Political Science and Constitutional Democracy
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Questions and Answers

What does the elitist theory of power suggest?

  • Majority opinion always dictates policy decisions.
  • Power is held solely by elected representatives.
  • Wealthy individuals influence certain public policies. (correct)
  • Power is distributed equally among all citizens.

Which theory posits that society's interests are represented through group activities?

  • Pluralist theory (correct)
  • Social contract theory
  • Majoritarian theory
  • Elitist theory

What concept refers to the notion of a governing authority being subject to the will of the people?

  • Popular sovereignty (correct)
  • Political equality
  • Tyranny of the majority
  • Social contract

Which thinker believed that individuals have the right to remove a ruler who fails to safeguard their natural rights?

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

What is the primary concern of Hobbes regarding social order?

<p>The necessity of an unaccountable sovereign (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'tyranny of the majority' refer to?

<p>Majority influence that harms minority interests. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines constitutional democracy?

<p>A system emphasizing minority rights and democratic elections. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Rousseau, what causes conflict and social injustice?

<p>Societies imposing ownership and divisions of labor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential downside of centralized power?

<p>Stifled innovation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of bureaucracy involves a clear chain of authority?

<p>Hierarchy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does judicial activism advocate for?

<p>Development of new legal principles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the Supreme Court to grant certiorari?

<p>Four justices must agree (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the writ of certiorari?

<p>To allow a case to be appealed to a higher court (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which judicial philosophy emphasizes deference to legislative judgment?

<p>Judicial restraint (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of judicial review?

<p>To assess governmental actions for constitutionality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines political socialization?

<p>The learning process of acquiring political opinions and values (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one defining feature of the judicial branch established by Article III of the Constitution?

<p>The right to a fair trial by a jury of peers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do agents of political socialization play?

<p>They impact citizens' political socialization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of bureaucracy ensures roles are filled based on merit rather than personal relationships?

<p>Impersonality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a meeting of party members to select candidates?

<p>Caucus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does centralized power affect innovation?

<p>It stifles innovation and creativity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term political party dealignment mean?

<p>Voter groups leaving to become independent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of agenda setting in the context of news media?

<p>To focus public attention on specific issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does public opinion refer to?

<p>The relevant opinions held by ordinary citizens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

<p>To outline the principles of American identity and government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes federalism?

<p>A system that divides authority between national and regional governments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause allow the federal government to do?

<p>Exercise powers not expressly authorized by the Constitution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main functions of the Federalist Papers?

<p>To urge New Yorkers to ratify the new United States Constitution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which powers are specifically granted to the national government in the Constitution?

<p>Powers related to foreign affairs and both federal and state taxation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does fiscal federalism operate?

<p>By providing federal funds for programs implemented by states and localities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key role does the Tenth Amendment play in federalism?

<p>It reserves powers not assigned to the federal government for the states and the people (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of decentralized power in government?

<p>Enhances transparency and civil society participation in decision making (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is issue framing?

<p>The portrayal of certain elements of a situation while ignoring others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes yellow journalism?

<p>Use of sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is inside lobbying primarily based on?

<p>Direct communication with policy makers based on close contacts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do collective goods provide to members of a group?

<p>Benefits that can be shared with nonmembers. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes selective perception?

<p>Ignoring facts in favor of personal beliefs and goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do linkage institutions serve?

<p>To connect citizens with governmental processes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the committee system within the United States Congress?

<p>To organize the legislative process and divide labor among members (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue posed by the free-rider problem?

<p>Increased costs for members due to nonmembers benefiting. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

<p>A tactic preventing a bill from coming to a vote by prolonged speech (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of interest group aims to improve the economic situation of its members?

<p>Economic groups representing industries or professionals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the process of cloture in the Senate?

<p>It limits debate to 30 hours if a three-fifths majority agrees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Speaker of the House is accurate?

<p>The Speaker is selected by the entire House of Representatives every two years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of a president having high popular support?

<p>The president can execute policies with less opposition (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the lame duck period for a president?

<p>The president’s ability to influence is often diminished (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has significantly contributed to the expansion of presidential power over time?

<p>National crises and technological advancements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines single-member districts in the context of electoral representation?

<p>Each district has only one officeholder representing it (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Contract Theory

A voluntary agreement where individuals form a government, which must uphold the agreement.

Popular Sovereignty

The supreme authority rests with the people, and they have the power to make laws and maintain order in the society.

