Definition

Income Tax

Property Tax

Sales Tax

Sin Tax

Estate Tax

Term
Difference between progressive and regressive tax.
Definition

Progressive rate reflects ability to pay

 

Term
What is revaluation?
Definition
Reassess real estate values on all residential and commercial real estate
Term
What is Brown vs Board of Education?
Definition
Supreme court ruling segragation & education is illegal
Term
What is eminent domain?
Definition
Government taking private property for public good
Term
What is a term limit?
Definition
Maximum # of years for position
Term
What is FOI?
Definition
Demand any public document
Term
What is Title 9?
Definition
No sex descrimination in schools receiving public assistance
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