Missouri State Government and Political System

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the Missouri state government, political parties, voting dynamics, and the media's influence in politics.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.

Missouri Bill of Rights

A section of the Missouri Constitution that mirrors the provisions of the federal Bill of Rights.

Executive Branch (Missouri)

The branch of Missouri state government led by elected officials such as the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer.

Ballot Initiative

A process where citizens can propose legislation or constitutional amendments through a petition that then goes to a vote.

Political Attitudes

An individual's consistent pattern of beliefs about political values and the role of government.

Partisanship

An individual's strong allegiance to one political party, often influencing their perceptions of politics.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about the desired goals and methods of government, encompassing liberalism, conservatism, populism, and libertarianism.

Super-PACS

Political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to advocate for or against political candidates.

Primary Election

An election to determine a political party's candidate for the general election.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.

Trust in Government

The level of confidence that the public has in government institutions and officials.

Electoral College

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

Political Coalition

An alliance of different political groups or parties that come together to achieve a common goal.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties, leading to limited representation for third parties.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral advantage held by current officeholders, including better name recognition and access to campaign funding.

Selective Exposure

The tendency of individuals to favor information that reinforces their preexisting beliefs while avoiding contradictory information.

Civil Rights Movement

A struggle for social justice that targeted racial discrimination and led to significant political change in the 1960s.

Media Functions

The roles that the media plays in society, including informing the public, shaping political attitudes, and acting as a watchdog.

Agenda Setting

The media's ability to determine which issues are viewed as important by the public.