Polic Sci Final
Pluralism: It is a system where multiple groups, interests, or ideas coexist and influence politics and society.
Definition of Politics: The process of making decisions about public policies, laws, and governance.
Political Knowledge: Important for Americans to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable.
Political Efficacy: Belief in one’s ability to influence government; important for encouraging civic participation.
Direct Democracy: Citizens directly vote on laws and policies.
Constitutional Government: A government limited by laws defined in a constitution.
Criticisms of Term Limits in California: Limits experience and increases dependence on lobbyists.
California vs. US Constitution: California's is more detailed and easier to amend.
Progressive Movement in California: Aimed to reduce corruption and increase public participation in government.
Elastic Clause: Allows Congress to pass laws necessary for carrying out its powers.
Bill of Rights: Protects individual freedoms; Anti-Federalists demanded it to limit government power.
Supremacy Clause: Establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws.
3/5 Compromise: Counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation.
Great Compromise: Created a bicameral legislature (House and Senate).
Privileges and Immunities Clause: Prevents states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens.
Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments.
Phases of Federalism: Includes dual, cooperative, and new federalism.
Local Elections: Mostly non-partisan.
LAFCo: Oversees city and district boundaries in California.
Full Faith and Credit Clause: Requires states to honor public acts and records of other states.
10th Amendment: Reserves powers not given to the federal government to states or people.
Due Process: Protects individuals from arbitrary government actions, found in the 5th and 14th Amendments.
Civil Liberties: Individual freedoms protected from government interference.
Establishment & Free Exercise Clauses: Prevent government from establishing religion or restricting religious practice.
Free Speech/Press: Valued for promoting truth and accountability.
Chinese Exclusion Act: Banned Chinese immigration and citizenship.
Lawrence vs. Texas: Struck down laws banning consensual same-sex relationships.
Equal Protection Clause: Ensures all people are treated equally under the law.
Plessy vs. Ferguson: Upheld segregation; Brown vs. Board: Ended school segregation.
Polling Sample: A group used to represent a population in surveys.
Social Desirability Effect: People give answers they think are socially acceptable.
Political Ideology: Beliefs about government’s role (e.g., liberalism, conservatism).
Libertarianism: Advocates for minimal government and maximum personal freedom.
Political Socialization: The process of learning political beliefs and values.
Public Broadcasting: Provides educational and unbiased news.
FCC: Regulates communication channels like radio, TV, and the internet.
Social Media Dangers: Can spread misinformation and amplify bias.
Generational News Trends: Older people prefer TV; younger rely on social media.
Priming: Media influences how people evaluate events or candidates.
Voting Influences: Include party affiliation, issues, and candidate traits.
Political Participation: Includes voting, protests, and petitions.
Most Important Political Act: Voting.
Turnout: Percentage of eligible voters who vote; often low in the US.
Plurality vs. Majority: Plurality = most votes; Majority = over 50% of votes.
Gerrymandering: Manipulating voting district boundaries for advantage.
Timing of Primaries: Early primaries can influence later ones.
Congressional Elections: Every two years.
Partisanship: Strong allegiance to a political party.
Two-Party System: Rooted in historical divisions and electoral structure.
Party System After Civil War: Focused on economic growth and civil rights.
FDR’s New Deal: Strengthened Democrats as advocates for social welfare.
Winner-Take-All: The candidate with the most votes wins everything in a district.
Primary Caucuses/Elections: Select party candidates for general elections.
National Party Conventions: Officially nominate presidential candidates; held every four years.
2020 Turnout: High turnout due to mail-in voting and polarization.
Benefits of Third Parties: Raise issues ignored by major parties.
Mail-In Ballot Rules in California: Expanded for accessibility.
Interest Groups vs. Political Parties: Interest groups influence policies; parties seek power.
Types of Interest Groups: Economic, public interest, ideological, and professional.
Lobbying: Influencing lawmakers; lobbyist numbers have increased.
Going Public: Interest groups appeal to the public for support.
Free Riders: Benefit without contributing to a group’s efforts.
Selective Benefits: Incentives to encourage group membership.
Interest Groups in California: Very influential; called the "third house."
Term Limits and Interest Groups: Increased reliance on interest groups for expertise.
Seniority in Congress: Provides influence and leadership opportunities.
Filibuster/Cloture: Filibuster delays action; cloture ends debate.
Congress Polarization: Increased, reducing productivity.
Bicameral Congress: 535 members (House and Senate).
Impeached Presidents: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, Donald Trump.
Speaker of the House: Elected by the House members.
California Legislator Jobs: Pass laws, manage the budget, represent constituents.
Committee System: Reviews bills in specialized areas.
Legislative Term Limits in California: 12 years total in legislature.
Presidential Qualifications: Natural-born citizen, 35 years old, 14-year residency.
Presidential Powers: Include vetoing laws, commanding the military, and foreign policy.
White House Staff: Advise and assist the President.
Vice President Tasks: Preside over the Senate, succeed the President.
President “Going Public”: Appeals directly to citizens for support.
Executive Orders: Increased use to bypass Congress.
State of the Union: Updates Congress on national issues.
California Governor Powers: Veto bills, propose a budget, pardon crimes.
Plural Executive in California: Separates power among elected officials.
Vacancy in California Office: Governor appoints a replacement.
Habeas Corpus: Right to challenge unlawful detention.
US Supreme Court Size: 9 justices; determined by Congress.
Judicial Review: Allows courts to review laws for constitutionality.
Oral Arguments: Lawyers present cases to the Supreme Court justices.
Supreme Court Decision: Called an opinion.
Precedents: Past rulings guiding future cases.
Jurisdiction: Authority to hear and decide a case.
California Judge Selection: Appointed by the governor, confirmed by voters.
Superior Court Judges in California: Elected by voters.