Political Science Midterm (chapters 1-8)

 What is politics

The process of deciding who gets what, where, and how, resolving conflict over resources, values and power

What is power

The ability to influence behavior, control decisions, or shape outcomes (can be formal or informal)

What is public policy

Government decisions about what will or won’t be done, includes laws, actions, and funding priorities.

What is political science

The systematic, scientific study of politics, Government, and power.

What is the difference between normative and empirical political audience 

Normative=what should be (values/opinions)

Empirical=what activity is (day/evidence) 

What is political legitimacy

Public acceptance that the government has a right to rule

Institution vs. groups vs. individuals

Institutions shape rules (congress, presidency)

Groups pressure power (interest groups)

Individuals act based on preferences (voters, leaders)

Why do Humans engage in politics?

To pursue interest, goals, and values; protect resources; express identity.

What is rational choice theory?

People make political decisions to maximize personal benefit

What does “?behavior is partially predictable” mean? 

Patterns in behaviors exits, demographics can predict political tendencies. 

What goals do people seek in politics

Power, security, belonging, resources, values

What is political ideology?

A consistent set of beliefs about a governments role in society 

Liberalism (modern)

supports government protecting civil liberties and promoting equality; favors social programs.

conservatism (modern)

prefers limited government, free markets, traditional social values

Socialism

Government own major industries to reduce inequality; strong social safety net

communism

Classless society; government controls economy and resources 

fascism

Extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, suppression of opposition

authoritarianism

strict obedience to authority; limited personal freedoms.

Libertarianism

minimal government intervene in both economy and personal lives 

What are civil liberties?

Fundamental freedoms government can not takeaway (bill of rights)

What clause protects civil liberties from federal governments?

The bill of rights (1-10th amendment) 

What clause applies rights for the states?

14th amendment due process clause (selective incorporation) 

What is freedom of speech?

Right to express ideas without government punishment (with limits) 

What is freedom of religion?

Establishment clause (gov can’t endorse religion) +free exercise clause (you can practice)

Rights of the accused include…

right to a attorney, due process, no unreasonable search, no cruel punishment

What is political participation?

Activites that influence government( voting, protesting, donations, contacting officials)

Why is voter turn out low in the U.S?

registration barriers, inconvenience, apathy, voting not mandatory 

What is public opinion?

What citizens think about political issues and government actions 

How is public opinion measured?

Polls, surveys, scientific sampling

Why does public opinion matter?

It influences elections, policy, politicians behavior

What is political socialization?

the process through which people form political beliefs 

What is the #1 influence on political socialization? 

Family.

What is political culture?

Shared values and beliefs (freedom, equality, individualism) 

What is a collective action problem?

People want the benefit but avoid participation (free riders) 

What are civil rights?

Government protects you from discrimination

Civil liberties vs. Civil rights

liberties= Freedom of government

rights= Equality granted by gov

What amendment protects civil rights?

!4th amendment (equal protection clause)

Example of civil rights issues…

Racial equality, lgbtq+ rights, disability rights.

What are interest groups?

Organizations that influence public policy (don’t run candidates)

What is lobbying?

Attempting to influence policymakers on behalf of an interest group

What are political parties?

Organizations that recruit candidates, run campaigns, and try to win elections

Difference between interest groups and parties?

parties want power by winning elections 

interest groups want influence regardless of who wins 

What effects voter turn out?

Education level, age, income, registration rules

Social contract

People give up some freedom to government for security 

legitimacy

Public acceptance that a gov has authority

Agenda setting (media)

Media tells us what to think about, not what to think.