The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enApril 20, 2021

united states gov

ap united states gov

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Role of Media

Today we will look more closely at the role of media in informing political opinions. We start with the role of media in the past (1:05) before looking at the rise of partisan new outlets.(1:42) We then discuss the effects of growing demand for ideologically driven media(3:33) and the rise of social media as a source of information. (4:22)

Today’s question of the day (5:55): According to a January 2021 Pew Survey, what percentage of American adults said they get their news from social media often or sometimes?

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enFebruary 09, 2021

media

election

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Campaign Finance

Today we will look more closely at the role of campaign contributions and the process of starting to regulate them in the 1970’s (1:48). We will then turn to the emergence of PACs and other organizations to avoid regulation (3:47). Finally, we will look at the Supreme Court case Citizens United and what that means for future elections (5:53).

Today’s question of the day (7:29): According to a 2018 Pew Research survey, what percent of Americans “ ‘think there should be limits on the amount of money individuals and organizations’ can spend?”

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enFebruary 02, 2021

citizens united

campaign finance

pacs

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Interest Groups

Today we will look at interest groups and their effect on policy making. We will cover the different kinds of interest groups (1:41), the ways in which they can apply interest to the government (3:45), iron triangles (4:34), and some of the criticisms of interest group lobbying (5:15).

Today’s question of the day (6:44):In billions, how much money did interest groups spend on the 2020 elections?

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enJanuary 26, 2021

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Influences on Voting

Today we will look at one of the main ways that political scientists measure political participation: voter turnout. In this episode we will look at the historical expansion of voting rights over time (1:27), consider different models of voting behavior (2:45), and the effect of individuals (5:26) and the state(8:00) on voter turnout in our elections.

Today’s question of the day (10:30): True or False: States can deny your right to vote based on your criminal history.

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enJanuary 19, 2021

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Political Parties, Ideology, and Policy Making

Today we will look at political ideology and beliefs surrounding the creation of economic and social policies. We will look at which ideology the two major parties align with (1:41) and how the Great Depression affected the belief about the role the government should play in the economy(3:22). We will then look at liberal (5:30) and conservative (6:16) ideology with relation to the market and economy. We will then do the same for liberal (7:46) and conservative (7:59) beliefs about social policies.

Today’s question of the day (9:09): Although technically part of the Republican Party, which representative from Kentucky better reflects the ideals of a libertarian?

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enJanuary 12, 2021

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Public Opinion

Today we will look at public opinion. Find out what it is (1:09), what affects it (1:48) how it is measured (2:14) and why it plays an important part in political strategy (5:55).

Today’s question of the day (6:51): What is the commonly accepted margin of error in a public opinion poll?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enDecember 22, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - American Attitudes about Government and Politics

Today we will look at the main influences on American opinions about government and the key concepts that make up that perception. There are 5 core values that shape American attitudes about government and politics: Individualism (2:12), equality of opportunity (4:00), free enterprise (5:08), rule of law (5:47), and limited government (1:28).

Today’s question of the day (7:50): When was the phrase “under God” added to the Pledge?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enDecember 15, 2020

politics

united states

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Social Movements

Today we look at the social movements that advanced the protections of the Constitution in this country. We discuss the concept of laws being a product of their time (1:58) before seeing changes starting with the 1954 ruling in Brown v Board. (2:35) Other examples of protections for race are also discussed. (4:14) We then go on to look at Title XI (5:52) and advances to the LGTBQ movement (6:10).

Today’s question of the day (8:00): In 1965, a Japanese inventor created something that is now commonplace in public places in this country, tactile paving. Do you know what that is?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enDecember 08, 2020

government

social movements

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Due Process

Today we look at the due process clause of the 14th amendment and how it applies to rights of the accused and privacy. We start by reviewing what the due process clause is (1:00) and then look at how it applies to the 4th (1:50), 5th(2:22), and 6th(2:52) amendments. We discuss the required case of Gideon v. Wainwright (3:12) before turning our attention to privacy. Although not specifically mentioned, privacy is an implied right (4:46). Finally, we look at two cases that support that idea Griswold v Connecticut (5:38) and Roe v. Wade(7:00).

Today’s question of the day (8:34): Can your cell phone tracking data be used against you?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enDecember 01, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Selective Incorporation

Today we look at how the Bill of rights came to apply to the states as well as the federal government. (1:05) In the case of the second amendment, it was the case of McDonald v Chicago that led to that idea. (3:40) Most of the amendments have been fully incorporated, including the first, second, fourth, and eighth. (4:30)

Today’s question of the day (5:38): The 1969 case Benton v. Maryland incorporated the idea that you could not be prosecuted twice for the same crime. What is this concept called?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enNovember 24, 2020

bill of rights

ap united states gov

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - The Second Amendment

Today we are looking at the second amendment and its protections. (1:05) The Court hasn’t often addressed the issue, but did in a case in 2008. The case clearly reaffirmed an individual’s right to bear arms. (1:35) That being said, states still have the right to place limits on this right. (3:20)

Today’s question of the day is (4:16): Can an assault weapon purchased legally in PA come with the owner if that person moves across the state line to New Jersey?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enNovember 17, 2020

second amendment

2nd amendment

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - The Bill of Rights and First Amendment

Today we are looking at the Bill of Rights and the reason behind its creation (1:00). Starting with the first amendment, we consider both the establishment clause and free exercise clause with regard to religion (1:57). We then turn to freedom of speech in both its pure and symbolic forms (4:31). Finally, we will look at what kind of speech isn’t protected (6:08).

