FBLA Political Science

Monetary Policy

(Controlled by the Federal Reserve)

Expansionary: Lower interest rates, buy bonds, reduce reserve requirements — used to boost the economy in a recession.

Contractionary: Raise interest rates, sell bonds, increase reserve requirements — used to reduce inflation.

Fiscal Policy

(Controlled by Congress & the President):

Expansionary: Increase government spending or cut taxes to stimulate the economy. Example: COVID-19 stimulus checks.

Contractionary: Decrease government spending or raise taxes to control inflation or reduce the deficit.

Legitimate Power

Comes from a formal position of authority (e.g., president, judge).

Coercive Power

Based on force or threats (e.g., dictatorships, enforcement via fear).

Reward Power

Ability to give rewards or benefits (e.g., bonuses, promotions).

Referent Power

Comes from charisma or personal appeal (e.g., influencers, respected leaders).

Informational Power

Comes from access to information or control over knowledge (e.g., whistleblowers, intelligence agents).

Explain the role and conflicts of politics in government

Politics determines how power and resources are distributed. Conflicts arise due to differing beliefs, interests, and values among individuals or groups.

Democracy

A government where power lies with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

Capitalism

An economic system where private individuals control property and businesses, with minimal government interference.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government is limited by a constitution and must operate within its framework.

Define political science

Political science is the systematic study of government, political processes, institutions, behavior, and public policies.

Explain shifting power from a majority to a few:

This shift, known as oligarchy or elitism, occurs when decision-making becomes concentrated in the hands of a small group, reducing democratic participation.

Explain the relationship between political culture and public opinion

Political culture shapes long-term beliefs and values, while public opinion reflects short-term attitudes on specific issues. Together, they influence political decisions and behavior.

Describe the role of citizenship and civil society in a democracy:

Citizenship involves rights and responsibilities like voting, obeying laws, and civic engagement. Civil society (e.g., nonprofits, advocacy groups) fosters participation and accountability outside of government.

Define political justice and individual rights:

Political justice ensures fairness and equality in the political system. Individual rights are freedoms (like speech or religion) protected by law and vital to democratic societies.

Define the components of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

GDP = C + I + G + (X - M) Where: C = consumption, I = investment, G = government spending, X = exports, M = imports.

Country

A geographical territory.

Nation

A group of people with shared identity or culture.

State

A political entity with sovereignty and governance.

Government

The ruling authority of a state.

Describe the history of political parties in the U.S.:

U.S. political parties began with the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans in the 1790s. Over time, parties evolved, with major eras including the rise of Democrats vs. Whigs, then Democrats vs. Republicans, and shifting platforms through the 20th and 21st centuries.

Two-party system

Dominated by two major parties (like the U.S.), which simplifies choices but limits diversity of ideas.

Multi-party system

Multiple parties compete for power (common in Europe), offering more options but sometimes leading to coalition governments.

Define current political parties

Democratic Party: Generally supports progressive policies, social welfare, and government involvement in the economy.

Republican Party: Favors limited government, free-market policies, and traditional social values. Others include the Libertarian Party, Green Party, and Constitution Party.

Explain the role of minor political parties

They influence national debates by introducing new ideas, pushing major parties to adopt their issues, and giving a voice to underrepresented voters, even if they rarely win major elections.

Describe the relationship between political parties and special interest groups:

Special interest groups may support parties that align with their goals through endorsements, funding, or lobbying. In return, parties may adopt policies favored by these groups.

Define special interest groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy based on specific interests or causes (e.g., NRA, AARP, Sierra Club).

Explain the difference between private and public special interest groups:

Private: Represent specific economic or professional interests (e.g., corporations, unions).

Public: Advocate for broader societal issues (e.g., environmental or civil rights organizations).

Explain how special interest groups (example: Boston Tea Party) have influenced American politics:

The Boston Tea Party was a protest by colonists against British taxation, symbolizing resistance to tyranny. Modern special interest groups similarly use lobbying, protests, and litigation to shape public policy and political discourse.

Outline the history of civil liberties in the United States:

Civil liberties were first established in the Bill of Rights (1791). Over time, Supreme Court rulings (especially through the 14th Amendment) have expanded protections, incorporating these rights to apply at both federal and state levels.

Explain the importance and limitations of freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly:

These rights protect expression and dissent, which are essential for democracy. However, they're not absolute — for example:

Speech inciting violence or false advertising can be limited.

Freedom of religion doesn't allow actions that break the law (e.g., polygamy).

Assemblies must be peaceful and may be subject to permits.

