POL SCI

Administrative Presidency

A strategy used by presidents to achieve policy goals through executive actions and federal agency decisions, bypassing Congress when legislative efforts are stalled.

Federal Waivers

Exemptions granted by the federal government to states or agencies from specific federal regulations.

Filibuster

A Senate rule allowing senators to prolong debate to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Descriptive Representation

refers to elected officials reflecting their constituents' demographic characteristics.

Substantive Representation

Substantive representation is when officials advocate for their constituents' interests and issues.

Constituency

A constituency is the body of voters represented by an elected official.

Constituents

Constituents are the individual members of a constituency.

Culture Wars

Political conflicts rooted in differences over values, morality, and social issues.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy that encourages courts to defer to the other branches of government and avoid striking down laws unless absolutely necessary.

Activist’s Court

A court that is perceived to make decisions based on personal or political considerations, often influencing or creating new policies.

Stare Decisis

A legal principle meaning “to stand by things decided,” where courts follow precedents set by previous decisions.

Electoral College

The body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution to elect the president and vice president.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

A Supreme Court case ruling that political spending by corporations and unions is protected under the First Amendment.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

PACs are organizations that raise and spend money to elect or defeat candidates.

Super Political Action Committee (Super PAC)

can raise unlimited sums but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.

Voter Mobilization

Voter mobilization encourages individuals to vote.

Countermobilization

Countermobilization opposes or dampens an opposing group’s turnout.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence policymakers on specific issues.

Pluralism

A theory that politics is shaped by the competition among diverse interest groups.

Elitism

A theory that a small group of wealthy and influential individuals hold disproportionate power in society.

Interest Groups

Organizations that represent specific social, economic, or political interests.

Social Movements

Organized efforts by large groups to enact or resist social or political change.

Public Goods

Public goods are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, like clean air.

Private Goods

excludable and rivalrous, like food or clothing.