PSC113 Exam 3 Review Guide – FALL 2025

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the PSC113 Exam 3 Review Guide for Fall 2025, encompassing major concepts in Political Science.

pluralism

A theory proposing that political power is distributed among a variety of diverse and competing interest groups in society, none of which can dominate. These groups influence policy-making through negotiation and compromise.

hyperpluralism

A theory that suggests that the proliferation of interest groups, each seeking to advance its own narrow agenda, can make it difficult for government to create coherent policy and leads to political gridlock and ineffectiveness.

power elite theory

A theory asserting that a small, cohesive group of leaders from the corporate, military, and political spheres holds the most significant power in society, making key decisions that affect the nation, often without democratic accountability.

three components of the party

The three main components are: 1. Party organization: The formal structure that coordinates party activities. 2. Party in government: The elected officials who identify with a party. 3. Party in the electorate: The citizens who identify with a party and vote for its candidates.

party platform

A formal declaration of the principles, policies, and stances on issues adopted by a political party or candidate. It outlines the party's proposed solutions and goals for governing, often presented during election campaigns.

divided government

A political situation in which different political parties control the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress (House of Representatives and/or Senate). This often leads to policy stalemate and requires greater negotiation between parties.

party identification

An individual's long-term orientation and emotional loyalty to one political party over others, often influencing voting behavior, policy preferences, and political attitudes. It's a key factor in how people perceive political issues.

partisanship

Strong adherence or allegiance to a particular political party, especially to the point of showing a strong bias in favor of one's own party and against the opposing party, often influencing political decisions and public discourse.

negative partisanship

A political phenomenon where an individual's primary motivation for political engagement and voting behavior stems more from a strong dislike or distrust of the opposing political party rather than a strong affection for their own party.

executive privilege

The asserted right of the President of the United States and other members of the executive branch to withhold information or their communications from the public, Congress, or the courts. This privilege is based on the separation of powers and the need for candid advice within the executive branch.

veto

The constitutional power of the president to refuse to sign a bill passed by Congress, thereby preventing it from becoming law. A presidential veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.

filibuster

A tactic used in the U.S. Senate by a minority of senators to delay or block a vote on a bill or other measure by extending debate indefinitely. It requires a three-fifths vote ($60$ senators) to invoke cloture and end the debate.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case in $1803$ that established the principle of judicial review in the United States, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws, statutes, and some government actions that they find to violate the Constitution. This significantly enhanced the power of the judicial branch.

amicus curiae brief

Latin for 'friend of the court,' an amicus curiae brief is a legal document filed in a lawsuit by an individual or group that is not a party to the litigation but has a strong interest in the subject matter. These briefs offer additional information or expertise to assist the court in its decision-making.

honey moon period

A period at the beginning of a new president's term, generally lasting for a few months, during which the president enjoys particularly high levels of public approval and a relatively low level of scrutiny from the media and opposition. This period often provides an opportunity for new policy initiatives.

unitary executive theory

A controversial theory that asserts that the President of the United States possesses the entire executive power of the U.S. government, and therefore should have ultimate control over the executive branch and its agencies, largely free from congressional interference and judicial review. Proponents argue it's rooted in Article II of the Constitution.

standing committee

A permanent legislative committee in the House of Representatives or Senate that deals with specific subject areas, such as agriculture, finance, or foreign policy. They consider and refine bills, often having subcommittees for more specialized tasks, and are vital to the legislative process.

bicameral legislature

A type of legislative body that consists of two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses. For example, the U.S. Congress is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct powers and compositions. This structure provides a system of checks and balances within the legislature.