POLS 2301 Final Exam Review Sheet Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for reviewing key terms and concepts from POLS 2301 lecture notes.

Germany Basic Law

Germany’s post-WWII constitution, established in 1949, ensured democracy, fundamental rights, and government stability. Its importance was that it created a strong legal framework preventing authoritarian rule, reinforcing democratic principles, and guaranteeing human rights protections.

Bundestag

The primary legislative chamber in Germany is where representatives draft and debate laws. Importance: This dual-house system ensures balanced representation, allowing both national and regional interests to shape Germany’s legal and political landscape

Bundesrat

The upper house in Germany that represents state governments and reviews legislation.

Chancellor

The elected head of Germany’s government leads policy decisions and oversees executive functions. Importance: The Chancellor plays a crucial role in setting national priorities, representing Germany internationally, and maintaining governmental stability.

Constructive Vote of No Confidence

A parliamentary mechanism requiring a viable successor before removing the current Chancellor in Germany. • Importance: It prevents political instability by ensuring orderly leadership transitions and preventing sudden governmental collapses.

Codetermination

A corporate governance system that allows employees to participate in decision-making through works councils and board representation. Codetermination strengthens labor rights, encourages cooperation between workers and employers, and contributes to economic stability.

"What is to be done?"

A political pamphlet by Lenin advocating for a professional revolutionary party to guide Russia’s socialist movement.

Vladimir Lenin

Leader of the Bolsheviks, a radical socialist faction that led the 1917 Revolution.

Bolsheviks

Radical socialist faction that led the 1917 Revolution in Russia

Alexei Romanov

The last Tsarevich of Russia, suffering from hemophilia.

Rasputin

A mystical advisor to the Russian royal family during the time of Alexei Romanov.

Tsar Nicholas II

Russia’s last emperor, overthrown in the February Revolution.

February Revolution

Revolution that deposed the Tsar in Russia.

October Revolution

Revolution that installed Bolshevik control under Lenin in Russia.

New Economic Policy (NEP)

Lenin’s temporary policy allowing limited capitalism within a socialist framework to recover the Russian economy.

Leon Trotsky

A revolutionary thinker and military leader in Russia.

Joseph Stalin

Consolidated power after Lenin’s death, ruling with authoritarian force in Russia.

Cult of Personality

The glorification of Soviet leaders, especially Stalin, through propaganda and media manipulation.

Nikita Khrushchev & Secret Speech

Khrushchev’s 1956 speech denounced Stalin’s brutal tactics and initiated reforms.

Perestroika

Aimed to restructure the Soviet economy.

Glasnost

Promoted transparency and free speech in the Soviet Union.

Boris Yeltsin

Led post-Soviet Russia, implementing rapid privatization.

Oligarchs

Wealthy elites controlling major industries in post-Soviet Russia.

Shock Therapy

A drastic Russian economic shift to capitalism through rapid deregulation and privatization.

The Tandem

The power-sharing arrangement between Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev.

State Duma

Russia’s lower house of parliament.

United Russia

Dominant party in Russia supporting Putin’s policies.

Whataboutism

A rhetorical tactic deflecting criticism by pointing out flaws in opponents.

Alexei Navalny

A prominent opposition figure and anti-corruption activist in Russia.

Russkiy Mir

A concept promoting Russian cultural and political influence abroad.

Yevgeny Prigozhin

Led the Wagner Group, a private military force conducting Russian-backed operations globally.

Wagner Group

A private military force conducting Russian-backed operations globally.

Information Confrontation

A strategy involving media manipulation and disinformation to control narratives.