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A. Political Science Terms & Concepts
political science
the systematic study of politics, government structures, political behavior, and the analysis of political systems and policies.
Politics in government
laws and how society is run under it's leaders.
Conflicts in governments
Conflicts arise when competing interests, and ideologies influence decision-making, such as party competition, policy disagreements, or distribution of resources.
Democracy
A system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.
Capitalism
An economic system based on private ownership of capital, goods and services are produced for profit in a competitive marketplace.
Constitutionalism:
The principle that government is limited by a constitution, which outlines the structure of government and protects individual rights.
Types of Political Power:
Coercive, Persuasive, and Legitimate
Coercive Power:
Based on force or the threat of force.
Persuasive Power
Based on force or the threat of force.
Legitimate Power:
Authority granted by law or the consent of the governed.
Sources of Political Power
include laws, resources, military force, and public support.
Explain shifting power from a majority to a few.
Shifting Power from a Majority to a Few involves the concentration of political power in the hands of a smaller elite or group, often through mechanisms like lobbying, political manipulation, or constitutional amendments that reduce broader participation.
Political Culture
political culture is the shared values, beliefs, and norms that influence political behavior in a society.
public opinion
Public Opinion refers to the views held by the population on various political issues. They interact because public opinion shapes political culture and vice versa.
citizenship
is the status of being a member of a political community, granting rights and responsibilities.
Civil Society
refers to organizations and institutions outside of government, where citizens can engage in public affairs, which are essential to a healthy democracy.
civil society
refers to organizations and institutions outside of government, where citizens can engage in public affairs, which are essential to a healthy democracy.
Political Justice
refers to the fair treatment of all citizens under the law, while Individual Rights are the freedoms and protections guaranteed to individuals, typically through constitutional or legal frameworks.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, and it includes:
Consumption
Investment
Government Spending
Net Exports (exports minus imports)
Explain the difference between countries, nations, states, and governments.
Countries are recognized political entities with defined territories. Nations refer to groups of people with shared culture or history. States are political entities with a governing structure and sovereignty, while Governments are the systems or institutions through which states exercise their authority.
History and Role of Political Science
history of political parties in the U.S.
Political parties in the U.S. began with the formation of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in the 1790s, evolving into the modern two-party system Democratic, and Republican system.
the difference between the two-party and multi-party government systems.
In a two-party system, two dominant political parties compete for power. In a multi-party system, several parties exist, often leading to coalition governments.
Define current political parties.
The main parties in the U.S. are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party, with other smaller parties like the Libertarian and Green Parties also active.
Explain the role of minor political parties.
Minor parties can influence elections, raise important issues, and impact the policies of major parties.
Describe the relationship between political parties and special interest groups.
Political parties often collaborate with special interest groups to gain support, while interest groups seek to influence party platforms and policies.
Define special interest groups.
Organizations formed to advocate for specific issues or causes, often seeking to influence public policy.
Explain the difference between private and public special interest groups.
Private groups focus on specific interests or industries, while public interest groups aim to serve broader societal or environmental goals.
Explain how special interest groups (for example: Boston Tea Party) have influenced American politics.
Groups like the Boston Tea Party influenced American politics by advocating for political and economic change.
C. Civil Liberties & Civil Rights in Political Science
Civil liberties in the U.S. have evolved, with landmark Supreme Court decisions protecting individual rights, such as the Bill of Rights.
Outline the history of Civil Liberties in the United States.
Civil liberties in the U.S. have evolved, with landmark Supreme Court decisions protecting individual rights, such as the Bill of Rights.
. Explain the importance and limitations of freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly.
These freedoms are fundamental to democratic societies, though they are limited to prevent harm, maintain public order, or protect national security.
Define the procedural rights of the accused.
Rights such as the right to a fair trial, protection against self-incrimination, and the right to legal representation.
Explain the right to privacy and the right to bear arms.
The right to privacy involves personal autonomy, while the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
. Describe the role of courts in deciding civil liberty cases.
Courts interpret and enforce civil liberties, often making rulings that expand or limit individual rights.
Explain the history of civil rights.
Civil rights movements, particularly in the 1960s, led to significant legal changes ensuring equal rights for African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups.
the concept of basic civil rights for all.
The fundamental rights guaranteed to every individual, such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to vote.
equal protection under the 14th Amendment.
