POSI

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What is 'political legitimacy'?

The acceptance of an authority, usually a governing law or a regime, as valid and recognized by the governed.

Define 'functional democracy'.

A system where citizens' participation and rights are ensured, leading to effective governance.

What does 'hard money' refer to in political finance?

Campaign contributions that are regulated by law through the Federal Election Commission.

What is 'systemic bias'?

Embedded prejudices or stereotypes that can affect media coverage or policy making.

What does 'umbrella organization' mean?

A coalition of various interest groups or associations that share common goals.

What is the purpose of the 'filibuster'?

A procedural tactic in the Senate to delay or block legislative action by prolonging debate.

Define 'suffrage movement'.

A social and political campaign advocating for the right to vote, particularly for women.

What does the term 'majoritarian democracy' refer to?

A political system where the majority's preference determines government policy.

What is 'phony war' in politics?

A situation where there is a lack of significant political activity or action.

What are 'swing voters'?

Electoral participants who may change their support between parties from election to election.

Define 'social capital'.

The networks of relationships among people in a society, enabling cooperation and trust.

What is 'vote counting'?

The process of tallying votes after an election to determine the outcome.

What does 'party platform' mean?

A formal set of principles and goals supported by a political party or candidate.

What is 'grassroots activism'?

Political activism that begins with the community or individuals rather than coordination by large organizations.

What is an 'open seat'?

A political office that is vacant and not currently held by an incumbent.

Define 'realignment period'.

A significant change in the electoral support and political coalition of voter groups.

What is 'nonpartisan advocacy'?

Engagement in policy debates and actions without affiliation to a specific political party.

What is 'media watchdog'?

Organizations or individuals that monitor media coverage for bias and accuracy.

What is the role of 'political parties'?

To organize elections, create policies, and represent interests in government.

Define 'political spectrum'.

A system for classifying different political positions along a continuum.

What is 'propaganda'?

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

What are 'political coordinates'?

A method of identifying specific positions on the political spectrum.

Define 'chamber of commerce'.

A local organization of businesses whose goal is to promote commercial interests.

What does 'electorate' refer to?

All the citizens eligible to vote in an election.

What is a 'runoff election'?

An additional election held when no candidate receives a majority of votes in the first round.

What is 'open enrollment' in healthcare?

A period during which individuals can enroll in a health insurance plan.

Define 'keynesian economics'.

An economic theory advocating for increased government expenditures and lower taxes to stimulate demand.

What is a 'poll tax'?

A fee required to vote, historically used to disenfranchise poor and minority voters.

What is the term 'political dynasties'?

Powerful families that maintain political control across generations.

Define 'disenfranchisement'.

The removal of the right to vote from an individual or group.

What does 'dark money' mean in politics?

Political spending by nonprofit organizations that do not have to disclose their donors.

What is the significance of 'public financing' in elections?

Government funding for campaigns to reduce the influence of private donations.

What is 'civil disobedience'?

The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government as a form of protest.

Define 'apportionment'.

The process of dividing legislative seats among constituencies.

What does 'electoral integrity' refer to?

The fairness, transparency, and security of the electoral process.

What is a 'nomination convention'?

A formal meeting of a political party to select candidates for the upcoming election.

What are 'gubernatorial elections'?

Elections held to select governors of states.

What is Democracy?

A form of government that lets people decide for themselves what to think and how much effort to put into it.

What is an Authoritarian regime?

A system that requires people to think a certain way or risk punishment.

What centers American political culture?

Core ideals of liberty, equality, self-government, and individualism, forming a common bond among Americans.

What is Political culture?

Widely shared and deep-seated beliefs about politics derived from a country's traditions, defining the relationship of citizens to their government.

What principle describes Liberty?

Principle that individuals should be free from arbitrary and oppressive government.

What does Individualism mean?

Commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency.

What is meant by Equality?

Concept that all individuals are equal in moral worth and entitled to equal treatment under the law.

What is Self-government?

Principle that the people are the ultimate source of governing authority and should have a voice in governance.

What is Political power?

Basic to politics; affects who wins and loses in political decisions.

What characterizes an Authoritarian government?

Openly represses political opponents, often through intimidation and prohibitions on free expression.

What does Majoritarianism refer to?

Term describing situations where political leaders act on behalf of the majority.

What is Constitutionalism?

Idea that there are lawful restrictions on government power.

What defines Totalitarianism?

Centralized and dictatorial government requiring complete subservience to the state.

