Lecture 2 reading 2

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Questions and Answers

What does the Constitution define?

The Constitution defines the principles and rules of the government.

What are the two types of centralization of the government?

  • Monarchy and Republic
  • Democracy and Dictatorship
  • Centralism and Decentralism
  • Unitarianism and Federalism (correct)

Which branch of government interprets the law?

  • Executive
  • Legislative
  • Administrative
  • Judicial (correct)

What is a supernational institution?

<p>An institution that has the power to directly legislate and enforce laws of member states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an intergovernmental institution?

<p>An institution that coordinates policies between member states (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a difference between supernational and intergovernmental institutions?

<p>Membership size (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of policy actors?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a public actor?

<p>Ministerial structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a private actor?

<p>Executive branch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an epistemic community?

<p>An epistemic community is a group of experts and technical specialists who share beliefs and approaches to problems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a meritocratic system?

<p>A bureaucracy based on expertise and technical skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a spoils system?

<p>A bureaucracy based on political loyalty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A meritocratic system is based on political loyalty.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A spoils system is based on expertise and technical skills.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Constitution

Defines principles and rules of the government

Unitarism

One single central government holds all the power.

Federalism

Power is shared between different levels of government (e.g., federal, state, local).

Legislative branch

Makes the laws.

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Executive branch

Executes (carries out) the laws.

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Judicial branch

Interprets the laws and ensures they are applied fairly.

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Supernational institutions

Institutions that have the power to directly legislate and enforce laws of member states (e.g., EU).

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Intergovernmental institutions

Member states voluntarily cooperate and coordinate on matters of common interest (no sovereignty surrendered)

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Supernational

These groups can make rules that member states must follow. (Ex. European Union)

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Intergovernmental

Member states cooperate but have their own authority. (Ex. United Nations)

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Capability

Ability to influence policy (e.g., money, people, information).

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Perception

How people see social problems.

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Preferences

Goals and values that drive actions and influence policy making.

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Executive branch

Branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

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Ministerial structures

Executive branch structures responsible for specific policy areas (e.g., health care, education).

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Interest groups

Groups that try to influence policy (e.g., lobbies, corporations, social movements).

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Epistemic community

Experts and specialists who advise on policy issues.

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Meritocratic system

A bureaucracy based on expertise and technical skills.

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Spoils system

A bureaucracy based on political loyalty.

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Meritocratic vs. Spoils system

Comparing systems based on expertise vs. political loyalty.

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Epistemic community

A group of people who have a shared understanding of a particular issue and are able to advise policymakers on how to address it.

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Unitary system

The system where power is concentrated in a single central government.

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Federalism

The system where power is shared between different levels of government.

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Policy influence

The ability to exert influence and bring about change in policy.

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Perception of social problems

How people interpret and understand social issues.

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Preferences

The goals and values that drive individuals and groups to act in certain ways.

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Policy implementation

The process of translating policy goals into action.

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Executive

The branch of government responsible for carrying out laws.

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Ministerial structures

Specialized government departments that focus on specific areas of policy.

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Interest groups

Groups that try to influence policymakers in favor of their specific interests.

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Policy making

The process of shaping policy through dialogue, negotiation, and persuasion.

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Policy authority

The power to decide and implement policy decisions.

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Study Notes

Constitutional Principles and Government Structures

  • A constitution defines the principles and rules for a government's operation.
  • Centralization of government can occur in two ways:
    • Unitarianism: A single, central government holds all power.
    • Federalism: Power is divided between multiple levels of government, sharing sovereignty.
  • The three branches of power (legislative, executive, and judicial) are crucial for a balanced government. Each branch has a distinct role and limits on another, promoting accountability.

International Institutions and Actors

  • Supernational institutions have the power to create and enforce laws directly affecting member states, like the EU. Benefits include addressing transnational issues, but come with a cost of reduced national sovereignty.
  • Intergovernmental institutions are formed from voluntary cooperation and coordination among member states without giving up any sovereignty.
  • Supernational vs. Intergovernmental institutions can be distinguished by their power structures.
    • Sovereignty: Member states give up some vs keep all sovereignty.
    • Authority: direct authority vs consensus decision-making.
    • Decision-making: Majority voting vs consensus.

Public Policy Actors and Systems

  • Policy actors are those that influence policy and share key characteristics:
    • Capabilities: Possessing resources and influence.
    • Perceptions: Understanding and defining societal problems.
    • Preferences: Having goals and values driving participation in the policy process.
  • Public actors in policy include the executive branch and specific ministerial structures like those focused on healthcare or education.
  • Private actors are interest groups, social movements, and expert communities (epistemic communities), all working to influence policy. Corporations often lobby for their preferred outcomes.
  • Epistemic communities are groups of experts who share knowledge and specific approaches to problems.
  • Meritocratic systems of bureaucracy are based on expertise and skills.
  • Spoils systems are based on political loyalty and connections.
  • These two different systems represent contrasting approaches to staffing and managing public administration.

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