The fundamental rights guaranteed to every individual, such as freedom of speech, equality before the law, and the right to vote.
Civil Rights for Women and Americans with Disabilities.
Movements and legal changes have worked toward ensuring women and individuals with disabilities receive equal treatment under the law.
D. Forms of Government & Legislatures
Define the role and functions of government.
Governments maintain order, provide public services, protect citizens, and promote the common welfare.
Explain the characteristics of a democracy.
In a democracy, power rests with the people, who participate directly or through elected representatives, ensuring majority rule while protecting minority rights.
Describe autocracy, totalitarianism, and authoritarianism.
Autocracy: One person holds absolute power.
Totalitarianism: A system where the government seeks total control over all aspects of life.
Authoritarianism: A political system where a central authority holds power, but some degree of individual freedoms may remain.
transitional governments.
Governments in the process of shifting from one system to another, often due to conflict or reform.
Explain the powers and functions of legislatures.
Legislatures create, amend, and ratify laws, represent constituents, and provide checks on executive power.
Differentiate between Congress and Parliament.
(U.S.) has a bicameral system with distinct chambers (Senate and House), while Parliament (UK) combines executive and legislative functions under a prime ministerial system.
Explain the purpose of legislative committees.
: Committees handle detailed examination of proposed laws, investigations, and oversight of government activities.
E. Electoral Systems & Presidential Elections
1. Explain the U.S. Electoral College system.
The Electoral College consists of electors who cast votes to elect the president, with the number of electors per state determined by population
2. Differentiate direct and indirect elections.
Direct elections involve voters selecting candidates directly, while indirect elections involve electors or representatives selecting the candidate on behalf of voters.
3. Describe individual representation and the U.S. electoral systems.
The U.S. system includes both popular voting and the Electoral College to elect the president, with individual representation through congressional districts.
4. Define primary elections.
Elections to select a political party's nominee for a general election.
5. Explain election runoffs and recalls.
Runoff elections occur if no candidate wins a majority, while recalls allow voters to remove elected officials from office before their term ends.
F. The Powers & Elections of Congress
Define the role of Congress.
Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government responsible for making laws, regulating commerce, declaring war, and approving the federal budget
Explain the electoral evolution of Congress.
Congressional elections have evolved through reforms like the direct election of Senators (17th Amendment) and redistricting to reflect population changes.
Explain the rationale for reapportionment and redistributing congressional districts.
Reapportionment ensures each state's representation in the House of Representatives is based on population shifts, while redistricting adjusts boundaries to reflect these changes.
Explain party nomination.
Political parties select their candidates for office through a nomination process, often involving primaries, conventions, or caucuses.
Describe national forces that influence Congress.
Factors like public opinion, interest groups, media, and presidential influence can affect congressional behavior and decisions.
Explain the difference between Presidential and Congressional campaigns.
Presidential campaigns focus on national issues, while Congressional campaigns are often more localized, addressing district-specific concerns and priorities.
. Describe factors that influence election outcomes.
Factors include incumbency, party affiliation, voter demographics, media coverage, and campaign finance.
G. Federal Judicial System
Describe the difference between the state and U.S. court systems.
The state court system deals with state laws, while the federal court system handles cases involving federal law or interstate issues.
Describe the power of the federal judiciary.
The federal judiciary, led by the U.S. Supreme Court, has the power to interpret the Constitution, review laws, and ensure justice through judicial review.
Define the federal court system of the U.S.
The system includes district courts (trial courts), courts of appeals (appellate jurisdiction), and the U.S. Supreme Court (the highest appellate court).
Explain the judicial decision-making process.
Judges make decisions based on legal precedents, statutory interpretation, and constitutional principles. The decision-making process involves oral arguments, written opinions, and rulings.
Explain the judicial decision-making process.
The President appoints justices, but the Senate must confirm them. The Court's decisions can be overruled by constitutional amendments or through legislation.
Explain the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction.
Original Jurisdiction: The authority to hear a case first (e.g., Supreme Court cases involving disputes between states).
Appellate Jurisdiction: The authority to review decisions made by lower courts.
Explain the selection of Supreme Court Justices process.
: The President nominates justices, and the Senate confirms or rejects them based on qualifications and political considerations.
how special interest groups use litigation strategies to influence government policy.