Define the procedural rights for the accused: These include:

Due process (5th & 14th Amendments)

Right to remain silent (5th Amendment)

Right to a lawyer (6th Amendment)

Protection from double jeopardy and self-incrimination

Explain the right to privacy and the right to bear arms:

Right to privacy is not explicitly in the Constitution but has been interpreted through cases like Roe v. Wade and Griswold v. Connecticut.

Right to bear arms is protected by the 2nd Amendment, though the government can regulate certain aspects (e.g., background checks, assault weapon bans).

Describe the role of courts in deciding civil liberty cases:

Courts, especially the Supreme Court, interpret constitutional protections and set legal precedents. They determine whether laws or government actions violate civil liberties.

Explain the history of civil rights:

Civil rights address equal treatment under the law. Key milestones include:

13th-15th Amendments (abolished slavery, granted citizenship & voting rights)

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Civil rights movements pushed for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality.

Understand the concept of basic civil rights for all:

Civil rights guarantee freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or other traits. They aim to ensure equal access to education, jobs, and voting.

Explain equal protection under the 14th Amendment:

The Equal Protection Clause mandates that states treat individuals equally under the law. It's the foundation for many anti-discrimination rulings.

Explain civil rights for women and Americans with disabilities:

Women: Gained voting rights via the 19th Amendment; Title IX and employment laws expanded protections.

Americans with Disabilities: The ADA (1990) prohibits discrimination and requires accommodations in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Define the role and functions of government:

Government creates and enforces laws, provides public goods (like defense, education, infrastructure), protects rights, and maintains order within society.

Explain the characteristics of a democracy:

Key features include:

Free and fair elections

Majority rule with minority rights

Rule of law

Protection of civil liberties

Citizen participation

Autocracy

Power is held by one individual (e.g., dictator or monarch).

Authoritarianism

A central power limits freedoms but doesn't control all aspects of life.

Totalitarianism

An extreme form of authoritarianism where the government controls nearly all aspects of public and private life (e.g., North Korea).

Define transitional governments:

These are temporary governments formed when a country is shifting from one system (e.g., dictatorship) to another (e.g., democracy). Their role is to stabilize and guide the political transition.

Explain the powers and functions of legislatures:

Legislatures create laws, approve budgets, oversee the executive branch, and represent the people. In the U.S., this is Congress — made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Differentiate between Congress and Parliament:

Congress (U.S.): Separate from the executive branch; checks and balances between branches.

Parliament (e.g., UK): The executive (prime minister and cabinet) is part of and chosen by the legislature.

Explain the purpose of legislative committees:

Committees review, amend, and debate legislation before it reaches the full chamber. They specialize in areas like education, defense, or health and streamline the lawmaking process.

Explain the U.S. Electoral College system:

The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President. Each state has electors equal to its number of senators and representatives. A total of 270 electoral votes is needed to win. Most states use a winner-takes-all system, where the candidate with the most popular votes in that state gets all the electoral votes.

Differentiate direct and indirect elections:

Direct election: Voters choose the candidate directly (e.g., U.S. Senate and House elections).

Indirect election: Voters choose representatives who then choose the candidate (e.g., Electoral College for President).

Describe individual representation and the U.S. electoral systems:

In the U.S., representatives are elected by specific districts, ensuring local representation. This single-member district system means each area elects one representative.

Define primary elections:

Primary elections determine a political party's nominee for a general election.

Open primary: Any voter can participate.

Closed primary: Only registered party members can vote.

Caucus: A meeting where party members select a nominee.

Explain election runoffs and recalls:

Runoff election: Held when no candidate receives a majority in the initial vote (common in local/state elections).

Recall election: A process by which voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

Define the role of Congress:

Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Its main roles include:

Making laws

Declaring war

Approving the federal budget

Confirming appointments

Overseeing the executive branch

Explain the electoral evolution of Congress:

Originally, Senators were chosen by state legislatures (until the 17th Amendment in 1913 allowed for direct election). Members of the House of Representatives have always been directly elected. Over time, reforms like the Voting Rights Act expanded access to congressional elections.

Explain the rationale for reapportionment and redistributing congressional districts:

Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census, congressional seats are reapportioned based on population changes. States redraw district boundaries (redistricting) to reflect population shifts and ensure equal representation (one person, one vote).

Explain party nomination:

Party nomination is the process by which political parties select their candidates for public office. It typically occurs through primaries or caucuses.

Describe national forces that influence Congress:

Public opinion

Presidential popularity

Economic conditions

Media influence

Party leadership and national platforms

Explain the difference between presidential and congressional campaigns:

Presidential campaigns are national and more media-driven, with a focus on swing states.

