POLS 207 lecture 1: Introduction to Government (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes: critical thinking, policy vs law, government structure, executive orders, and Texas-specific political culture.

Critical thinking

The practice of questioning information about government, asking 'why', comparing policies, and evaluating how actions affect outcomes.

Government

The system of structures and processes at federal, state, and local levels that make and enforce public policy; exists to serve the people.

Local governments

Local government units such as school districts and special districts (water, fire, hospitals); about 90,000 such governments in the U.S.

Policy

Guidelines or courses of action used by government agencies; may be symbolic and is not necessarily a law; can be changed by future administrations.

Law

Rules passed by a legislative body that create enforceable duties; unlike policy, laws are created by legislatures.

Policy making system

The combination of the legislative branch (laws), the executive/bureaucracy, and the courts that shapes and implements public policy.

Executive Order

A directive from the President that communicates policy or directs government operation; can signal crackdown, but does not by itself create new crimes.

Imminent lawless action

A standard from Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) that prohibits speech that is intended to incite or is likely to lead to imminent criminal activity.

Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Supreme Court decision establishing the 'imminent lawless action' test for suppressing speech.

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Supreme Court decision that protected flag burning as free speech, provided it does not incite imminent lawless action.

Media bias

All media outlets exhibit bias because they’re businesses aiming to attract audiences; avoid the notion of 'fake news' and instead view reporting as selective.

No state income tax (Texas)

Texas has no state income tax due to constitutional restrictions; funded through other taxes and government revenue; part of its 'low tax, low service' identity.

Three levels of government

The federal American government, 50 state governments, and roughly 90,000 local governments (including special districts).

Constitutional amendment process (Texas)

To change the Texas constitution, two-thirds of both the House and Senate must agree, and a majority of voters must ratify; requires broad support.

The system begins and ends with the people

Governments derive authority from the people; citizen involvement and voting shape outcomes.

Policy vs law distinction in practice

Laws are created by legislatures; policy includes how laws are enforced, often shaped by the executive branch and courts; courts interpret laws to shape policy.