Study Questions

What is political science?

The systematic study of political institutions, processes, behavior, and the theoretical foundations of politics.

What are the key functions of government?

To maintain order, provide security, manage the economy, provide public services, and promote social welfare.

Explain the policy making system.

The process by which government action is initiated and determined, involving problem identification, agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.

What is liberal democracy?

A political system characterized by free and fair elections, protection of civil liberties and basic human rights, with a focus on individualism.

Describe the difference between state, regime, and nation.

A state is a political entity with sovereignty, a regime is the form and structure of government, and a nation is a group of people with a shared identity.

What is nationalism?

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a specific nation, often in relation to self-determination.

What is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism?

Democracy is a system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives, whereas authoritarianism concentrates power in a leader or small group.

From where do governments draw their power and authority?

Governments draw power and authority from the consent of the governed, legal frameworks, and often from historical, cultural, or social contexts.

Explain the confederal system.

A political system where power is held by regional governments and central authority is minimal.

Explain the federal system.

A political system that divides power between a central government and regional governments, each with their own legitimate authority.

Explain the unitary system.

A political system where all powers are held by a central government, which may delegate authority to local governments.

What is a parliamentary system?

A system of government where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the parliament.

What is a presidential system?

A system of government where the president is the head of state and government and operates independently of the legislature.

What are the roles and characteristics of executive, legislative, and judiciary structures of government?

The executive enforces laws, the legislature makes laws, and the judiciary interprets laws and administers justice.

What is meant by civil society?

The arena for voluntary collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values, separate from the government and commercial sectors.

Define political culture:

The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that give form and substance to a political community.

Define political socialization:

The process by which individuals learn and develop political values and beliefs, often influenced by family, education, and media.

Define individualism:

A moral, political, and social philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and autonomy.

Define neoliberalism:

An economic and political approach that favors free-market capitalism, deregulation, and reduction in government spending.

Define communism:

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system in which the means of production are owned communally.

Define socialism:

An economic and political system advocating for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

Define fascism:

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology focused on dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society.

Define populism:

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often against the established elite.

How do political ideologies impact political culture, political socialization, and political participation?

Political ideologies shape the values, behaviors, and engagement patterns of individuals within a society, influencing how they interact with politics.

What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?

Civil rights refer to the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, while civil liberties are personal freedoms protected from government interference.

What is the difference between a unicameral and bicameral legislature?

A unicameral legislature has one legislative chamber, while a bicameral legislature has two distinct chambers.

What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?

An agreement during the U.S. Constitutional Convention that counted three-fifths of a state's slave population for legislative representation.

What is the Great Compromise?

An agreement that established a bicameral legislature in the U.S., balancing representation between populous and smaller states.

What is fiscal federalism?

The financial relations between units of government in a federal system, focusing on the distribution of taxes and expenditures.

What is cooperative federalism?

A system where national, state, and local governments work together to address issues and develop policies.

Explain the Necessary and Proper Clause.

A clause in the U.S. Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.

Explain the Commerce Clause.

A clause that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Explain the Supremacy Clause.

A clause stating that the Constitution, and federal laws made pursuant to it, shall be the supreme law of the land.

Explain the Tenth Amendment.

An amendment stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Explain the Fourteenth Amendment.

An amendment that addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the law.

What are Reserved Powers? List three examples.

Powers that are not specifically given to the federal government and are reserved for the states, such as education, transportation, and local government.

What are Concurrent Powers? List three examples.

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation, building roads, and establishing courts.

What are Exclusive Powers? List three examples.

Powers that are reserved solely to the federal government, such as regulating interstate commerce, conducting foreign affairs, and printing money.

What article of the Constitution shapes the legislative branch? What does this article establish?

Article I shapes the legislative branch and establishes a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is a filibuster? What is its purpose?

A prolonged speech in the Senate used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

What is meant by congressional oversight?

The review, monitoring, and control of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation.

What are congressional committees?

Sub-groups of Congress that organize work, conduct hearings, and review legislation for debate and voting.

List the leadership positions of the House of Representatives and their responsibilities:

Speaker of the House (presides over sessions), Majority Leader (schedules legislation), Minority Leader (leads opposition party), Whips (assist party leaders).

List the leadership positions of the Senate and their responsibilities:

Vice President (breaks ties), Majority Leader (schedules legislation), Minority Leader (leads opposition party), Whips (assist party leaders).

Define redistricting:

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population changes.

What is a divided government and how does it affect governing?

A situation where one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both houses of Congress, often leading to gridlock.

What is a pocket veto?

A special type of veto wherein the President takes no action on a bill for ten days while Congress is adjourned.

List four enumerated powers of Congress.

Power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, and coin money.

What are the special powers of the House of Representatives?

Initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in case of an electoral tie.

What are the special powers of the Senate?

Confirm presidential appointments, ratify treaties, and conduct impeachment trials.

What article of the Constitution shapes the executive branch? What does this article establish?

Article II shapes the executive branch and establishes the presidency and the executive powers granted to it.

What are the national security powers of the president?

Powers related to defense and foreign policy, including the authority to deploy troops and conduct diplomacy.

What are the chief diplomat powers of the president?

The authority to negotiate treaties and engage with foreign leaders.

What are the legislative powers of the president?

The ability to veto legislation, propose legislation, and call special sessions of Congress.

What are the administrative powers of the president?

The authority to oversee the executive branch, appoint senior officials, and manage federal agencies.

What are the judicial powers of the president?

The power to grant pardons, appoint federal judges, and influence judicial policies.

If a President is unable to complete his/her term, who takes over?

The Vice President assumes the presidency.

After the Vice-President, who is next in line for the Presidency?

The Speaker of the House of Representatives.