Political Science 201 Final Exam Study Guide

A set of flashcards focused on key terms and concepts for the Political Science 201 Final Exam.

Bureaucracy

A complex system of government agencies and departments responsible for implementing and administering laws and policies.

Implementation

The process of putting into action the laws passed by legislative bodies.

Legislative bodies

A group of people, often elected, who have the legal authority to make laws for a political entity.

Rule Making

The process by which bureaucratic agencies create rules and regulations that have the force of law.

Statutory policies

Policies established by formal, written laws enacted by a legislative body.

Administrative Adjudication

The process through which bureaucratic agencies settle disputes over the implementation of regulations or laws.

Executive branch

The part of government responsible for enforcing and carrying out laws.

Clientele Agencies

Agencies that serve the interests of specific groups or industries.

Agencies for the Maintenance of the Union

Agencies that ensure national defense and public order.

Regulatory Agencies

Agencies that regulate specific areas of the economy, health, and environment.

Redistributive Agencies

Agencies responsible for redistributing wealth and resources through social programs.

Principal-Agent Theory

The relationship between elected officials and bureaucrats, where bureaucrats act on behalf of officials.

Bureaucratic Drift

The divergence of bureaucratic policies from the original goals of elected officials.

Coalitional Drift

Changes in policy implementation due to shifts in political coalitions.

Coalitions

Alliances for combined action, often temporary alliances of political parties.

Fiscal Policy

Government policies related to taxation, spending, and borrowing.

Monetary Policy

Policies controlling the money supply and interest rates to regulate the economy.

Welfare Policy

Programs designed to support individuals or families in need.

Iron Triangles

The relationship between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees.

Interest groups

Groups that seek to influence public policy based on a common interest.

Deregulation

The reduction or removal of government regulations in certain sectors.

Devolution

The transfer of power from the federal government to state or local governments.

Privatization

The process of transferring government services to private ownership.

Judicial system

The network of courts and legal professionals responsible for interpreting and applying laws.

Public Law

Law governing the relationship between the government and individuals.

Criminal Law

Law dealing with acts against the state or public order.

Civil Law

Law dealing with disputes between individuals or entities.

Common Law

Law developed through judicial decisions and precedents.

Appeals Process

The process of reviewing decisions made by lower courts.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the U.S., with authority over significant constitutional cases.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964

Landmark legislation outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Stare Decisis

The principle that courts should follow precedent when making rulings.

Federal Judge Nominations

The process by which the President nominates judges, subject to Senate confirmation.

Judicial Review

The authority of courts to review the constitutionality of laws and executive actions.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Landmark case that established the principle of judicial review.

Judicial Restraint

The belief that courts should defer to the decisions of elected branches.

Judicial Activism

The belief that courts should actively interpret the Constitution for contemporary issues.

Federalist #78

Essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for an independent judiciary and judicial review.

Precedent

Legal decisions that guide future case rulings.

Public Opinion

The views and attitudes of the public on political issues.

Preferences

The specific desires that shape public opinion.

Beliefs

The underlying values that influence individuals' opinions.

Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire political beliefs and values.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a political party.

Gender Gap

The difference in political views and voting patterns between men and women.

Ideology

A set of beliefs or values that shapes individuals' political views.

Party Identification

The political party with which an individual identifies.

Political Knowledge

The level of understanding individuals have about political processes.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys measuring public opinion on political issues.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the President of the United States.

Adverse Selection

A situation where one party has more information than another in a transaction.

Moral Hazard

A situation where one party takes risks knowing costs will be borne by others.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election.

Australian Ballot

A secret ballot system where voters mark their choices in private.

Voter Registration

The process through which citizens register to vote.

Plurality Rule

The candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of majority.

Majority Rule

The requirement for a candidate to win more than 50% of votes to be elected.

Duverger’s Law

Principle stating that plurality-rule systems tend to create two major political parties.

Functions of Political Parties

Activities including organizing elections and mobilizing voters.

Federalist #10

James Madison’s argument about controlling factions in a republic.

Party Organizations

The formal structure of political parties at various levels.

Closed Primary

A primary in which only registered party members can vote.

Open Primary

A primary allowing any registered voter to participate regardless of party.

Party Activists

Individuals who actively engage in party activities to influence policy.

Parties in Congress

Political parties organize members, influence policy, and assist in legislative strategy.

Third Parties

Political parties that challenge major parties but rarely gain power.