Political science test 2 simple terms (copy)

Federal Waivers

Exemptions from federal rules given to states or agencies.

Filibuster

A Senate rule to extend debate and block votes.

Descriptive & Substantive Representation

Descriptive reflects constituents’ demographics; substantive advocates for their constituents’ interests.

Constituency/Constituents

The voters represented by an elected official.

Culture Wars

Conflicts over values and social issues.

Judicial Review

Courts assess the constitutionality of laws.

Judicial Restraint

Courts avoid striking down laws unnecessarily.

Activist’s Court

Courts make decisions based on personal or political beliefs.

Stare Decisis

Courts follow established precedents.

Electoral College

Electors who choose the president and vice president.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Ruling that spending by corporations/unions is protected speech.

Political Action Committee (PAC) & Super PAC

PACs fund elections; Super PACs spend unlimited sums independently.

Voter Mobilization & Countermobilization

Mobilization encourages voting; countermobilization discourages opposition turnout.

Lobbying

Influencing policymakers on specific issues.

Pluralism

Politics shaped by competing interest groups.

Elitism

A small wealthy group holds most power.

Interest Groups

Organizations advocating for specific issues.

Social Movements

Large group efforts for social or political change.

Public & Private Goods

Public goods are shared (like clean air); private goods are exclusive (like food).

What is the role of the Administrative Presidency?

Presidents use executive actions and agency decisions to bypass Congress on policy.

Federal Waivers significance

Significance: Allow states flexibility in federal programs; Example: States waiving specific requirements for Medicaid.

Filibuster significance

Significance: Protects minority opinions in the Senate; Example: Sen. Rand Paul filibustered for nearly 13 hours on drone policy.

Descriptive & Substantive Representation significance

Significance: Impact diversity in policy-making; Example: A female senator advocating for women's rights addresses both forms.

Constituency/Constituents significance

Significance: Elected officials' accountability to voters; Example: Congress members regularly hold town hall meetings.

Culture Wars significance

Significance: Highlight societal divides impacting policy; Example: Debates on same-sex marriage legalization.

Judicial Review significance

Significance: Checks legislative and executive actions; Example: Brown v. Board of Education ending school segregation.

Judicial Restraint significance

Significance: Promotes stability by limiting judicial intervention; Example: Courts hesitating to overturn laws absent clear unconstitutionality.

Activist’s Court significance

Significance: Allows courts to influence social change; Example: Roe v. Wade advancing reproductive rights.

Stare Decisis significance

Significance: Ensures legal consistency; Example: Precedents set by Supreme Court cases influencing future rulings.

Electoral College significance

Significance: Determines presidential election outcomes; Example: Florida's electoral votes swaying elections due to close outcomes.

Administrative president significance

Allows president to implement policy unilaterally such as immigration example- Obama’s deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)