Congressional campaigns are more localized, often influenced by district-specific issues, and less costly.

Describe factors that influence election outcomes:

Incumbency advantage

Voter turnout

Campaign funding

Media coverage

Partisan alignment of the district

Current events or national mood

Describe the difference between the state and U.S. court systems:

State courts handle cases involving state laws (e.g., traffic violations, family law).

Federal courts deal with cases involving U.S. laws, constitutional issues, disputes between states, or foreign governments.

Describe the power of the federal judiciary:

The judiciary interprets laws, determines constitutionality, and can strike down laws or executive actions through judicial review (established in Marbury v. Madison).

Define the federal court system of the U.S.

It has three main levels:

District Courts - Trial courts (original jurisdiction)

Courts of Appeals - Review lower court decisions

Supreme Court - Highest court; final say on constitutional matters

Explain the judicial decision-making process

Judges interpret laws based on the Constitution, statutes, and precedent. In appellate courts, panels review briefs, hear oral arguments, and issue written opinions.

Explain the checks and balance system on the power of the U.S. Supreme Court:

The U.S. Supreme Court is checked by the President, who appoints justices, and by Congress, which approves appointments, can impeach justices, and propose constitutional amendments. This ensures the Court cannot act without limits and remains balanced within the three branches of government.

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Explain the difference between original and appellate jurisdiction:

Original jurisdiction: The power to hear a case first (trial courts).

Appellate jurisdiction: The power to review and revise lower court decisions.

Explain the selection of Supreme Court Justices process:

The President nominates a candidate

The Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings

The Senate votes to confirm or reject (requires majority vote)

Describe how special interest groups use litigation strategies to influence government policy:

They file lawsuits or submit amicus curiae briefs (friend of the court) to sway rulings in their favor. Groups like the ACLU and NAACP have used the courts to win major legal victories for civil rights.

Define bureaucracy

A bureaucracy is a complex system of departments, agencies, and offices in the executive branch that implement and enforce laws and policies. Bureaucrats are unelected officials who carry out day-to-day functions of the government.

Explain the history, impact, and problems associated with federal bureaucracy:

History: Grew significantly during the New Deal (1930s) and expanded with programs like Medicare, the EPA, and Homeland Security.

Impact: Ensures consistent policy implementation across the nation.

Problems: Often criticized for inefficiency, red tape, lack of transparency, and resistance to change.

Explain the relationship between the President, Cabinet, and Congress when determining legislation:

The President proposes policies and oversees executive agencies.

The Cabinet advises the president and manages departments.

Congress funds and oversees agencies, creates laws they must implement, and confirms Cabinet heads.

Explain how elections are related to public perception of government:

Election outcomes often reflect public trust or dissatisfaction with how the government — including its bureaucracy — is functioning. Candidates may campaign on reforming inefficient agencies or cutting bureaucracy.

Define the bureaucratic accountability process

Accountability is maintained through:

Congressional oversight (hearings, budget control)

Presidential influence (appointments, executive orders)

Judicial review (courts can strike down agency actions)

Whistleblower protections and media scrutiny

Explain how mass media and journalism have impacted the political system:

Mass media shapes public perception of leaders, policies, and issues. It sets the political agenda by choosing what to report, influences election outcomes, and holds public officials accountable through investigative journalism.

Describe the difference between private- and state-controlled media:

Private media: Independently owned and operated; often driven by profit or editorial viewpoints. (e.g., CNN, Fox, New York Times)

State-controlled media: Run or heavily influenced by the government; often promotes state-approved narratives (e.g., in authoritarian regimes).

Explain media's influence on the public:

Media can inform, persuade, or even mislead the public. It influences how people view issues, candidates, and political parties — especially through repetition, framing, and selective coverage.

Define media bias and the reason for public criticism of media:

Media bias is the perception or reality that news organizations favor a political viewpoint. Criticism arises when outlets are seen as promoting partisanship, misinformation, or ignoring certain issues altogether.

Explain the role of media in elections and other government activities: Media:

Covers campaigns and debates

Highlights candidate platforms

Reports election results

Investigates scandals

Offers platforms for political ads and messaging

Explain rules that govern media:

Regulations include:

FCC (Federal Communications Commission) rules for fairness and public interest

Limits on false advertising

Equal time rule (broadcasters must give equal opportunities to opposing candidates)

Define yellow media

Yellow journalism (or yellow media) is sensationalized, exaggerated, or biased reporting used to attract attention and increase sales, often at the expense of factual accuracy.

Define public opinion and public culture:

Public opinion is the collective attitudes or beliefs of the population on political issues, leaders, or policies.