Today’s question of the day is (8:15): What 1988 SCOTUS case said student speech could be regulated when it involved things that were school sponsored?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enNovember 10, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - The Judicial Branch

Today we are looking at the judicial branch and the common law system we inherited from England. (1:05) Alexander Hamilton’s thoughts on the judicial branch are discussed in relation to Federalist 78 (1:34). We look at the process of becoming a judge and how tenure can be a controversial issue on the court. (3:40) Finally, the idea of an active vs restrained judiciary is examined as it pertains to policy making.(5:08)

Today’s question of the day is (6:24): The nature of a case will determine whether that case falls under state or federal court. What do you call this ability to determine which court system tries a case?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enNovember 03, 2020

government

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Electoral College

In this episode we will focus on how the president is elected through the system of the electoral college. (1:00) We will look at why the system was created by the founders (2:11) and how there are arguments for and against it promoting democracy (5:18) in our electoral process.

Today’s question of the day is (7:52): Getting rid of the electoral college system requires amending the Constitution. What are the two ways that this can happen?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enOctober 27, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Elections

In this episode we will focus mainly on Congressional elections, with some discussion of what is the same and different in presidential elections. Elections in the United States happen every two years, but most people really only pay attention during years, like this one, where it is a presidential election as seen in voter turnout.(1:15) In order to get on the ballot for the election in November, one must first win their primary. (2:10) We also look at the alternative called a caucus, which only happens for the presidential election. (2:50) The episode also looks at the role of the party convention past and present. (4:32) Finally, it explains the plurality election system here in the US and how it results in two main political parties.(5:44)

Today’s question of the day is (8:38):The popularity of caucuses continues to dwindle and many states have switched their system to primaries since the last election. There are now only 3 states that have a caucus. Can you name one?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enOctober 20, 2020

elections

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - The Bureaucracy

In a country the size of the United States, the bureaucracy plays a pivotal role in making sure federal policy is implemented nationwide. In today’s episode we look at what a bureaucracy is. (1:00) We then go on to look at its history, who is in it, and what exactly the bureaucracy does. (1:30) Finally, we look at the role of oversight (4:00) and the relationship that the president has with the organization the office is tasked with managing.(5:00)

Today’s question of the day is (5:58): True or false...If your dream is to grow up and be part of this bureaucracy, you have to pass a test in order to be eligible.

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enOctober 13, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - The Presidency

Today we are looking at the shockingly few requirements to be President, and what in fact, the President technically can and cannot do according to the Constitution. There are only two requirements that the Constitution lists for the president in Article II. (1:03) The president is in charge of the executive branch and is tasked with ensuring laws are carried out as well as several other jobs according to the Constitution. (2:00) The president has several different roles that must be fulfilled including: Commander and Chief, chief executive, economic leader, chief of state and diplomat, and finally chief legislator.(2:38) We also look at the role that Federalist 70 played in the argument for a head of the executive branch.(5:14) Finally, we examine the way in which presidential power has expanded over time.(6:20)

Today’s question of the day is (9:10): For which president was English his second language?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enOctober 06, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Congress

The Legislative Branch, or Congress, is the largest with 535 members to date and has the job of doing anything “necessary and proper” to keep the country running smoothly. Learn the basics about the House and the Senate as well as the different jobs they do (1:15). We also discuss the role of leadership in both the House and Senate (3:30) and the peculiar tradition of the filibuster (6:00). Finally, there is a discussion of gerrymandering and the two Supreme Court cases that deal with the issue. (7:00)

Today’s question of the day (8:25) Who holds the record for the longest individual filibuster?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL:

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition

Follow Us:

enSeptember 29, 2020

The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition - Federal 51 and Limits on Government

Today we will continue that discussion and look at the three branches of government and how they function together. Separation of powers is allowing each branch of the government to be independent of the others and have separate and specific responsibilities.(1:00) These ideas were supported by James Madison in Federalist 51.(2:00) We also look at some specific checks that each branch of government has on the other two. (4:08)

Today’s Question of the Day is (6:34): When were people given the power of direct election of their senators?

Thank you for listening to The APsolute RecAP: United States Government Edition!

Website:

EMAIL: