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 occurs where an entity transfers power to another such as the federal government, relinquishing control to states. Explore examples of federalism, devolution, new federalism, the 'devolution revolution,' and subsequent programs.
2. Division of Powers Between the National Government and the States
Federalism is the way the writers of the United States Constitution divided powers between the federal and state governments. This lesson explores the history of this concept, examining a variety of court cases since the nation's founding.
3. What is a Federal Government? - Definition, Powers & Benefits
A Federal Government is a nation's system of designating power, whether to a central government or local state government. Learn the benefits of power distribution through a case example (The United States), and explore the structure and benefits of a federal government system.
4. What Is Local Government? - Definition, Responsibilities & Challenges
Towns, cities, counties, and districts are run by local governments with different types of authority and leadership. Understand the definition of local governments, and examine the responsibilities and challenges of the county and municipal types of governments.
5. Local Government Boundaries: Cultural & Political Influence
Local governments have learned to set their regions with boundaries, formally known as delimitation, which is affected by cultural or economic activity. Learn more about local government boundaries and their cultural and political influences.
6. Criminal Justice & Social Justice: The Issues of Equity & Fairness
Social and criminal justice help codify right and wrong, ensuring that members of society receive equitable treatment. Learn to define social and criminal justice, then explore the issues of equity and fairness under the law.
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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