Political Equality

The degree to which citizens have equal influence when making governmental decisions.

Constitutional Democracy

A government that protects minority rights, based on laws, where the majority influences through elections, and with balancing institutions.

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Tyranny of the Majority

The risk that a majority could misuse power to harm minority rights.

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Elitist Theory of Power

Wealthy/connected individuals hold substantial power.

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Majoritarian Theory of Power

The idea that policy is determined largely through the decisions of the majority.

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Pluralist Theory of Power

The idea that diverse groups/interests impact policy, and no single group dominates.

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Federalism

A system of government where power is shared between a national government and regional governments.

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Enumerated Powers

Specific powers given to the national government by the Constitution.

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Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution, but that are logically related to enumerated powers.

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10th Amendment

Amendment that reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

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Declaration of Independence

Document stating principles of American government and identity, not legally binding.

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Federalist Papers

Essays promoting the ratification of the US Constitution.

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Article I

Establishes the legislative branch (Congress) and its powers.

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Fiscal Federalism

The use of federal funds for programs run through states and localities.

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Committee System

A system in Congress that organizes the legislative process and divides tasks among members.

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Filibuster

A tactic in the Senate where a minority of senators prevents a vote on a bill by holding the floor and talking.

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Cloture

A Senate procedure to limit debate, ending a filibuster with a 3/5 majority vote.

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Single-member districts

An electoral district that elects one representative.

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Presidential power (evolution)

Presidential power has expanded beyond what is explicitly written in the Constitution due to national crises and technological advancements.

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Popular Support & Presidential Power

Presidents with higher popularity are likely to have more successful policies.

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Honeymoon Period

The first few months of a president's term, when they receive more public support for their initiatives.

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Lame duck period

The time at the end of a president's term when their influence is decreased due to their impending departure from office.

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Centralized Power

A system where decision-making authority is concentrated in a single governing body or leader, creating a strong and unified state.

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Downsides of Centralized Power

Centralized power can lead to decreased local autonomy, stifled innovation, and potential abuse of power by the central authority.

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Bureaucracy - Hierarchy

A clear structure within a bureaucracy where different levels of authority and responsibility are defined, creating a chain of command.

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Bureaucracy - Division of Labor

Work is divided into specific tasks that are performed by different individuals or groups, leading to specialization.

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Bureaucracy - Impersonality

Decisions and interactions are based on established rules and procedures, not personal favoritism.

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Bureaucracy - Formal Rules

A set of standardized procedures and written records are used to ensure consistency and accountability.

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Judicial Activism

Courts actively develop new legal principles, even if it conflicts with precedent or political decisions.

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Judicial Restraint

Courts defer to precedent and legislative judgments, staying within established legal boundaries.

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Issue Framing

The way media presents a situation, highlighting certain aspects and downplaying others, influencing public perception.

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Yellow Journalism

A type of journalism that uses sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers, often sacrificing accuracy for attention.

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Selective Perception

The tendency to notice and focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs, ignoring contradictory evidence.

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Linkage Institution

An organization that connects citizens with the government, like elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media.

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Interest Groups

Organizations that actively try to influence public policy, advocating for specific goals.

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Inside Lobbying

Direct communication between interest groups and policymakers, emphasizing personal relationships.

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Outside Lobbying

Using public pressure to influence policymakers, like protests or public campaigns.

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Collective Good

Benefits provided by a group, available to all members and nonmembers, like a clean environment.

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Certiorari

A writ seeking judicial review of a lower court's decision by a higher court. For the Supreme Court to hear a case, four out of nine justices must agree to grant certiorari.

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Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare actions of government unconstitutional. This power ensures that the government acts within the boundaries of the Constitution.

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Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, and opinions. This can happen through family, school, media, etc.

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Agents of Political Socialization

Groups or individuals that have a significant impact on people's political socialization. These include families, schools, media, peers, etc.

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Public Opinion

The politically relevant opinions held by ordinary citizens, often expressed through polls and surveys.

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Two-party System

A system in which only two political parties have a realistic chance of winning elections and controlling the government.

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Political Party Realignment

A significant shift in voter allegiance from one party to another, changing the political landscape.

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Agenda Setting

The power of the media, through its news coverage, to direct public attention and concern towards specific issues, events, or personalities.

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Study Notes

Political Science

  • Study of power: US citizens are bound by core American ideals. Americans study the political system as citizens hold power in a democracy.
  • Elitist theory of power: Wealthy, connected individuals control policy areas.
  • Majoritarian theory of power: Majority rules in elections and policy.
  • Pluralist theory of power: Diverse interests shape policy through group activity.

