Study Questions






  1. What is political science?

  2. What are the key functions of government?

  3. Explain the policy making system.

  4. What is liberal democracy?

  5. Describe the difference between state, regime, and nation.

  6. What is nationalism?

  7. What is the difference between democracy and authoritarianism?

  8. From where do governments draw their power and authority? 

  9. Explain the confederal system.

  10. Explain the federal system.

  11. Explain the unitary system.

  12. What is a parliamentary system?

  13. What is a presidential system?

  14. What are the roles and characteristics of executive, legislative, and judiciary structures of government?

  15. What is meant by civil society?

  16. Define political culture:

  17. Define political socialization:

  18. Define individualism:

  19. Define neoliberalism:

  20. Define communism:

  21. Define socialism:

  22. Define fascism:

  23. Define populism:

  24. How do political ideologies impact political culture, political socialization, and political participation?

  25. What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties?

  26. What is the difference between a unicameral and bicameral legislature?

  27. What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?

  28. What is the Great Compromise?

  29. What is fiscal federalism?

  30. What is cooperative federalism?

  31. Explain the Necessary and Proper Clause.

  32. Explain the Commerce Clause.

  33. Explain the Supremacy Clause.

  34. Explain the Tenth Amendment.

  35. Explain the Fourteenth Amendment.

  36. What are Reserved Powers? List three examples.

  37. What are Concurrent Powers? List three examples.

  38. What are Exclusive Powers? List three examples.

  39. What article of the Constitution shapes the legislative branch? What does this article establish? 

  40. What is a filibuster? What is its purpose?

  41. What is meant by congressional oversight?

  42. What are congressional committees?

  43. List the leadership positions of the House of Representatives and their responsibilities:

  44. List the leadership positions of the Senate and their responsibilities:

  45.  Define redistricting:

  46. What is a divided government and how does it affect governing?

  47. What is a pocket veto?

  48. List four enumerated powers of Congress.

  49. What are the special powers of the House of Representatives?

  50. What are the special powers of the Senate?

  51. What article of the Constitution shapes the executive branch? What does this article establish?

  52. What are the national security powers of the president?

  53. What are the chief diplomat powers of the president?

  54. What are the legislative powers of the president?

  55. What are the administrative powers of the president?

  56. What are the judicial powers of the president?

  57. If a President is unable to complete his/her term, who takes over?

  58. After the Vice-President, who is next in line for the Presidency?