Political Science

public policies

all things a government decides to handle

government

the social institution through which a society makes and enforces laws/rules

politics

the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power *

constitution

a body of fundamental laws

federalism

a system of government where power is split between a central national government and smaller state

legislative power

the power to make a law

executive power

the power to execute, enforce, and administer laws

judicial power

the power to interpret laws

checks and balances

a system where the separate branches of a government have the power to limit and control each other, ensures no one can have total power

state

a body of people living in a defined territory who have a government with the power to make and enforce laws without the consent of a higher authority

amendment

a change in, or addition to, a Constitution or law

bill

a proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration

citizen

a member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to it by birth or naturalization

consensus

general agreement among various groups on fundamental matters

political parties

group of people who organize to gain control of the government

interest groups

a formal or informal association of people or organizations that seeks to influence public policy based on shared concerns or objectives

lobbying

activities by which group pressures are brought to bear on legislators, the legislative process, and all aspects of the public policy making process

mass media

the means of communication that reach large audiences

propaganda

a technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors to create a particular belief, regardless of its validity

public opinion

the collective attitudes and beliefs of the general public on matters related to government and politics, it encompasses what people think

political spin

a heavily biased interpretation of an event or policy designed to influence public perception and control the media narrative

foreign policy

everything a nation’s government says and does in world affairs

tax

a charge levied by government on persons or property to meet public needs

lame duck

an elected official who’s time in office or control is about to end, they usually have less power or influence

political ideology

a set of beliefs and ideas that shape how people view society and its organization, including the ideal form of government and economic system

liberal

believes the government must take action to change economic, political, and ideological policies thought to be unfair

conservative

seek to keep in place the economics, political, and social structures of society Tradition