Public culture refers to the shared values, symbols, traditions, and expectations that influence how a society engages politically and views government.

Explain how to measure public opinion:

Public opinion is measured through polls and surveys using tools like phone interviews, online questionnaires, or in-person polling. Effective measurement depends on a representative sample and unbiased questions.

Explain how public opinion leaders are selected and recognized:

Public opinion leaders are individuals who shape others' views through their credibility, visibility, or influence. They can be experts, media figures, politicians, activists, or social media influencers, and are recognized based on trust and reach.

Describe the difference between random and quota sampling used to collect public opinion:

Random sampling: Everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected. It reduces selection bias.

Quota sampling: Researchers choose participants to meet demographic quotas (e.g., 50% female, 20% ages 18-29), ensuring specific subgroups are represented.

Explain the bias associated with opinion polls and surveys:

Bias can arise from:

Leading or loaded questions

Non-representative samples

Nonresponse bias (certain people don't respond)

Social desirability bias (respondents give answers they think are more acceptable) These can distort results and misrepresent true public sentiment.

Explain how voter turnout is impacted by polls and surveys:

Polls can either motivate or discourage voters. If a race seems close, people may feel more urgency to vote. If polls show a large lead, some may feel their vote won't make a difference and stay home.

List alternative forms of political participation:

Attending protests or rallies

Contacting elected officials

Donating to political campaigns

Volunteering for advocacy groups

Participating in public meetings

Posting or debating politics on social media

Organizing petitions

Participating in boycotts or buycotts

Explain the difference between laws and customs:

Laws are written, enforceable rules created by governments.

Customs are traditional practices or unwritten norms followed by society but not legally binding (e.g., handshakes or standing for the national anthem).

Define American law:

merican law is based on the U.S. Constitution, federal and state statutes, case law (judicial decisions), and administrative regulations. It includes both criminal and civil branches.

Define code law:

Code law (also called civil law) is a legal system where laws are written down and organized into codes. These codes cover every possible situation and judges must apply the written law exactly as it's written.

Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law:

Criminal law deals with offenses against society (e.g., theft, assault); the government prosecutes.

Civil law deals with disputes between individuals or entities (e.g., contracts, property, family law); usually involves lawsuits and compensation.

Define statutory law:

Statutory law is any law that’s been officially written and passed by a government body — like Congress, a state legislature, or a city council. If lawmakers vote on it and it becomes official = statutory law. It’s written down in statutes or codes.

Example:

Congress passes a law that says all drivers must wear seat belts.

That rule becomes part of the statutory law.

Describe administrative, regulatory, and religious law:

Administrative law governs how government agencies operate and enforce rules.

Regulatory law consists of detailed rules made by agencies to enforce broader laws (e.g., EPA setting pollution limits).

Religious law is based on spiritual doctrines (like Islamic Sharia law or Jewish Halakha), and while it may guide personal behavior, it is not legally binding in secular governments like the U.S.

Explain the steps of the public policy process:

Problem identification - Recognizing an issue that needs government attention.

Policy formulation - Developing potential solutions, often involving experts and stakeholders.

Policy adoption - Lawmakers vote to pass a policy or law.

Policy implementation - Government agencies carry out the law or program.

Policy evaluation - Assessing the policy's effectiveness and making adjustments if needed.

List types of policy:

Public policy - General government decisions (e.g., tax laws)

Social policy - Welfare, education, housing, health care

Economic policy - Budgeting, inflation control, trade

Environmental policy - Climate change, pollution control

Foreign policy - International relations and defense

Regulatory policy - Rules governing businesses and industries

Give examples of Republican and Democrat policy beliefs:

Republicans: Favor lower taxes, less regulation, strong national defense, and individual responsibility.

Democrats: Support social welfare programs, environmental regulation, progressive taxation, and healthcare access.

Define social insurance programs:

Government-run programs that provide financial protection based on prior contributions (usually via payroll taxes). Examples:

Social Security

Medicare

Unemployment insurance

Describe public assistance programs:

Programs that provide aid to individuals based on need, not contributions. Funded by taxes and aimed at reducing poverty. Examples:

Medicaid

SNAP (food stamps)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Explain the difference between market and state-controlled economies:

Market economy: Decisions are made by individuals and businesses; prices and production are based on supply and demand (e.g., U.S.).

State-controlled economy: The government controls production, pricing, and distribution (e.g., North Korea, formerly the USSR).

Define and give examples of regulatory policy:

Regulatory policy refers to government-imposed rules to control or influence behavior. Examples:

Environmental regulations (EPA limits on emissions)

Labor laws (minimum wage, workplace safety)

Consumer protections (FDA food/drug safety standards)