Key Terms in Politics

Pluralism

A theory that political power is distributed among many competing groups, so no single group dominates.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy based on shared concerns or interests.

Free-rider Problem

When people benefit from a group's efforts without actively participating or contributing.

Collective Goods

Benefits that are available to all, regardless of individual contribution (e.g., clean air).

Material Benefits

Tangible rewards (e.g., discounts, services).

Solidary Benefits

Social rewards (e.g., networking, friendship).

Purposive Benefits

Intangible rewards tied to the cause (e.g., moral satisfaction).

Lobbying

Attempting to influence policymakers through various forms of advocacy.

Iron Triangle

The stable relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucracies.

Issue Networks

More fluid, open systems involving various stakeholders (academics, media, etc.) on policy issues.

Grassroots Mobilization

Engaging the public to contact officials or rally support from the bottom up.

Access

Get face time with lawmakers.

Time

Long-term relationships and commitment.

Trust

Influence built on reliability.

Pay to Play

Contributions that open doors to influence.

Public Goods

Non-excludable and shared (e.g., public parks).

Private Goods

Exclusive (e.g., a meal).

Neo-Pluralism

A revision of pluralism acknowledging inequality in group power and resources.

Exchange Model

Interest groups form when leaders offer benefits to potential members in exchange for participation.

Institutions

Structured systems of governance (e.g., Congress) with rules and roles.

Bicameral Legislation

Two chambers—House of Representatives and Senate.

House

Larger, shorter terms (2 yrs), based on population.

Senate

Smaller, longer terms (6 yrs), equal representation (2 per state).

Congressional Leadership

House: Speaker of the House; Senate: Majority Leader and Vice President (President of the Senate).

Committee System

Specialized groups that review, amend, and debate legislation.

Open Rule

Allows amendments.

Closed Rule

Restricts or prohibits amendments.

David Mayhew

Argued MCs are 'single-minded seekers of reelection.'

Richard Fenno

Studied how MCs represent constituents; introduced 'home style.'

Goals of MCs

Reelection, policy influence, power within Congress.

Electorally Useful Activities

Position-taking, credit claiming, advertising.

Pork

Funding for local projects to win votes or support.

Types of Constituencies

Geographic, reelection, primary, and personal.

Role of Representation

Trustee: Acts based on personal judgment; Delegate: Acts based on constituents' wishes.

Incumbency

Advantage of current officeholders due to name recognition, resources, etc.

Logrolling

Trading votes among lawmakers for mutual benefit.

Roll-call Votes

Recorded votes on bills or motions.

Filibuster

Senate tactic to delay or block legislation by prolonged speaking.

Cloture

Vote to end a filibuster (requires 60 votes).

Bills

Proposed laws presented for debate and approval.

Caucuses

Groups of members with shared interests or goals.

Approval ratings

Gauge support and pressure Congress.

Executive Power

Authority to enforce laws and manage government operations.

Whig Theory

President has limited power, only those explicitly stated.

Stewardship Theory

President can do anything not forbidden by the Constitution.

Executive Orders

Directives from the president that have the force of law.

Expressed Powers

Powers clearly granted by the Constitution.

Delegated Powers

Powers assigned by Congress to the executive.

Inherent Powers

Implied powers not listed but necessary for duties.

Legislative Initiative

President's power to propose legislation.

War Powers Resolution Act

Limits the president's ability to send troops without congressional approval.

Going Public

Speaking directly to the people to gain support for policies.

Honeymoon Period

Early presidency when approval is highest and opposition is low.

Rally Around the Flag Effect

Surge in support during national crises.

Operation Eagle Claw

Failed 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Iran.

Barber's Typology

Classifies presidents by character and energy (active-positive, passive-negative, etc.).

Executive Privilege

Right to withhold information from other branches.

Judicial Review

Courts can strike down laws as unconstitutional.

Legitimacy

Public perception that the court's decisions are fair and just.

Rule of Law

Everyone is subject to the law, including government officials.

Criminal Law

Laws related to crimes against the state (e.g., theft, murder).

Civil Law

Laws dealing with disputes between individuals or groups.

Plaintiff and Defendant

Plaintiff brings the case; defendant responds.

Precedent

Prior court decisions guide future cases.

Doctrine of Stare Decisis

"Let the decision stand"—follow precedent.

Marbury vs. Madison

Established judicial review.