Political Culture and Federalism

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to political culture, democracy, the Texas constitution, and federalism.

Political Culture

The political values and beliefs that are dominant in a nation or state.

Moralistic Culture

A political culture that views government as a positive force that values individuals but also benefits the public.

Individualistic Culture

A political culture that encourages individual independence and minimal government intervention in private enterprise.

Traditional Culture

A political culture that maintains a social hierarchy and upholds dominant social and religious values.

Politics

The method of determining who gets power and resources in society without resorting to violence.

Government

A system that exercises authority over a body of people.

Representative Democracy

A political system in which representatives act as agents of the people.

Democratic Republic

A form of government in which the country is both a democracy and a republic.

Dual Constitutionalism

A system where individuals live under two sovereign powers: the state government and the federal government.

Natural Law

A set of moral and political rules based on divine law, binding on all people.

Electorate

Individuals who are eligible to vote.

Direct Democracy

A system in which citizens vote on laws themselves rather than through elected representatives.

The Texas Constitution

The foundational document establishing the governance of the State of Texas.

Biennial Legislative Sessions

Regular legislative sessions scheduled every two years.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exerting the core functions of another.

Plural Executive System

A political system where executive power is divided among several elected officials.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body that has two chambers or houses.

Supremacy Clause

The clause in the U.S. Constitution establishing that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Amendment Process

The method through which changes can be made to a constitution.

Low Voter Turnout

A situation where fewer individuals participate in elections than in previous years.

Model Constitution

An expert approved, generic or 'ideal' constitution used as a benchmark for state constitutions.

Federalism

A political system where national and regional governments share powers.

Dual Federalism

The concept that state and federal governments operate in distinct areas of jurisdiction.

Secession

The process of withdrawing from a political jurisdiction or alliance.

Legitimacy

The general public acceptance of a government's right to govern.

Division of Powers

Different powers granted to the national and state governments.

Expressed Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the national government by the U.S. Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for the government to function.

Exclusive Powers

Powers restricted to the national government only.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the national and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government and are reserved for the states.

10th Amendment

The Constitutional amendment that reserves powers not given to the national government for the states.

Unitary System

A political system in which all power is held by a central authority.

Confederacy

A political system where power is concentrated in regional governments.

Cooperative Federalism

The perspective that state and national governments must work together.

Centralized Federalism

The belief that the federal government should take the lead in national policy.

New Federalism

A political philosophy that advocates for a return of powers to the states.

Flexibility in Federalism

The ability of state laws and institutions to adapt to citizens' interests.

Complexity in Federalism

The difficulty that arises from multiple layers of government authority.

Conflict in Federalism

Disputes arising from unclear lines of jurisdiction between state and federal authority.

Duplication in Federalism

The occurrence of overlapping responsibilities and functions between state and federal governments.

Difficult Coordination

Challenges in aligning policies and actions between different levels of government.

Culminated

To reach a final point or conclusion, often after a series of events.

Political Values

Core principles that shape the political culture of a society.

Public Good

Benefits or services that are available for all members of a society.

Cultural Differences

Distinct values and practices that influence political behavior and beliefs.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about the role of government and the ideal society.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

Majority Rule

A fundamental principle of democracy that requires decisions to be made according to the preferences of the majority.

Political Jurisdiction

The legal authority of a government to govern or legislate.

Intervention

The act of interfering in a situation to alter its course.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms.

Negotiation

Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement between parties.

Elections

Processes through which citizens select their representatives in government.

Political Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone.

Public Policy

The principles on which social laws are based.

Political Participation

The different ways in which individuals can engage in politics.

Grassroots Movements

Efforts that originate from the people rather than from top-down initiatives.