Key Terms for Political Science Exam

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions relevant to the study of political science, particularly in understanding bureaucracy, electoral processes, judicial principles, and the role of media.

Bureaucracy

The network of unelected agencies and administrators that carry out public policy.

Public opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of citizens about politics and government.

Australian ballot

A secret, government-printed ballot that weakened party control over voting.

Spoils system

A system of giving government jobs to political supporters.

Margin of error

The range within which the true population value likely falls.

Primary election

An election in which voters choose a party's nominees.

Merit system

A system of hiring and promotion based on qualifications rather than party loyalty.

Red tape

Complex rules and procedures that slow action and make administration cumbersome.

Iron triangle

A stable alliance among a bureaucracy, a congressional committee, and an interest group.

Issue network

A looser, less stable web of participants involved in a policy area.

Police patrol oversight

Active, regular monitoring of agencies by Congress.

Fire alarm oversight

Oversight triggered by complaints from citizens or groups.

Limitation rider

Language in a spending bill that restricts how agency funds may be used.

Inspectors general

Internal agency watchdogs who investigate waste, fraud, and abuse.

GAO

The Government Accountability Office, Congress's auditing and investigative arm.

Delegation problem

The problem that agents may not act as their principals intend after power is delegated.

Judicial review

The power to declare laws or government acts unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case that established judicial review.

Original jurisdiction

The authority to hear a case first, rather than on appeal.

Appellate jurisdiction

The authority to review decisions made by lower courts.

Stare decisis

The principle of following precedent when deciding cases.

Writ of certiorari

An order by which the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case.

Citizens United

The Supreme Court case expanding protection for independent political spending.

Prior restraint

Government censorship that stops publication before it occurs.

Political efficacy

The belief that one can understand politics and influence government.

Party identification

A voter's long-term psychological attachment to a party.

Political party

An organized group seeking to win elections and control government.

Patronage

The giving of jobs or benefits in return for political support.

Communications Act of 1934

The law that regulated broadcasting in the public interest.

Fake news

Intentionally false information presented as real news for political or financial gain.