Ch 7: Political Institutions
About This Chapter
Political Institutions - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
In the United States, government operates at several levels and branches, with different powers reserved for each. In this chapter, we'll explore the powers given to the federal, state and local governments, learn how powers are transferred between levels of government and examine the relationship between criminal justice and social justice. With these lessons, you'll learn about topics such as:
- Devolution and why some powers have been shifted from the federal to the state level
- How powers are divided between the states and the federal government
- The responsibilities of local government
- How culture and politics influence local government
- Fairness and equality in the justice system
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| Devolution: Definition & Examples | Define devolution, and identify trends in devolution, and examples of powers that have been shifted from the federal government to the states. |
| Division of Powers Between the National Government and the States | Review how the Constitution and Supreme Court decisions have solved issues of jurisdiction and trends in the allocation of powers. |
| What is a Federal Government? - Definition, Powers and Benefits | Examine how the federal government is organized and identify powers that it holds. |
| What Is Local Government? - Definition, Responsibilities and Challenges | Look over the county and municipal government structures, the duties of government at the local level and common issues involving local government. |
| Local Government Boundaries: Cultural & Political Influence | Learn how culture and politics can influence local government and their powers. |
| Criminal Justice & Social Justice: The Issues of Equity & Fairness | Discover the relationship between criminal and social justice, and how these concepts differ. |
1. Devolution: Definition & Examples
Devolution is the transfer of certain powers from the federal government to the states. This lesson explains devolution and examines several programs that are a part of the 'devolution revolution.'
2. Division of Powers Between the National Government and the States
The U.S. Constitution uses federalism to divide governmental powers between the federal government and the individual state governments. This lesson explores this division of powers by looking at Supreme Court decisions.
3. What is a Federal Government? - Definition, Powers & Benefits
A federal government is a system that divides up power between a strong national government and smaller local governments. We'll take a look at how power plays out between the national and local government, and the benefits of a federal government.
4. What Is Local Government? - Definition, Responsibilities & Challenges
Each of the 50 states has a state government. Within those states, each county and municipality also has a government. This lesson explains the organization of local governments and explores the powers and responsibilities of local governments.
5. Local Government Boundaries: Cultural & Political Influence
This lesson will explain the characteristics of local governments. In doing so, it will define the terms delimitation, redistricting, constituency, and gerrymandering as well as the role these terms play in local governance.
6. Criminal Justice & Social Justice: The Issues of Equity & Fairness
In this lesson, you will learn about the relationship between criminal justice and social justice. Additionally, this lesson applies the concepts of justice to wider notions of equity and fairness.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the AP Comparative Government and Politics: Exam Prep course
- Purpose of Government & Methods of Comparison & Classification
- Political Culture, Communication & Socialization
- Sovereignty, Authority & Power of Government
- Types of Government
- Constitutions
- Belief Systems as a Source of Legitimacy
- Parliamentary and Presidential Systems
- Types of Legislatures
- Elections & Electoral Systems
- Political Parties
- Interest Groups in American Politics
- Military & Other Coercive Institutions
- Judiciary Branches of Government
- Citizens, Society & the State
- Forces of Political & Economic Change
- Democratic State Systems & Structures
- U.S. Public, Social & Environmental Policies
- Economic, Fiscal & Trade Policy in the U.S.
- U.S. Foreign & Defense Policy
- The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
- The United States of America's Government
- Comparing the Governments of the US & Great Britain
- Germany's Government
- Russia's Government
- China's Government
- Mexico's Government
- Nigeria's Government
- Iran's Government
- AP Comparative Government & Politics Flashcards