Comprehensive Political Science Review: Concepts, Terms, and Theories

authority

The legitimate power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

bicameralism

A system of government in which the legislature comprises two houses.

coalition

An alliance of political parties or groups formed to achieve a common goal.

collective action

Action taken together by a group of people to achieve a common objective.

compromise

An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

constitution

A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

free-rider problem

A situation where individuals benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them.

government

The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

institutions

Established laws, practices, and organizations in a society.

politics

The activities associated with the governance of a country or area.

power

The ability or capacity to influence or direct the behavior of others.

preferences

Individuals' choices or desires regarding certain outcomes or policies.

representative government

A type of government in which elected officials represent a group of people.

separation of powers

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

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a confederation of sovereign states.

bicameral legislature

A legislature with two houses or chambers.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

bipartisan

Involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies.

checks and balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

delegation

The assignment of responsibility or authority to another person or group.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President.

faction

A group of individuals, such as a political party or interest group, that share a common political purpose.

Great Compromise

An agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature.

majority rule

A principle that the greater number should exercise greater power.

simple majority

More than half of the votes cast.

supermajority

A requirement for a proposal to gain a specified level of support, usually greater than a simple majority.

supremacy clause

A clause in the United States Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

block grant

A large sum of money granted by the federal government to a state for a broad purpose.

dual federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

elastic clause

A clause in the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

grants-in-aid

Money given by the federal government to state and local governments for specific projects.

matching grant

A grant that requires the recipient to match the funds provided, usually dollar for dollar.

race to the bottom

A situation in which states or countries compete to attract business by lowering taxes and regulations.

shared federalism

A system in which both the national and state governments share authority over the same area.

attitude

A settled way of thinking or feeling about something.

cognitive shortcut

A mental process that allows individuals to make quick decisions based on limited information.

conservative

A political ideology that emphasizes tradition and is resistant to change.

core values

Fundamental beliefs that guide attitudes and actions.

framing

The way an issue is presented to influence perception and interpretation.

liberal

A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights and equality.

measurement error

The difference between the actual value and the measured value.

public opinion

The collective preferences and attitudes of citizens concerning political issues.

party identification

An individual's psychological attachment to a political party.

party label

The name or symbol associated with a political party.

national party convention

A gathering of delegates from a political party to nominate candidates and establish party policies.

political party

An organized group of people who share similar political beliefs and work to influence government policy.

primary election

An election in which voters select candidates for the general election.

superdelegate

A delegate to the Democratic National Convention who is not pledged to vote for a specific candidate.

two-party system

A political system dominated by two major political parties.