political bs on steroids

Economic systems

How societies organize production, distribution, consumption (capitalism, socialism, mixed).

Public goods

A good that is non-excludable (can’t prevent people from using it) and non-rivalrous (one person’s use doesn’t reduce availability for others). For example: National defense, public parks, streetlights.

Private goods

A good that is excludable (people can be prevented from using it) and rivalrous (one person’s use reduces availability for others). For example: Food, clothing, cars.

What is the difference between Elitism and Pluralism?

Elitism is the idea that a small, wealthy, or influential group holds most of the political power and decision-making. Pluralism is the belief that power is distributed among many interest groups competing for influence, so no single group dominates.

What are the four main political activities Americans participated in according to the 2018 survey?

Voting in local, state, or federal elections, 2) Contacting elected officials to express opinions, 3) Participating in protests or demonstrations, 4) Donating money to political campaigns or causes.

What were John Locke’s most significant contributions?

Locke emphasized natural rights (life, liberty, property), the idea that government exists to protect these rights, that government must have consent from the governed, and that people have the right to revolt against unjust governments.

How did the American Revolution begin?

It started with colonial frustration over “taxation without representation” and British policies like the Stamp Act and Tea Act. Protests escalated to events such as the Boston Tea Party, leading to armed conflict at Lexington and Concord.

What is the Declaration of Independence?

A document declaring the colonies’ separation from Britain, emphasizing natural rights, government by consent, and the right to revolt against tyranny.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the separation of powers?

Dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

What is the Elastic Clause?

A clause in the Constitution giving Congress the power to pass laws “necessary and proper” to carry out its enumerated powers, allowing flexibility in governing.

What are four concurrent powers?

1) Taxation, 2) Law enforcement, 3) Building infrastructure, 4) Borrowing money—powers shared by federal and state governments.

What was the significance of McCulloch v. Maryland?

The Supreme Court ruled that federal laws are supreme over state laws, and states cannot tax federal institutions like the national bank, reinforcing federal power.

What is cooperative federalism?

A system in which federal and state governments work together to implement programs and policies.

What is immigration federalism?

When states actively enforce or create policies related to immigration, sometimes independently of federal government actions.

What is selective incorporation?

The process of applying protections in the Bill of Rights to the states through the 14th Amendment, ensuring state governments respect individual rights.

What is the Establishment Clause?

A part of the First Amendment prohibiting the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

What are the three parts of the Lemon Test?

1) Law must have a secular purpose, 2) Primary effect must neither advance nor inhibit religion, 3) Must not cause excessive government entanglement with religion.

What are the two parts of the Sherbert Test?

1) Does the law burden a person’s religious practice? 2) Does the government have a compelling interest, and is the law the least restrictive means of achieving that interest?

Define Prior Restraint.

Government censorship that prevents speech or publication before it occurs.

What is a Miranda Warning?

Rights that police must read to suspects during arrest, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.

What is the Undue Burden Test?

Legal standard used in abortion cases to determine if a law places substantial obstacles in the way of a woman seeking an abortion.

What is the Patriot Act?

Legislation that expanded government surveillance powers to detect and prevent terrorism.

What was the Dred Scott case?

In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens and that Congress could not prohibit slavery in federal territories, inflaming sectional tensions.

What was Brown v. Board of Education of 1954?

The Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

What is the Equal Rights Amendment?

Proposed amendment to guarantee gender equality under the Constitution; it was never ratified federally.

What is the glass ceiling?

An invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from reaching top positions in careers.

What were Jim Crow Laws?

State and local laws enforcing racial segregation in the South.

What is diffuse support?

General confidence in institutions even without agreement on specific policies.

What is framing?

How the media or politicians shape how the public perceives an issue.

What is the difference between Traditional and Modern Conservatism?

Traditional conservatism emphasizes maintaining social order, hierarchy, and institutions, while modern conservatism focuses on free markets, limited government, and individual liberty.

What is a representative sample?

A small group that accurately reflects the opinions or characteristics of a larger population.

What is the Bradley Effect?

A polling phenomenon where voters may give socially acceptable answers instead of their true preferences, often concerning race.

What is the bandwagon effect?

When voters support a candidate perceived to be likely to win, especially during presidential primaries.

What is an agent of political socialization?

Any influence (family, school, media, peers) that shapes a person’s political beliefs and attitudes.

What is the 24th Amendment?

Abolished poll taxes in federal elections, removing a financial barrier to voting.

What is the difference between voting age population and voting eligible population?

Voting age population (VAP) includes all residents 18+; voting eligible population (VEP) includes citizens 18+ legally allowed to vote.

What are three types of primaries?

Open (any voter can participate), closed (only registered party members), blanket (all candidates on one ballot, top vote-getters advance).

Define incumbent.

The current holder of a political office.

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

An organization that raises and spends money to influence elections and support candidates.

Define early voting.

Casting a ballot before election day.

What are party conventions?

Meetings where political parties formally nominate their candidates for president.

What are presidential debates?

Public forums for candidates to discuss policies and be evaluated by voters.

What is the Electoral College?

System where electors from each state vote for president based on the state’s popular vote.

What are the functions of the media?

1) Inform the public about events and policies, 2) Shape public opinion and influence political attitudes, 3) Act as a watchdog to hold government accountable.

What is citizen journalism?

Individuals reporting news or events independently, often using social media.

What is freedom of the press?

The right to publish information without government censorship or interference.

What is the difference between slander and libel?

Slander is a spoken false statement that damages reputation; libel is a written or published false statement that damages reputation.

What is the equal-time rule?

Broadcast stations must provide equal airtime to all legally qualified political candidates.

What is the fairness doctrine?

Former requirement that broadcasters present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues.

What is reporter’s privilege?

Protection allowing journalists to refuse to reveal confidential sources or unpublished information.