Political Science Lecture Notes Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from political science lecture notes.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political views and values.

Bandwagon Effect

A phenomenon where people adopt a belief or vote for a candidate because it is popular.

Boomerang Effect

Occurs when voters feel their candidate is already winning, leading them to abstain from voting.

Underdog Effect

A tendency to support a candidate perceived to be disadvantaged in the polls.

Voter Registration

The process by which eligible citizens sign up to be qualified to vote in elections.

Direct Action

Forms of political participation that involve demonstrations, marches, or sit-ins.

Social Capital

The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable society to function effectively.

Political Mobilization

Efforts to encourage participation in political processes and activities.

Paradox of Voting

The idea that the effort to vote is not worth the potential return or impact of one vote.

Alienation

The feeling of powerlessness or disconnection from the political system.

SAVE Act

Legislation intended to ensure that only American citizens can vote, requiring proof of citizenship.

Media Bias

The perceived tendency of the media to report in a way that is partial or prejudiced.

Priming

The process by which the media influences the importance placed on the topics of the news.

Framing

The way media presents information and how it influences perception of issues.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Incumbency Advantage

The familiarity and established support that a current officeholder has over challengers.

Lobbyists

Individuals or groups that seek to influence government policy and decision-making on behalf of a particular interest.

Bureaucracy

The administrative system governing any large institution, particularly in government.

Civil Service

A body of government employees selected for their expertise and proficiency rather than appointed for political reasons.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court in the United States with the ultimate authority in interpreting the law.

Constitutional Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the president by the Constitution, including expressed, delegated, and inherent powers.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy to benefit their members' interests.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to win elections and influence government policy.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.