Political Science Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering citizens and political knowledge, redistricting, public opinion, media, political parties, interest groups, congress, presidency, bureaucracy, law and judiciary, public policy, and foreign policy.

According to Clawson & Oxley, what should citizens understand to be informed participants in a democracy?

Citizens should understand institutions, processes, rights, and key issues to be informed participants in democracy.

What is redistricting?

The process of redrawing electoral districts.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage—often to favor one party over another.

What is public opinion?

Citizens' collective attitudes about political issues, leaders, and institutions.

What is probability sampling?

A method that ensures every individual has an equal chance of being selected for surveys—important for representative results.

What is selection bias?

When the sample isn’t representative, skewing results.

What is social desirability effect?

Respondents may give answers they think are more acceptable, rather than truthful.

What are the three types of media?

Print (newspapers), broadcast (TV/radio), and digital (web/social media).

What do political parties do?

Organize elections, recruit candidates, develop policy platforms, and mobilize voters.

Why do we have a Two-Party System

Electoral rules like single-member districts and winner-take-all voting discourage third parties.

What is the Median Voter Theorem?

Parties often move toward the center to capture the most voters.

What are interest groups?

Organizations that seek to influence public policy on behalf of a cause or interest.

What is the Freerider Problem?

People benefit without contributing, especially in large public-interest groups.

What are strategies for influence used by interest groups?

Lobbying, litigation, campaign contributions, grassroots mobilization.

Why do people run for Congress?

Personal ambition, opportunity, support, and strategic political calculation.

What are the external influences on Congress?

Constituents, lobbyists, media.

What is the importance of incumbency in Congress?

Very important—brings name recognition, fundraising power, and established networks.

What do Vesting & Take-Care Clauses provide to the President:

Provide broad authority to enforce laws and oversee the executive branch.

What is the Rhetorical Presidency?

Presidents use media and direct communication to shape public opinion.

What are the formal Presidential Powers?

Veto, commander-in-chief, appointments, treaties (with Senate).

What are the informal Presidential Powers?

Executive orders, signing statements, public influence.

What is the purpose of the Bureaucracy?

Implements laws, delivers services, regulates activities.

What are the types of Bureaucracy?

Cabinet departments (e.g., Defense), Independent agencies (NASA), Regulatory commissions (FCC), Government corporations (USPS).

What are the effects of Bureaucracy on public welfare?

Can ensure safety and efficiency but may be slow, inefficient, or lack accountability.

What are the categories of Law?

Criminal, civil, constitutional, administrative.

What are the types of Courts?

Trial courts, appeals courts, supreme courts (state and federal).

What are Judicial Review Periods?

Marbury v. Madison established judicial review, Different eras include Lochner era (business-friendly), Warren Court (civil rights), etc.

What is Public Policy?

Government action to address issues through laws, regulations, or funding.

What are the tools of Public Policy?

Lawmaking, taxation, regulation, subsidies, service provision.

What are Redistributive Policies?

Shift resources (e.g., welfare, Medicaid) to reduce inequality.

What are poverty reduction programs?

Programs like Social Security, SNAP, public education, and healthcare access.

What is Foreign Policy?

Strategy for dealing with other nations.

What are the goals of Foreign Policy?

National security, economic prosperity, humanitarian interests.

What are the tools of Foreign Policy?

Diplomacy, military power, foreign aid, sanctions, trade policy.

Which branch leads Foreign Policy?

Executive branch—especially the President, with support from State Department and military.