The Role of Politics in Policy Making

Flashcards covering the legislative process, political worldviews of Democrats and Republicans, and the role of politics in applying policy levers.

What are the three equal branches of the United States government and their primary functions?

The legislative branch makes the laws, the executive branch carries out the laws, and the judicial branch evaluates the laws.

Which bodies make up the federal legislative branch in the United States?

The United States Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Who makes up the executive branch of the federal government?

The president, the vice president, and the cabinet members.

What entities compose the judicial branch of the federal government?

The Supreme Court and other federal courts.

What is the first step in the five-step process for a bill to become a law?

It starts with an idea, which citizens can provide by contacting their elected officials to suggest ways to improve society.

What occurs during step two of the lawmaking process?

A senator or a congressperson introduces the bill into their respective chamber (either the Senate or the House of Representatives).

What happens to a bill in step three of the legislative process?

The bill is assigned to an appropriate committee where it is discussed, researched, updated, changed, or amended, and must pass with a majority vote.

What must occur in step four for a bill to advance toward becoming a law?

The bill must be voted upon and passed by all members of the chamber where it originated, and then pass in similar form in the other chamber.

What vote fraction is required from Congress to override a presidential veto?

A $\frac{2}{3}$ vote from both chambers of Congress is required to override a veto.

What are the traditional logos of the Democratic and Republican parties?

The donkey represents the Democrats, and the elephant represents the Republicans.

Which fundamental values are prioritized by Democrats versus Republicans?

Equality is the key focus of Democratic values, while freedom is the key focus of Republican values.

What terms represent the extreme left and extreme right on the political continuum presented in the lecture?

Communism represents the extreme left, and nationalism represents the extreme right.

How is 'equality' defined from the perspective of the political left?

Having a level playing field in society for all Americans.

How is 'freedom' defined from the perspective of the political right?

Liberty and freedom from government intervention in citizens' private lives.

What values are taught to children on the left, and what type of adult is this intended to produce?

Children are taught openness, empathy, and reflection to become self-nurturing, with the goal of becoming fulfilled adults who pursue their dreams and maximize their lives.

What values are taught to children on the right, and what type of adult is this intended to produce?

Children are taught morality and self-defense to build character and become self-reliant adults who take care of themselves and do not rely on the government.

What professions do adults from the left and right sides of the political spectrum typically gravitate toward?

Adults on the left typically gravitate toward professions such as teachers, scientists, architects, and media professionals; adults on the right often gravitate toward law enforcement, the military, sales, and stockbroking.

Why do Democrats favor government intervention and higher public spending financed by taxes?

They believe the government has a responsibility to interfere in social lives to ensure equality and correct situations where Americans are treated unfairly.

Why do Republicans generally favor deregulation and lower taxes?

Their belief in freedom leads them to prefer less interference in personal lives, meaning fewer government rules and reduced taxation.

How do views of society and culture differ between the left and the right?

The left views society as based on a community of ethics that is inclusive, multicultural, and constantly evolving; the right views society as based on a community of morals (frequently religious) focused on national interests and preserving established traditions.

What priorities guide how voters on the left and right choose candidates and issues?

The left votes for fairness, positive role models, and helping those who cannot help themselves; the right votes to uphold order, champion opportunity, and help those who help themselves.

What are examples of policy levers used by the government to influence behavior in society?

Taxes, tax cuts, executive orders, regulations, budget allocations, and education.

How do Republican and Democratic viewpoints differ regarding gun rights?

Republicans view gun rights as an American liberty for self-sufficiency and self-defense that should not be micromanaged by the government, whereas Democrats believe the government must intervene to reduce violence and injury to provide safety and security for all.

How do Republicans and Democrats differ on the proposal to increase tobacco taxes to reduce cigarette purchases?

Republicans view any tax as an encroachment on personal freedom and choice, whereas Democrats believe the government has an obligation to use taxing power to limit consumption of a harmful product marketed by tobacco companies.