Poli 10

What is the primary goal of political science?

To identify patterns in the political world and explain why they occur.

What do political scientists seek to develop?

Generalizable theories about empirical patterns in politics.

What concept describes individuals pursuing their goals in political behavior?

Rational actors.

How is politics described in terms of preferences?

Politics is about reconciling differing preferences.

What are institutions in the context of government?

Organizations that help manage conflict between rivals.

What is the role of government in relation to collective action?

Government provides public goods and resolves collection action problems.

What is a major problem associated with reaching the common good in collective action?

Coordination problems increase with group size.

What is the Tragedy of the Commons?

A situation where individuals act in their self-interest, contrary to the common good.

What did the Articles of Confederation attempt to replicate?

The structure of British rule with state independence and limited federal authority.

What was the outcome of the Great Compromise?

A bicameral legislature with a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.

What are expressed powers of Congress?

Powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause also known as?

The elastic clause, allowing Congress to make laws necessary to execute its powers.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing district boundaries for political purposes to advantage a particular party.

What does the term 'going public' refer to in presidential politics?

A strategy where presidents speak to the public to garner support and pressure legislators.

What two types of government control are mentioned in relation to bureaucracy?

Congressional control and presidential control.

What was the principal-agent problem exemplified by in government?

The relationship where agents (bureaucrats) may act against the interests of their principals (the public or elected officials).

What is judicial review?

The power of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions.

What is the significance of the nuclear option in Senate confirmation?

A change in Senate rules to lower the threshold for breaking a filibuster on judicial nominations.

What are the four types of representation proposed by Hanna Pitkin?

Formalistic, descriptive, symbolic, and substantive representation.

What is the role of committees in Congress?

To facilitate collective action by drafting and reviewing legislation.

Why were the Articles of Confederation ineffective?

They required unanimity for amendments and allowed for free-riding among states.

What does the phrase 'path dependence' suggest in political science?

That historical decisions and events shape current political processes and institutional designs.

How can amendments to the Constitution be proposed?

By a 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress or through a convention called by 2/3 of the state legislatures.