What is a Limited government?

Government subject to strict legal limits on the use of power to protect individual liberty.

What describes a Representative government?

Government in which the people govern through elected representatives.

What is the Social contract?

Voluntary agreement by individuals to form a government that must work within the confines of that agreement.

What are Inalienable (natural) rights?

Rights theoretically possessed prior to the formation of government, including life, liberty, and property.

What is the Virginia plan?

A constitutional proposal for a strong congress with two chambers based on numerical representation favoring larger states.

What is the New Jersey plan?

A proposal for a strengthened congress where each state would have a single vote, ensuring small state power parity.

What are Electoral votes?

Voting method to choose the US president, tied to a state's congressional representation.

Who are Anti-federalists?

Opponents of the constitution claiming the proposed national government would threaten liberty.

What is the goal of Strong government?

Objective aimed at creating a national government robust enough to meet needs through grants of power.

What characterizes a Federal government?

A government that doesn't threaten the existence of separate states, achieved through federalism.

What is meant by Limited government?

Government not threatening liberty, aimed at through checks and balances.

What does Representative government imply?

A government based on popular consent with provisions for the direct and indirect election of public officials.

What are Grants of power?

Method of limiting the US government by confining its authority to powers expressly granted in the constitution.

What are Denials of power?

Powers expressly denied to national and state governments by the constitution.

What does Separation of powers mean?

Division of national government power among three branches to act as checks on powers.

What are the Bill of Rights?

First 10 amendments to the constitution listing individual rights the national government cannot abridge.

What is the Tyranny of the majority?

Potential for a majority to monopolize benefits for itself, violating minority rights.

What defines Direct democracy?

A form of government where citizens directly decide on governing issues.

What is Representative government?

A government where a majority of citizens govern through elected representatives.

What is a Republic?

Government in which representatives conduct policy through deliberative institutions, protecting individual liberties.

What is a Primary election?

Election where voters choose a party's nominees for public office.

What characterizes a Constitutional democratic republic?

Government that balances minority rights, majority influence, and deliberative institutions.

What is Social contract theory?

The idea that individuals possess inalienable rights and submit to the government to protect these rights.

What is Sovereignty?

Supreme authority to govern within a specified geographic area.

What does Federalism refer to?

Governmental system dividing authority between national and regional levels.

What does a Unitary system signify?

Governmental system where the national government maintains sovereign authority.

What is a Confederacy?

Governmental system where sovereignty is vested entirely in state governments.

What are Enumerated (expressed) powers?

The 17 powers granted to the national government under Article 1, Section 8 of the constitution.

What is the Supremacy clause?

Article 6 of the constitution making national law supreme over state law when acting within its limits.

What is an Argument against federalism?

Claim it corrects defects of the Articles of Confederation, addressing lack of power to tax or regulate commerce.

What is the Necessary and proper clause?

Authority granted to Congress to make laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers.

What are Implied powers?

Federal government's constitutional authority to take actions not expressly authorized but supportive.

What are Reserved powers?

Powers granted to the states under the 10th amendment.

What denotes Nationalization?

Process of shifting authority from states to the national government.

What is Dual federalism?

Doctrine maintaining precise separation of national and state power.

What describes Cooperative federalism?

Situation where national, state, and local levels work together to solve problems.

What does Fiscal federalism refer to?

Expenditure of federal funds on programs administered by states and localities.

What are Grants-in-aid?

Federal cash payments to states and localities for projects they administer.

What is New federalism?

Term used by Republican presidents to express a reduction of federal power in traditionally state-reserved areas.

What are Categorical grants?

Federal grants for designated projects only.

What do Block grants signify?

Federal grants allowing state and local officials to decide spending within broader areas.

What is Devolution?

Passing down authority from national government to state and local governments.

What does Elitism mean?

Power exercised by well-positioned and highly influential individuals.

What does the Commerce clause grant?

Authority granted to Congress to regulate commerce among the states.

What is the Tenth amendment?

Amendment delegating or reserving powers to state governments or the people.

What does the Interstate commerce clause allow?

US constitution article granting Congress power to regulate interstate commerce.

What is the Equal protection clause?

Clause in the 14th amendment requiring states to treat all citizens equally.

What does the Full faith and credit clause require?

US constitution requirement for states to recognize judgments and public records of other states.

What is meant by Popular sovereignty?

Idea that power granted in state constitutions rests with the people.

What are Statutes?

Laws passed by state legislatures.