Political Science Flashcards

Political Science Final Exam Review Sheet Flashcards

Basic Law (Germany)

A written document outlining the basic principles and framework of the democratic institution in Germany. Important for establishing the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights. It ensures governmental legitimacy and provides a foundation for a stable and just society.

Bundestag

The lower house of the German parliament, elected to 4-year terms, responsible for legislative process and governance. The primary body for creating and passing laws in Germany. It directly represents the people and shapes domestic and foreign policy.

Bundesrat

The strong upper house of the German parliament, elected by regional legislatures (Lander), protects federalism. Ensures that the interests of the German states are represented at the national level. It balances the power between the federal government and the states, preserving regional autonomy.

Chancellor (Germany)

The head of government (prime minister) in Germany, appointed by the legislature, proposes legislation. The key executive figure responsible for government policy and leadership. Directs the government, implements laws, and represents Germany internationally.

Constructive Vote of No Confidence

A vote where the Chancellor cannot be ousted unless the opposition can form a new coalition to replace the government. Provides stability to the government by requiring a viable alternative before removing the Chancellor. Prevents political instability by making a change in leadership more deliberate and less frequent.

Codetermination

Law requiring Union members to hold half the seats on the board of directors in companies with 2,000+ employees. Enhances worker participation in corporate governance. Promotes social partnership between employers and employees, fostering economic stability and social cohesion.

"What is to be done"

Article written by Vladimir Lenin, arguing the party must guide the people because workers are only capable of 'trade union consciousness'. Ideological justification for the Bolshevik party's leadership role. Provided the framework for a one-party state and the suppression of alternative political views.

Vladimir Lenin

Leader of the Bolsheviks, became dictator after the Dual Provisional Power Government, initiated War Communism and NEP. Led the Bolshevik Revolution and established the Soviet state. His actions reshaped Russia and influenced the course of 20th-century history.

Bolsheviks

Worker/peasant alliance led by Lenin to overthrow the Tsar. Instrumental in overthrowing the Tsarist regime and establishing Bolshevik power. They represented the interests of the working class and peasantry, fundamentally altering Russia's political system.

Alexei Romanov

The male heir of Nicholas II, afflicted with hemophilia. His health condition played a role in the influence of Rasputin on the royal family. His illness indirectly contributed to the weakening of the Tsarist regime.

Rasputin

Peasant 'witch doctor' who gained influence over Tsar Nicholas II and his family. His presence destabilized the Tsarist regime due to his influence and the rumors surrounding it. His scandalous behavior damaged the reputation of the royal family, contributing to the loss of public trust.

Tsar Nicholas II

Absolute ruler of Russia, overthrown during the February Revolution. His autocratic rule and detachment from the people led to widespread discontent and revolution. His policies and leadership failures resulted in social unrest and ultimately his removal from power.

February Revolution

Spontaneous revolution in St. Petersburg leading to the removal of Tsar Nicholas II. Marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and Tsarist autocracy in Russia. It represented a fundamental shift away from autocracy towards a more democratic form of governance.

October Revolution

Coup led by the Bolsheviks (led by Trotsky) that removed Kerensky and the Dual Power Provisional Government. Resulted in establishment of Bolshevik control and beginning of the Soviet era. It drastically changed political and economic landscape.

New Economic Policy (NEP)

Bolsheviks attempt to curve the negative effects of war communism, more privatization, opening to some foreign investment. A temporary retreat from strict communism that helped stabilize the Soviet economy. It was a pragmatic measure that allowed the Soviet Union to recover from the economic devastation of World War I and the Russian Civil War.

Leon Trotsky

Former commander of the Red Army, Leader of the Bolsheviks under Lenin, advocated for permanent revolution. A key figure in the Bolshevik Revolution and early Soviet leadership. A brilliant tactician and organizer, he played a crucial role in securing Bolshevik victory.

Joseph Stalin

General Secretary of the Bolshevik party who became a totalitarian dictator, used terror to control the country. Transformed the Soviet Union into a totalitarian state through purges and repression. His policies and leadership had a lasting impact on the Soviet Union and the world.

Cult of Personality

The idea of the leader being 'god-like' and above the law. A tool used by dictators to maintain power and suppress dissent. It created an environment where challenges to the leader were unthinkable, consolidating power in the leader's hands.

Nikita Khrushchev

Leader of reform communism who tried to reverse Stalinism. Attempted to reform the Soviet system and denounce Stalin's excesses. His policies led to a period of relative liberalization and openness in the Soviet Union.

Secret Speech

Khrushchev's speech leaked to the West, calling for de-Stalinization. Marked a turning point in Soviet history by denouncing Stalin's crimes. It exposed the atrocities of the Stalin era and shook the foundations of the Soviet system.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Young reformer leader who issued perestroika and glasnost. Initiated reforms that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. His policies transformed the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, leading to the end of the Cold War.

Perestroika

Restructuring of the Soviet economy from command to market-based. Aimed to improve the Soviet economy by introducing market mechanisms. It sought to increase productivity and efficiency by moving away from central planning.

Glasnost

The 'Opening Up' of Soviet society with increased transparency and freedom of speech. Increased openness and freedom of expression in the Soviet Union. Glasnost played a critical role in ending censorship and giving citizens a greater voice in society.

Boris Yeltsin

First President of Russia, caused hyperinflation. Oversaw Russia's transition from communism to a market economy. His actions shaped the political and economic landscape of post-Soviet Russia.

Oligarchs

Businessmen created by privatization who acquired vast amounts of property. Their rise led to widespread inequality and corruption in post-Soviet Russia. Their actions led to bad reputation of the post-soviet Russia.

Shock Therapy

Fast track from Socialism to Capitalism by restricting the money supply and eliminating price controls. Led to economic instability and hardship in Russia. Mass privatization in Russia for capitalism.

The Tandem

Putin and Medvedev interchanging roles of President and Prime Minister to maintain power. Demonstrated manipulation to maintain control of the country. Helped Russia's political ecosystem.

State Duma

The lower house of the Russian legislature, often powerless against the Kremlin. Lacks any real power within Russian government. Kremlin controls the legislation of the Duma.

United Russia

Largest political party in Russia, Putin's party. Main political vehicle for Putin's power and policies. Putin is the figurehead of the party.

Whataboutism

Kremlin leaders deflecting from addressing questions by bringing up other issues or lies. Tactic used to deflect blame. Lies told by Kremlin.

Alexei Navalny

Opposing leader in 2020 election who was poisoned, imprisoned, and died in a Siberian prison. Showed the corruption inside Russian government. Fought for rights of political prisoners.

Russkiy Mir

Idea of Russian World Peace, promoting strong Russian Nationalism. Used to get support toward Russian policies. Policy in 2020 elections.

Yevgeny Prigozhin

Leader of Wagner Group; lead armed rebellion in 2023. Showed the corruption inside Russian government. Led to more movements to reform Russia.

Wagner Group

Private organization under the direct command of the Kremlin, causes proxy wars and such to topple or reverse weak liberal democracies. Tool of Russian foreign policy and hybrid warfare. Used to cause chaos and destruction.

Information Confront

How Russian spies use social media and other outlets to hack and steal information to corrupt the people. Tool used to corrupt democracy. Leads to instability.