Overview of State and Local Government

These flashcards cover key concepts discussed in the lecture regarding the structure and function of state and local government, the policymaking process, political cultures, and the importance of citizen engagement in democracy.

Policymaking System

A process through which policy is established and changes over time.

Linkage Institutions

Organizations, structures, or mechanisms that connect citizens to the government and facilitate their expression in the political process.

Elections

Fundamental linkage institutions in democratic systems allowing citizens to select representatives and hold them accountable.

Political Parties

Organizations that aggregate and articulate the interests of citizens, nominate candidates, and mobilize voters.

Interest Groups

Organized entities that advocate for specific policy outcomes on behalf of their members.

Judiciary

The branch that interprets laws and ensures their fair application, influencing policy outcomes.

Legislature

The branch of government responsible for making laws, typically comprising one or more chambers.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, often led by an elected head of state.

Bureaucracy

The administrative machinery of government, including civil servants and agencies responsible for policy implementation.

Political Culture

The shared beliefs, values, and symbols that shape political behavior in a society.

Moralistic Political Culture

A culture that emphasizes the common good and civic participation.

Individualistic Political Culture

A culture that prioritizes individual rights and limited government intervention.

Traditionalistic Political Culture

A culture that values hierarchy and the preservation of existing social structures.

Polis

The city-state in ancient Greece, fundamental to the concept of citizenship and civic participation.

Political Science

The systematic study of political institutions, behavior, and processes.

Cross-National Comparisons

A method in political science that compares different countries to identify similarities and differences in political systems.

Case Studies

In-depth analyses of specific political events or countries to understand unique characteristics.

Comparative Institutional Analysis

Examining the impact of different political institutions on political outcomes through comparative analysis.

Harold Lasswell

Political scientist known for defining politics as 'who gets what, when, and how.'

Democratic Engagement

The active participation of citizens in political processes to ensure a functioning democracy.