Political science test 2 simple terms (copy)

Administrative Presidency
Definition: Presidents use executive actions and agency decisions to bypass Congress on policy.
Significance: Allows unilateral action on issues like immigration.
Example: Obama's DACA program.

Federal Waivers
Definition: Exemptions from federal rules given to states or agencies.
Significance: Allows policy flexibility, often in healthcare.
Example: states able to not req some certain restrictions for Medicaid waivers.

Filibuster
Definition: A Senate rule to extend debate and block votes.
Significance: Gives minority power in blocking legislation.
Example: Used to delay civil rights bills.

Descriptive & Substantive Representation
Definition: Descriptive reflects constituents’ demographics have similar background/same demographic ; substantive advocates for their consituent’s interests.
Significance: Encourages diverse and inclusive policymaking.
Example: A Black legislator representing people of color = descriptive , A legislator focusing on the working class even though they are not in the middle class

Constituency/Constituents
Definition: The voters represented by an elected official.
Significance: Influences officials' priorities and accountability.
Example: a senator’s voters in their state. (who votes for a senator)/ Chuck schumer is supposed to represent the interests of New York residents

Culture Wars
Definition: Conflicts over values and social issues.
Significance: Deepens partisan divide
Example: Debates on abortion and LGBTQ rights.

Judicial Review
Definition: Courts assess the constitutionality of laws.
Significance: Checks government power.
Example: Marbury v. Madison= The Supreme Court ruled that it had the power to declare laws passed by Congress and actions taken by the executive branch unconstitutional if they violated the Constitution.

Judicial Restraint
Definition: Courts avoid striking down laws unnecessarily.
Significance: Limits judicial power.
Example: Judges defer to legislators' intent.

Activist’s Court (warren court) —> civil rights
Definition: Courts make decisions based on personal or political beliefs.
Significance: Can drive major policy changes.
Example: The Warren Court’s civil rights rulings.

Stare Decisis
Definition: Courts follow established precedents.
Significance: Provides legal consistency.
Example: Brown v. Board of ed overturning Plessy v. Ferguson (segregation in public schools).

Electoral College
Definition: Electors who choose the president and vice president.
Significance: A candidate can win without the popular vote.
Example: Trump’s 2016 election.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)
Definition: Ruling that spending by corporations/unions is protected speech.
Significance: Led to increased campaign spending.
Example: Creation of Super PACs.

Political Action Committee (PAC) & Super PAC
Definition: PACs fund elections; Super PACs spend unlimited sums independently.
Significance: Allows wealthy influence in politics.
Example: Super PACs like American Crossroads, PAC national beer wholesalers/ blue shield

Voter Mobilization & Countermobilization
Definition: Mobilization encourages voting; countermobilization discourages opposition turnout.
Significance: Affects election participation.
Example: Grassroots mobilizing minority voters, counter= strict ID laws when voting

Lobbying
Definition: Influencing policymakers on specific issues.
Significance: Helps groups advocate for interests.
Example: Pharmaceutical lobbying for drug prices.

Pluralism
Definition: Politics shaped by competing interest groups.
Significance: Leads to balanced policy through diversity.
Example: business groups vs enviormental groups on climate policy.

Elitism
Definition: A small wealthy group holds most power.
Significance: Raises fairness concerns in democracy.
Example: Billionaires influencing policy.

Interest Groups
Definition: Organizations advocating for specific issues.
Significance: Allows collective action for shared goals.
Example: ACLU (American Civil liberties union) based on protecting civil liberties.

Social Movements
Definition: Large group efforts for social or political change.
Significance: Drives major societal shifts.
Example: The Civil Rights Movement.

Public & Private Goods
Definition: Public goods are shared (like clean air); private goods are exclusive (like food).
Significance: Public goods often need government support.
Example: National defense vs. electronics.