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What is the systematic, research-based study of government and politics?
What is the systematic, research-based study of government and politics?
Political Science
Which of these are considered obstacles to critical thinking?
Which of these are considered obstacles to critical thinking?
What is the term used to describe the widely shared and deep-seated beliefs of a country's people about politics?
What is the term used to describe the widely shared and deep-seated beliefs of a country's people about politics?
Political Culture
Which of these core ideals is not rooted in the European heritage?
Which of these core ideals is not rooted in the European heritage?
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What is the term used to describe the means by which society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs?
What is the term used to describe the means by which society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs?
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The concept of 'Power' is defined as the recognized right of officials to exercise power.
The concept of 'Power' is defined as the recognized right of officials to exercise power.
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What theory of democracy states that the majority effectively determines what government does?
What theory of democracy states that the majority effectively determines what government does?
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What is the principle that there are lawful restrictions on government's power?
What is the principle that there are lawful restrictions on government's power?
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What is the term used to describe the government's ownership and operation of key industries in the economy?
What is the term used to describe the government's ownership and operation of key industries in the economy?
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The United State's system of government can be described as a free-market system completely devoid of government intervention.
The United State's system of government can be described as a free-market system completely devoid of government intervention.
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What type of government did the original Articles of Confederation create?
What type of government did the original Articles of Confederation create?
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The Articles of Confederation required unanimous votes from all 13 states for amendments to be passed.
The Articles of Confederation required unanimous votes from all 13 states for amendments to be passed.
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What is the name of the rebellion that revealed the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
What is the name of the rebellion that revealed the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?
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Which of these were major goals of the framers of the Constitution?
Which of these were major goals of the framers of the Constitution?
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What is the concept of dividing power among separate branches rather than investing it entirely in a single individual or institution?
What is the concept of dividing power among separate branches rather than investing it entirely in a single individual or institution?
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Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions.
Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions.
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The Framers strongly preferred the concept of a 'republic' over a 'democracy' because they were concerned about the dangers of the 'tyranny of the majority.'
The Framers strongly preferred the concept of a 'republic' over a 'democracy' because they were concerned about the dangers of the 'tyranny of the majority.'
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The House of Representatives was initially the only institution based on direct popular election in the United States.
The House of Representatives was initially the only institution based on direct popular election in the United States.
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What is the name of the document that outlines the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, focused primarily on individual rights?
What is the name of the document that outlines the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, focused primarily on individual rights?
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What is the name of the agreement adopted during the Revolutionary War that created a weak national government and lacked a strong executive branch?
What is the name of the agreement adopted during the Revolutionary War that created a weak national government and lacked a strong executive branch?
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The U.S. Constitution established a strong, independent judiciary with clear-cut definitions of judicial powers.
The U.S. Constitution established a strong, independent judiciary with clear-cut definitions of judicial powers.
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What is the term used to describe the power of the judiciary to decide whether a government officials or institution has acted within the limits of the Constitution and, if not, to declare it null and void?
What is the term used to describe the power of the judiciary to decide whether a government officials or institution has acted within the limits of the Constitution and, if not, to declare it null and void?
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What is the term for a type of government where sovereignty is shared between the national government and the states?
What is the term for a type of government where sovereignty is shared between the national government and the states?
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Which of these is not considered a potential problem with a too-weak government?
Which of these is not considered a potential problem with a too-weak government?
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Federalism is a system that distributes power between the national, state, and local levels to ensure a balance of power and promote shared governance.
Federalism is a system that distributes power between the national, state, and local levels to ensure a balance of power and promote shared governance.
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What is the name of the clause in the Constitution that gives Congress broad power to make laws that are 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated functions?
What is the name of the clause in the Constitution that gives Congress broad power to make laws that are 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated functions?
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The US Constitution is relatively easy to amend with a simple majority vote from both houses of congress.
The US Constitution is relatively easy to amend with a simple majority vote from both houses of congress.
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McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was a landmark case that established the principle that the national government has the power to charter a national bank, even though such power was not explicitly granted in the Constitution.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) was a landmark case that established the principle that the national government has the power to charter a national bank, even though such power was not explicitly granted in the Constitution.
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What is the name of the landmark case that established the principle that the federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce, even if such power was not explicitly granted in the Constitution?
What is the name of the landmark case that established the principle that the federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce, even if such power was not explicitly granted in the Constitution?
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Which of these theories of federalism emphasizes a clear separation of national and state authority, often described as a 'layer cake' model?
Which of these theories of federalism emphasizes a clear separation of national and state authority, often described as a 'layer cake' model?
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Cooperative Federalism, sometimes referred to as a 'marble cake' model, encourages a more collaborative working relationship between national, state, and local levels of government to address shared challenges.
Cooperative Federalism, sometimes referred to as a 'marble cake' model, encourages a more collaborative working relationship between national, state, and local levels of government to address shared challenges.
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Fiscal federalism emphasizes the use of federal funds to influence state and local governments through grants-n-aids, block-grants, and categorical grants.
Fiscal federalism emphasizes the use of federal funds to influence state and local governments through grants-n-aids, block-grants, and categorical grants.
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What is the term used to describe the process of shifting power from the national government to the states?
What is the term used to describe the process of shifting power from the national government to the states?
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The Supreme Court typically favors a more 'states’ rights' approach, reflecting a shift towards devolution.
The Supreme Court typically favors a more 'states’ rights' approach, reflecting a shift towards devolution.
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What is the term used to describe the period following a presidential election when the new president enjoys a period of heightened public support and political capital?
