Political Science: Elite Theory and Congress

A political theory suggesting that a small group of powerful individuals, typically from economic and political elites, control government and influence policy decisions. This theory argues that ordinary citizens have little influence on government actions.

A political theory suggesting that political power is dispersed amongst various competing interest groups, allowing citizens to influence government through these groups. This theory suggests that a balance of power exists, preventing any single group from dominating.

The debate between elite theory and pluralism, concerning who truly holds power and influences policy decisions in government. This debate centers around whether a select few or a diverse range of groups have real influence.

A perspective suggesting that government faces trade-offs, meaning that every decision involves costs and benefits, leading to compromises and difficult choices. This perspective acknowledges that government actions have consequences and impact different groups in various ways.

The idea that citizens can participate in government through multiple entry points, such as lobbying, voting, joining interest groups, and accessing different levels of government. This perspective highlights the various avenues for citizens to engage with government.

An individual who argues that government is controlled by a select group of influential figures, mainly from business, military, and political sectors. This perspective suggests that this elite group uses its power to benefit itself, often overlooking the needs of ordinary citizens.

A group of individuals with significant influence in government, often characterized by wealth, education, and prestigious connections. This group is often associated with elite theory and perceived as holding significant power in shaping policies.

A prestigious academic institution, often associated with elite theory due to its alumni representation in government. This concept connects education and status with potential influence in governance.

A system where all taxpayers pay the same percentage of their income, regardless of how much they earn.

The process of moving up in social and economic status.

A tax system where those with higher incomes pay a larger percentage of their earnings in taxes.

A system in which the percentage of income paid in taxes decreases as income increases.

The way that money collected from taxes is distributed for different purposes.

A significant difference in the way that funding impacts different groups based on their socioeconomic status.

The makeup of Congress in terms of factors like race, gender, profession, education, and socioeconomic status.

The idea that the background of lawmakers can influence their policy preferences and decisions.

Political power is distributed among various groups, each with influence on certain issues. Groups with shared interests advocate their desires to politicians. This contrasts with elitist theory, where a small group holds most of the power.

Groups representing various interests, such as environmental advocates, unions, and business organizations. They act as intermediaries between the people and politicians. They advocate for the interests of those they represent.

The idea that different groups have varying levels of influence on policy, depending on the issue. Some groups might be more powerful on certain issues than others. This dynamic power balance influences the policy-making process.

The process by which citizens, through their involvement in interest groups, influence government decisions. This engagement allows individuals to exert collective power and shape political outcomes.

Politicians, in seeking re-election, cater to the interests of active voters and, through them, understand the needs of the general population. This creates a connection between political action and broader societal needs.

The continuous interplay of forces, where various groups compete and negotiate to influence government policy. This process involves balancing different interests and finding solutions that potentially satisfy multiple groups.

The process by which groups represent their members' interests and advocate for desired policies with the aim of influencing government decisions.

Government decisions often involve balancing competing interests of different groups.

The idea that decisions made by the government often require compromises between those who favor a strong central authority and those who prefer greater state power.

The First Amendment protects citizens' freedom to express their opinions, but it also prohibits free speech from harming others' rights.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that a buffer zone between protestors and abortion clinics violated the First Amendment's protection of free speech.

The need for energy independence in the U.S. often conflicts with the desire for affordable energy.

The US government tries to balance protecting citizen's rights with the need for national security.

A practice that involves injecting fluids at high pressure into underground rock formations to extract natural gas.

The potential benefits of fracking include creating jobs and providing an affordable energy source.

The potential drawbacks of fracking include contaminating drinking water, polluting the air, and potentially triggering earthquakes.

A situation where choosing one option comes with both positive and negative consequences.

Trade-offs often exist in government, where decisions must be made that satisfy some interests while potentially harming others.

Members of Congress often represent the interests of their constituents, sometimes leading to conflicts between different regions or groups within the same state.

The influence of political party leaders can sometimes lead legislators to vote against the interests of their constituents.

The importance of representing diverse interests in society to ensure fair and balanced policy decisions.

The idea that government decisions often involve balancing competing interests and making compromises.

A situation where multiple groups advocate for different policy stances on an issue, leading to a dynamic process of negotiation and influence.

The practice of limiting who can buy firearms and how they can be purchased, often involving background checks and waiting periods.

The political organization that strongly advocates for less government regulation of firearms, often viewed as a powerful force in influencing policy.

The process of verifying an individual's background to determine if they are eligible to purchase a firearm.