Constitutional Democracy

  • Social contract theory: Individuals voluntarily agree to form a government bound by agreement.
  • Popular sovereignty: Supreme authority rests with citizens in making laws, maintaining order and autonomy.
  • Political equality: Extent to which citizens have equal voices in policy.
  • Locke's philosophy: Individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Rulers can be removed if they fail to protect these rights.
  • Hobbes' philosophy: Conflict avoidance is vital; humans need an absolute ruler for social order.
  • Rousseau's philosophy: People are born free and equal, but societal rules and labor division create inequality.

Federalism

  • Federalism: Power divided between national and regional governments.
  • Enumerated powers: Specific powers granted to national government (Article I, Section 8).
  • Implied powers: Powers derived from enumerated powers through the "necessary and proper" clause.
  • Tenth Amendment: Powers not delegated to federal gov't belong to states or the people.
  • State-centered/nation-centered federalism: Power distribution balance.
  • Fiscal federalism: Expenditure of federal funds on state/local programs.
  • Federalist papers: 85 essays to persuade NY citizens to ratify the US Constitution. Advocated decentralization of power.
  • Supremacy/Necessary & Proper Clauses: Define scope of federal power and relationship between federal and state governments.

Congress

  • Article I: Establishes the legislative branch (Congress).
  • Impact of decentralized power: Increased citizen participation and transparency in policymaking.
  • Perceptions of Congress: Viewed as slow by most Americans.
  • Committee system: Divides labor in Congress.
  • Congress structure: House (representation based on population) and Senate (two senators per state).

President/Bureaucracy

  • Article II: Establishes the executive branch and presidential powers.
  • Evolution of presidential power: Growth due to crises, technology, and acting quickly; broadened presidential roles.
  • Popular support and presidential power: Presidents with popular support gain more sway with Congress.
  • Honeymoon period: Initial months of a new presidency marked by high public support willingness to support initiatives.
  • Lame duck period: End of presidency, less public and congressional support.
  • Centralized power: Strong unified government; potential downsides include reduced local autonomy and less innovation.

Federal Courts

  • Article III: Creates the judicial branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).
  • Judicial philosophies: Activism (developing new laws) vs. restraint (following precedent), judicial review (determining legal action).
  • Judicial review: Authority of courts to declare governmental actions unconstitutional.

Political Socialization/Public Opinion/Participation

  • Political socialization: Learning process forming political opinions, values, and beliefs.
  • Agents of political socialization: Factors impacting views (family, media).

Political Parties/Campaigns/Elections

  • Two-party system: Two major political parties dominate.
  • Election to public office
  • Caucuses: Meetings to select political candidates.
  • Primaries: Elections deciding party candidates.
  • General elections: Voting for the final candidates.
  • Political party realignment: Voter shifts in preference between parties.
  • Political party dealignment: Voters leave one party without joining another.
  • Linkage institution: Connects citizens and government (elections, parties, groups, media).

News Media

  • News media roles: Signaling, watchdog, agenda-setting.
  • Issue framing: Media's interpretation of current issues.
  • Yellow journalism: Sensationalized journalism.
  • Selective perception: Filtering information based on existing beliefs.
  • Linkage institution: Connects citizens and government (elections, parties, interests, media).

Interest Groups

  • Interest groups: Organizations influencing public policy.
  • Inside lobbying: Direct communication between interest groups and policymakers.
  • Outside lobbying: Public pressure to influence policy.
  • Economic groups/citizen groups: Types of interest groups.
  • Pluralism: A system with multiple groups influencing policies.
  • Collective goods/free rider problem: Shared, indivisible benefits with the incentive to join a group reducing if non-members also receive benefits.

Civil Liberties/Civil Rights

  • Differences between civil liberties and civil rights.
  • U.S. Bill of Rights: Fundamental rights protections.
  • Due process procedures: Fair legal procedures must be followed.
  • Selective incorporation: Bill of Rights applies to state actions.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

  • Plessy v. Ferguson (1896): Upheld racial segregation laws.
  • Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

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POLS 1100 Introduction to American Government Final Exam Study Guide PDF

Description

Explore key theories and concepts in Political Science and Constitutional Democracy, including power dynamics, social contract theory, and philosophies of well-known thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Delve into how citizens engage in democracy, influence policy, and the principles that maintain political equality.

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