Congress

What is the primary goal of any representative?

Reelection

Which house is closer to the people?

House of Representatives

Which house was originally elected by state legislatures?

Senate

What amendment changed the election of senators to direct election by the people?

17th Amendment

What is a variable in political science?

A definable quantity that can take on two or more values.

What is a theory in political science?

An explanation of behaviors.

What is a hypothesis?

An educated guess.

What is hypothesis testing?

Testing a null hypothesis to support or reject it.

What is a null hypothesis?

There is no significance between the dependent and independent variables.

What is operationalization?

Turning abstract ideas into measurable observations.

What is covariation?

Assuming the dependent and independent variables will co-vary.

What is a positive relationship between variables?

When two variables are moving in the same direction.

What does the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act do?

Prevents the president from impounding certain budget items.

What was the outcome of the 1946 Legislative Reorganization Act?

Narrowed the number of standing committees to enhance efficiency.

What is a Super PAC?

An independent political action committee with no cap on fundraising for a political campaign.

What is 'Pressing the Flesh'?

Personal appearance by candidates to meet voters.

What is 'Shoe-Leather Campaigning'?

Going door-to-door to connect personally with voters.

What is the Cultural Gap?

Differences in political beliefs between urban and rural voters.

What is the Gender Gap?

Differences in political party support between men and women.

What is Issue Uptake?

When a politician becomes aware of their opponent’s campaign themes once in office.

What is Strict Scrutiny?

The highest form of judicial review focusing on racial considerations.

What is Gerrymandering?

District line-drawing that maximizes seats for one party.

What is a 'Home Style'?

How a legislator interacts with constituents to build trust.

What is Descriptive Representation?

Elected officials resembling the demographics of their constituents.

What is Substantive Representation?

Representatives acting in the best interests of their constituents.

What is the Franking Privilege?

The benefit for members of Congress to send mail to constituents without paying postage.