test 1 study guide

Milgram Study

Demonstrates that people often avoid taking responsibility by rationalizing their actions as simply following orders from an authority figure.

Political Power (Irrational Aspect)

Often manipulated through myths, stereotypes, and symbols by charismatic leaders to control people.

Political Scientists' Research Approach

Strive to conduct research similar to natural sciences, but political phenomena are difficult to fully quantify and control.

Thomas Hobbes' Social Contract

People agree to form a civil society out of fear and self-interest to avoid chaos in the 'state of nature.'

John Locke's Argument for Civil Society

People agree to form a civil society to secure their property, as there are no formal systems to protect ownership in the state of nature.

Rousseau vs. Locke

Rousseau believes society corrupts humans, while Locke views the state of nature as insecure but not inherently bad.

Marx's Capitalism Collapse

Capitalism will collapse due to the proletariat's uprising against the bourgeoisie, leading to a new system.

Classical vs. Modern Liberalism

Classical Liberalism believes in minimal government intervention in the market, while Modern Liberalism advocates for government regulation to protect citizens' rights.

Modern Conservatism

Supports traditional family values and is in favor of negative freedoms.

Marx's Utopian Vision

A classless, stateless society where the need for police and money disappears, and private property is abolished.

Leaders of Communist States

Leaders implementing Marx's vision of a utopian communist state include Lenin and Mao.

Social Democracy vs. Marxism

Social democracy revises Marx's theory by supporting capitalism with welfare measures rather than state ownership.

Hitler and Mussolini Commonality

Both controlled society through hyper-nationalism and an iron fist.

Equal Rights Amendment

Supported gender equality and aimed at securing voting rights for women.

Environmentalism Beliefs

Economic development should not come at the expense of the environment and requires lifestyle changes to conserve resources.

Alternative for Germany Policies

Supports deporting immigrants and sending weapons to Russia.

Corruption in States

Rampant in failed states, but weak states may exhibit less intense corruption.

Unitary System Advantage

Ability of the national government to implement uniform policies across all regions.

Federalism Laboratory for Policy Experimentation

Allows states to experiment with policies independently, with challenges in national applicability.

First-Past-the-Post Consequence

Creates a political environment dominated by two major parties.

Proportional Representation Disadvantage

Needs coalition governments, which can lead to political fragmentation.

Gerrymandering Impact

Creates safe districts by manipulating district boundaries to protect a party's interests.

Welfare vs. Socialist States

Welfare states utilize high taxes for social programs while socialist states emphasize government control of industries.

Laissez-Faire vs. Statist Systems

Laissez-faire features minimal government interference; statist involves significant government ownership.

Totalitarian vs. Authoritarian Regimes

Totalitarian regimes seek to control all aspects of society; authoritarian regimes focus primarily on political control.

Representative Democracy Characteristic

Citizens do not directly set policy.

Competitors in Elections

Essential for ensuring diverse representation and political stability.

Wealthy Elite Influence

Undermines the principle that everyone's vote counts equally.

Cult of Personality Effectiveness

Consolidates the leader's unchallenged control over the state.

Rich Oil States Democracy

Oil wealth can stifle democratization due to economic dependency.

Presidential vs. Parliamentary Elections

In a parliamentary system, the prime minister is elected by the legislature.

Executive-Legislative Relationships

Presidential systems protect against removal by vote of no confidence.

Cabinet Appointments in Parliamentary System

Cabinet ministers are typically members of parliament.

Fusion of Powers in Europe

The prime minister is usually selected by the legislature.

Separation of Powers in U.S. Government

Creates checks and balances, preventing any one branch from accumulating excessive power.

Coalition Government Risks

A party withdraws its support, leading to potential collapse and new elections.

Law Passing Initiative in Modern Legislatures

Typically originates from legislative committees or member-driven bills.

Head of State in Parliamentary System

Has a symbolic role but does not run the government.

Prime Minister Characteristics

Dependent on majority stability in parliament and must answer to it.

Presidential Tenure Comparison

President serves fixed terms that cannot be extended by legislature.

German vs. British Parliamentary System

Germany requires a constructive vote of no-confidence; Britain requires a simple vote.

Cohabitation in France

Occurs when the president and prime minister are from different political parties.

Bureaucrats' Power Source

Gains power by interpreting and implementing laws, using expertise.

Marbury v. Madison Significance

Established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate conflicting laws.

International vs. National Law

International law relies on voluntary compliance and reciprocity, unlike centralized national law.

Court of Appeals Cases

Includes challenges to District Court decisions involving federal statutes.

State Court System Characteristics

Mirrors federal courts but does not only handle civil matters.

Judicial Confirmation Process

Has become political due to the polarized environment and strategic nominations.

Adversarial vs. Inquisitorial System

In the Adversarial system, prosecution and defense present evidence; in the Inquisitorial system, judges play an active role.