Polic Sci Final

What is pluralism in the context of politics?

A system where multiple groups, interests, or ideas coexist and influence politics and society.

What is the definition of politics?

The process of making decisions about public policies, laws, and governance.

Why is political knowledge important for Americans?

It is important for making informed decisions and holding leaders accountable.

What does political efficacy refer to?

The belief in one’s ability to influence government; important for encouraging civic participation.

What is direct democracy?

A system where citizens directly vote on laws and policies.

What is a constitutional government?

A government limited by laws defined in a constitution.

What is a criticism of term limits in California?

They limit experience and increase dependence on lobbyists.

How does California's Constitution compare to the US Constitution?

California's Constitution is more detailed and easier to amend.

What was the aim of the Progressive Movement in California?

To reduce corruption and increase public participation in government.

What is the Elastic Clause?

It allows Congress to pass laws necessary for carrying out its powers.

What does the Bill of Rights do?

It protects individual freedoms; demanded by Anti-Federalists to limit government power.

What is established by the Supremacy Clause?

Federal laws take precedence over state laws.

What was the 3/5 Compromise?

It counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

It created a bicameral legislature (House and Senate).

What is the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

It prevents states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens.

What is federalism?

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

What are the phases of federalism?

Includes dual, cooperative, and new federalism.

How are local elections characterized?

Local elections are mostly non-partisan.

What does LAFCo oversee in California?

It oversees city and district boundaries.

What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause require?

It requires states to honor public acts and records of other states.

What does the 10th Amendment state?

It reserves powers not given to the federal government to states or people.

What is due process?

It protects individuals from arbitrary government actions, found in the 5th and 14th Amendments.

What are civil liberties?

Individual freedoms protected from government interference.

What do the Establishment & Free Exercise Clauses prevent?

They prevent the government from establishing religion or restricting religious practice.

Why is free speech and press valued?

Valued for promoting truth and accountability.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act?

It banned Chinese immigration and citizenship.

What was the outcome of Lawrence vs. Texas?

It struck down laws banning consensual same-sex relationships.

What does the Equal Protection Clause ensure?

It ensures all people are treated equally under the law.

What was the result of Plessy vs. Ferguson?

It upheld segregation; Brown vs. Board ended school segregation.

What is a polling sample?

A group used to represent a population in surveys.

What is the social desirability effect?

It refers to people giving answers they think are socially acceptable.

What is political ideology?

Beliefs about government’s role, such as liberalism and conservatism.

What does libertarianism advocate for?

Minimal government and maximum personal freedom.

What is political socialization?

The process of learning political beliefs and values.

What is the role of public broadcasting?

It provides educational and unbiased news.

What does the FCC regulate?

Communication channels like radio, TV, and the internet.

What are dangers of social media?

It can spread misinformation and amplify bias.

What are generational news trends?

Older people prefer TV; younger rely on social media.

What is priming in media?

Media influences how people evaluate events or candidates.

What influences voting behavior?

Party affiliation, issues, and candidate traits.

What is considered the most important political act?

Voting.

What is voter turnout?

The percentage of eligible voters who vote; often low in the US.

What is the difference between plurality and majority?

Plurality = most votes; Majority = over 50% of votes.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulating voting district boundaries for advantage.

Why are the timing of primaries significant?

Early primaries can influence later ones.

How often are congressional elections held?

Every two years.

What does partisanship refer to?

Strong allegiance to a political party.

What characterizes the two-party system?

Rooted in historical divisions and electoral structure.

What was the focus of the party system after the Civil War?

Economic growth and civil rights.

What did FDR’s New Deal do for the Democratic Party?

Strengthened Democrats as advocates for social welfare.

What is the winner-take-all system?

The candidate with the most votes wins everything in a district.

What is the purpose of primary caucuses/elections?

To select party candidates for general elections.

What happens at national party conventions?

Officially nominate presidential candidates; held every four years.

What characterized 2020 voter turnout?

High turnout due to mail-in voting and polarization.

What are the benefits of third parties?

They raise issues ignored by major parties.

What are the mail-in ballot rules in California?

They were expanded for accessibility.

How do interest groups differ from political parties?

Interest groups influence policies; parties seek power.

What are the types of interest groups?

Economic, public interest, ideological, and professional.

What is lobbying?

Influencing lawmakers, with increasing numbers of lobbyists.

What does going public mean for interest groups?

Appealing to the public for support.

What are free riders?

Those who benefit without contributing to a group’s efforts.

What are selective benefits?

Incentives to encourage group membership.

How influential are interest groups in California?

Very influential; called the 'third house.'

How have term limits affected interest groups?

Increased reliance on interest groups for expertise.

What is seniority in Congress?

It provides influence and leadership opportunities.

What do filibuster and cloture refer to?

Filibuster delays action; cloture ends debate.

What is the state of congressional polarization?

Increased polarization is reducing productivity.

What is a bicameral Congress?

It has 535 members (House and Senate).

Which presidents have been impeached?

Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump.

Who elects the Speaker of the House?

Elected by the House members.

What are the California legislator's jobs?

Pass laws, manage the budget, represent constituents.

What is the function of the committee system in Congress?

To review bills in specialized areas.

What are the legislative term limits in California?

12 years total in the legislature.

What are the presidential qualifications?

Natural-born citizen, 35 years old, 14-year residency.

What are some presidential powers?

Vetoing laws, commanding the military, and foreign policy.

What is the role of the White House staff?

To advise and assist the President.

What tasks does the Vice President perform?

Presides over the Senate, succeed the President.

What does it mean for a president to go public?

It means appealing directly to citizens for support.

What are executive orders?

Increased use to bypass Congress.

What is the State of the Union?

Updates Congress on national issues.

What powers does the California Governor possess?

Veto bills, propose a budget, pardon crimes.

What does the plural executive in California refer to?

Separates power among elected officials.

What happens if there is a vacancy in a California office?

The Governor appoints a replacement.

What is habeas corpus?

The right to challenge unlawful detention.

How many justices are on the US Supreme Court?

Nine justices; determined by Congress.

What is judicial review?

It allows courts to review laws for constitutionality.

What are oral arguments in the Supreme Court?

Lawyers present cases to the Supreme Court justices.

What is a Supreme Court decision called?

An opinion.

What are precedents?

Past rulings guiding future cases.

What does jurisdiction refer to?

The authority to hear and decide a case.

How are judges selected in California?

Appointed by the governor, confirmed by voters.

How are Superior Court judges in California chosen?

Elected by voters.