Political Science Flashcards

Political Science Flashcards on Political Parties, Polarization, Voting, Elections, Ideology, Models, Congress, Representation, Presidency, Legal Principles, Courts, and Quick Concept Review.

Political Polarization

The growing ideological divide between political parties.

Straight-Ticket Voting

Voting for the same party across all races on a ballot.

Split-Ticket Voting

Voting for candidates from different parties.

Affective Polarization

When people feel more positively about their own party and negatively about the opposing one, regardless of policy.

Valence Issue

An issue where everyone generally wants the same outcome (e.g., peace, honesty).

Position Issue

An issue where candidates and voters differ in their stances.

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on past government performance.

Sociotropic Voting

Voting based on the national economy.

Pocketbook Voting

Voting based on one's own financial situation.

Rational Ignorance

Voters remain uninformed because their individual vote is unlikely to matter.

Low-Information Rationality

Using everyday cues and media to make political decisions.

Heuristics in Voting

Mental shortcuts that help voters decide with little information.

Political Ideology

A way of organizing thoughts about policy issues around core values.

Pluralist Theory Claims

Representation is a byproduct, interest groups are inclusive, and the system is self-correcting.

Core Values of Party Theory

Political equality, electoral democracy, and responsibility.

Main Functions of Political Parties

Win elections, build coalitions, control government institutions.

District-Centered Representation

Representation based on district interests, not party loyalty.

Partisan Gerrymandering

Manipulating district lines to favor one party (packing and cracking).

Presidential Leadership Components

Power and responsiveness.

Formal Sources of Presidential Power

Executive power, appointments, commander-in-chief role, and veto.

Unilateral Presidency

When presidents act independently through executive orders, agreements, etc.

Presidential Personal Resources

Prestige and reputation used to persuade others.

'Going Public'

A strategy where presidents appeal directly to the public for support.

Stare Decisis

Following legal precedent.

Textualism

Interpreting the Constitution based on its original text.

Judicial Restraint

Deferring to the decisions of elected branches.

'Living Constitution' Approach

Interpreting the Constitution as adaptable to modern needs.

Why Courts Must Maintain Legitimacy

Because they lack enforcement power ('neither purse nor sword').

Concurring and Dissenting Opinions

Concurring supports the decision but not reasoning; dissenting opposes it.

Duverger's Law

The number of viable parties equals the number of seats plus one.

Gridlock Region

The ideological space between pivotal players where no policy passes.

Cartel Theory

Emphasizes the party's control over the legislative agenda to protect its brand.

Michigan Model

Partisanship is a lasting psychological attachment that shapes political views.