Special interest groups use lawsuits and legal challenges as a tool to influence policy decisions, either by directly challenging laws or by supporting cases with broader implications.
H. Federal Bureaucracy
bureaucracy.
A bureaucracy is a system of government in which most of the decisions are made by state officials rather than elected representatives. It involves a hierarchical structure, specialized functions, and adherence to standardized rules and procedures.
Explain the history, impact, and problems associated with federal bureaucracy.
The federal bureaucracy has grown over time as the government has taken on more functions. Issues include inefficiency, lack of accountability, and political influence.
Explain the relationship between the President, Cabinet, and Congress when determining legislation.
The President, with input from the Cabinet (executive departments), proposes legislation, while Congress legislates. The President and Congress often interact to shape policies and approve laws.
Explain how elections are related to public perception of government.
Elections can shape public perception of government effectiveness. A perceived disconnect between elected officials and public needs can lead to disillusionment or calls for reform.
Define the bureaucratic accountability process.
Bureaucracies are held accountable through oversight by Congress, executive orders by the President, and judicial review. Accountability mechanisms include audits, investigations, and performance reviews.
Mass Media & Politics
Explain how mass media and journalism have impacted the political system.
Media shapes public opinion, influences political discourse, and plays a central role in elections by disseminating information about candidates and policies.
Describe the difference between private- and state-controlled media.
Private Media: Owned by private entities, driven by profit motives, and often subject to market competition.
State-Controlled Media: Owned and operated by the government, often with the goal of promoting governmental policies and ideologies.
Explain the media's influence on the public.
Media affects political attitudes by framing issues, influencing perceptions, and providing platforms for debate. It can also shape how individuals engage with politics.
Define media bias and the reason for public criticism of media.
Media bias refers to the perceived slant in reporting, often based on political or ideological leanings. This bias can lead to public distrust and criticism, especially when the media is seen as shaping narratives instead of reporting facts objectively.
Explain the role of media in elections and other government activities.
Media covers political campaigns, debates, and policy discussions, providing a forum for political engagement. It can also hold government officials accountable through investigative journalism.
Explain the rules that govern media.
The media is regulated by government agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees broadcasting standards, political advertising, and fairness in reporting.
Define yellow media.
Yellow Media: Refers to sensationalized or biased reporting designed to attract attention, often through exaggerated or misleading headlines, particularly in tabloid journalism.
J. Public Opinion & Culture
Public opinion refers to the collective attitudes and beliefs of the people, while public culture involves shared values, beliefs, and customs that shape political behavior.
Define public opinion and public culture.
Public opinion is measured through surveys, polls, focus groups, and other forms of feedback, typically aimed at assessing attitudes on specific political issues.
. Explain how to measure public opinion.
Explain how public opinion leaders are selected and recognized.
Public opinion leaders are individuals or groups who have significant influence over the political beliefs of others, often due to expertise, charisma, or media presence.
Describe the difference between random and quota sampling used to collect public opinion.
Random Sampling: Participants are chosen randomly to ensure it accurately reflects a larger group or concept.
Quota Sampling: A non-random method where specific demographic groups are targeted to reflect certain proportions of the population.
Explain the bias associated with opinion polls and surveys.
Bias can occur due to question wording, survey methodology, or sample selection, leading to skewed results.
Explain how voter turnout is impacted by polls and surveys.
Polls can influence voter turnout by providing perceived momentum to candidates or discouraging supporters of trailing candidates.
List alternative forms of political participation.
These include protests, civil disobedience, online activism, contacting representatives, and community organizing.
K. Political Science Law
1. Explain the difference between laws and customs.
Laws are formal, enforceable rules established by a governing body, while customs are social norms or behaviors that are widely accepted but not legally enforceable.
Define American law.
The body of laws governing the U.S., primarily derived from the Constitution, statutes, and judicial decisions.
Define code law.
A legal system based on written codes or statutes that are systematically organized.
Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.
Criminal Law: Involves the prosecution of individuals charged with violations of public laws.
Civil Law: Concerns disputes between individuals or organizations over legal rights and obligations.
Define statutory law.
Laws enacted by legislative bodies at the local, state, or federal level.
Describe administration, regulatory, and religious law.
Administrative Law: Governs the activities of administrative agencies.
Regulatory Law: Refers to rules established by government agencies to regulate various industries or activities.
Religious Law: Law based on religious teachings and traditions.
