Political Science Test #1 Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards for Political Science Test #1 - Chapters 1-3 review.

Partisanship

Supporting the actions of a political party simply because one identifies as a member of that party.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which a small group of elite people hold political power.

Pluralist Theory of Government

Government policy is formed as a result of the competition between groups with different goals and interests.

Latent Preferences

When a person is asked a question about a political issue that he or she has little interest in and has not thought much about, that person's answer will likely reflect latent preferences.

Federalism

Provides for multiple levels of government action, promotes political participation and accommodates a diversity of opinion.

New Federalism

Based on the idea that decentralization of responsibility enhances administrative efficiency.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

Public Goods

Goods that are available to all without direct payment.

Direct Democracy

A political system in which everyone has a personal say in what government does.

Elitism

A small group of unelected people have resources that influence political decisions.

Natural Rights

Basic rights that all humans are entitled to.

Shays' Rebellion

A conflict between borrowers and lenders.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Grants an individual in custody the right to petition a judge to determine the legality of the detention.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

The provision in the Constitution requiring states to accept court decisions, public acts and contracts from other states.