POLS 15 midterm
Government Structure & Powers
Q: What are checks & balances?
A: A system where different parts of government (legislative, executive, judicial) limit each other to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Q: What is the Great Compromise?
A: A two-chamber legislature (Senate & House of Representatives), combining the New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan.
Q: What do congressional committees offer bureaucrats?
A: Funding and political support.
Q: How can the Executive check the Legislative branch?
A: Veto power, executive orders, calling special sessions of Congress.
Q: How can Congress check the President?
A: Impeachment, 2/3 veto override, judicial/administrative appointments, budget approval.
Q: What can the California Governor do that the U.S. President cannot?
A: Line-item veto.
Q: Executive Structure of California?
A: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Superintendent, Controller, Treasurer, Board of Equalization.
Federalist Papers & The Constitution
Q: Describe Federalist Paper #10.
A: A larger territory is less susceptible to factions.
Q: What does Federalist Paper #51 discuss?
A: Checks & balances to prevent tyranny.
Q: What is the Pendleton Act?
A: Established a merit-based system in the federal government.
Q: What is the Hatch Act?
A: Limits political activity of federal employees.
Q: What is the 26th Amendment?
A: Gave 18-year-olds the right to vote.
Q: What is the Supremacy Clause?
A: Federal law takes precedence over state laws.
Elections & Voting
Q: What is the Coattail Effect?
A: When a political candidate attracts votes for another candidate from the same party.
Q: What is the Incumbency Advantage?
A: Name recognition, fundraising, and existing officeholder status vs. a new candidate.
Q: What state holds the first caucus?
A: Iowa.
Q: How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
A: 270.
Q: What is Direct Democracy?
A: Voters directly vote on policies and candidates without representatives.
Q: How have primaries changed political parties today?
A: Political cannibalism (increased intra-party division).
Q: What is Split Ticket Voting?
A: Voting for candidates from different parties on the same ballot.
Federalism & Political Theories
Q: What are the different types of Federalism?
A: Dual (separate state & federal powers) vs. Cooperative (shared responsibilities).
Q: How do states challenge the federal government?
A: Through lawsuits, nullification, passing conflicting state laws.
Q: What is the Iron Triangle?
A: A relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups working together to shape policy.
Q: What is the Free Rider Problem?
A: People benefit from resources or services without contributing to them.
Q: What is the Collective Action Problem?
A: Difficulty in getting individuals to work together towards a common goal due to self-interest.
Q: What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
A: A game theory concept where individuals act in their own interest, leading to worse outcomes for the group.
Interest Groups, Lobbying, & Campaigns
Q: How do interest groups influence bureaucracy?
A: Lobbying, campaign contributions, writing policies.
Q: What is Logrolling?
A: When legislators trade votes for mutual benefit, often in a non-transparent way.
Q: What is the primary function of political parties?
A: Organize elections, mobilize voters, and develop policy platforms.
Q: What are PACs vs. Super PACs?
A: PACs have donation limits and can contribute directly; Super PACs have no limits but cannot donate directly to candidates.
Q: What is the role of a Party Whip?
A: Ensuring party members vote according to party lines.
Q: What is the main goal of an Informational Ad?
A: Focus on policy issues rather than candidates.
Political Advertising & Media
Q: What are three things advertisers target?
A: Emotions, beliefs, and voter turnout.
Q: What are the three advertising styles?
A: Talking head, storytelling, and documentary.
Q: If a target’s demographics are to be advertised to, what are they?
A: Race, age, region, and gender.
Q: What is an Executive Order?
A: A President’s directive on how to enforce legislation.
Supreme Court Cases
Q: What did Shaw v. Reno declare?
A: Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.