POLS 15 midterm

Checks & balances

A system where different parts of government (legislative, executive, judicial) limit each other to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Great Compromise

A two-chamber legislature (Senate & House of Representatives), combining the New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan.

Congressional committees

Offer bureaucrats funding and political support.

Executive check on Legislative branch

Veto power, executive orders, calling special sessions of Congress.

Congress check on President

Impeachment, 2/3 veto override, judicial/administrative appointments, budget approval.

California Governor's unique power

Line-item veto.

Executive Structure of California

Includes Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Superintendent, Controller, Treasurer, Board of Equalization.

Federalist Paper #10

A larger territory is less susceptible to factions.

Federalist Paper #51

Discusses checks & balances to prevent tyranny.

Pendleton Act

Established a merit-based system in the federal government.

Hatch Act

Limits political activity of federal employees.

26th Amendment

Gave 18-year-olds the right to vote.

Supremacy Clause

Federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Coattail Effect

When a political candidate attracts votes for another candidate from the same party.

Incumbency Advantage

Name recognition, fundraising, and existing officeholder status vs. a new candidate.

First caucus state

Iowa.

Electoral votes needed to win presidency

270.

Direct Democracy

Voters directly vote on policies and candidates without representatives.

Primaries impact on political parties

Political cannibalism (increased intra-party division).

Split Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot.

Types of Federalism

Dual (separate state & federal powers) vs. Cooperative (shared responsibilities).

State challenge to federal government

Through lawsuits, nullification, passing conflicting state laws.

Iron Triangle

A relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups working together to shape policy.

Free Rider Problem

People benefit from resources or services without contributing to them.

Collective Action Problem

Difficulty in getting individuals to work together towards a common goal due to self-interest.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

A game theory concept where individuals act in their own interest, leading to worse outcomes for the group.

Interest groups influence bureaucracy

Through lobbying, campaign contributions, writing policies.

Logrolling

When legislators trade votes for mutual benefit, often in a non-transparent way.

Primary function of political parties

Organize elections, mobilize voters, and develop policy platforms.

PACs vs. Super PACs

PACs have donation limits and can contribute directly; Super PACs have no limits but cannot donate directly to candidates.

Party Whip

Ensuring party members vote according to party lines.

Informational Ad goal

Focus on policy issues rather than candidates.

Advertisers target

Emotions, beliefs, and voter turnout.

Advertising styles

Talking head, storytelling, and documentary.

Target demographics

Race, age, region, and gender.

Executive Order

A President’s directive on how to enforce legislation.

Shaw v. Reno

Declared racial gerrymandering unconstitutional.