What is the term used to describe the period following a presidential election when the new president enjoys a period of heightened public support and political capital?
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Presidents typically enjoy greater power in domestic policy than in foreign policy.
Presidents typically enjoy greater power in domestic policy than in foreign policy.
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In the context of the distribution of power within the U.S. government, what is the primary role of Congress?
In the context of the distribution of power within the U.S. government, what is the primary role of Congress?
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The U.S. Supreme Court is established as a separate branch of government and appointed by state legislatures.
The U.S. Supreme Court is established as a separate branch of government and appointed by state legislatures.
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What is the name of the court that has original jurisdiction over cases involving foreign diplomats and disputes between states?
What is the name of the court that has original jurisdiction over cases involving foreign diplomats and disputes between states?
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The Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction is limited to cases that involve legal controversies that cross state or national boundaries.
The Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction is limited to cases that involve legal controversies that cross state or national boundaries.
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What is the term used to describe the process by which the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case?
What is the term used to describe the process by which the Supreme Court agrees to hear a case?
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The Supreme Court's decisions are binding and final; there is no appeal beyond their rulings.
The Supreme Court's decisions are binding and final; there is no appeal beyond their rulings.
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What is the term used to describe the brief arguments presented by attorneys on both sides of a case before the Supreme Court?
What is the term used to describe the brief arguments presented by attorneys on both sides of a case before the Supreme Court?
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Which of these types of opinions is written by a justice who agrees with the majority decision but disagrees with at least some of the reasoning?
Which of these types of opinions is written by a justice who agrees with the majority decision but disagrees with at least some of the reasoning?
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The U.S. district courts are the highest level of courts in the federal system.
The U.S. district courts are the highest level of courts in the federal system.
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The U.S. courts of appeals hear appeals from the district courts.
The U.S. courts of appeals hear appeals from the district courts.
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Which of these is a potential influence on judicial decisions?
Which of these is a potential influence on judicial decisions?
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Judicial restraint emphasizes a cautious approach to judicial decision-making, emphasizing deference to precedent and legislative intent.
Judicial restraint emphasizes a cautious approach to judicial decision-making, emphasizing deference to precedent and legislative intent.
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Judicial activism is a philosophy that advocates for a more proactive role for courts, particularly in addressing issues of social justice and promoting social change.
Judicial activism is a philosophy that advocates for a more proactive role for courts, particularly in addressing issues of social justice and promoting social change.
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What is the term used to describe specific individual rights constitutionally protected against infringement by the government?
What is the term used to describe specific individual rights constitutionally protected against infringement by the government?
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The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution specifically protects individuals from both federal and state government infringement.
The Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution specifically protects individuals from both federal and state government infringement.
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What is the process by which the Supreme Court gradually interpreted the Bill of Rights to apply to state governments?
What is the process by which the Supreme Court gradually interpreted the Bill of Rights to apply to state governments?
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The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause prohibits states from denying individuals the equal protection of the laws.
The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause prohibits states from denying individuals the equal protection of the laws.
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What is the term used to describe rights that refer to the right of every person to equal protection under the laws and equal access to society's opportunities and public facilities?
What is the term used to describe rights that refer to the right of every person to equal protection under the laws and equal access to society's opportunities and public facilities?
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The concept of 'de facto equality' refers to legal equality, while 'de jure equality' refers to equality in practice.
The concept of 'de facto equality' refers to legal equality, while 'de jure equality' refers to equality in practice.
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Which of these judicial tests is used to determine the constitutionality of a government policy that differentiates between groups based on 'reasonably related' government interests?
Which of these judicial tests is used to determine the constitutionality of a government policy that differentiates between groups based on 'reasonably related' government interests?
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The 'Strict Scrutiny' Test applies to classifications based on 'suspect classifications' such as race, national origin, or religion, requiring a compelling government interest to justify such classifications.
The 'Strict Scrutiny' Test applies to classifications based on 'suspect classifications' such as race, national origin, or religion, requiring a compelling government interest to justify such classifications.
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Loving v. Virginia (1967) was a landmark case that struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
Loving v. Virginia (1967) was a landmark case that struck down laws prohibiting interracial marriage.
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The Civil Rights Act of 1964 addressed discrimination in both public and private sectors.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 addressed discrimination in both public and private sectors.
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The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, addressing issues like literacy tests and poll taxes.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, addressing issues like literacy tests and poll taxes.
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What is the term used to describe deliberate efforts to provide full and equal opportunities in employment, education, and other areas for disadvantaged groups?
What is the term used to describe deliberate efforts to provide full and equal opportunities in employment, education, and other areas for disadvantaged groups?
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Affirmative action policies typically shift the burden of proof to the organization, requiring them to demonstrate a compelling reason for not taking affirmative action measures.
Affirmative action policies typically shift the burden of proof to the organization, requiring them to demonstrate a compelling reason for not taking affirmative action measures.
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The Supreme Court has upheld quotas as a legitimate form of affirmative action.
The Supreme Court has upheld quotas as a legitimate form of affirmative action.
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What is the term used to describe politically relevant opinions held by ordinary citizens that are openly expressed?
What is the term used to describe politically relevant opinions held by ordinary citizens that are openly expressed?
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Public opinion polls are used to measure the opinions of a representative sample of the population, allowing for inferences about the views of the broader population.
Public opinion polls are used to measure the opinions of a representative sample of the population, allowing for inferences about the views of the broader population.
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What is the term for the process of evaluating, interpreting, and understanding political issues through personal values, beliefs, and experiences?
What is the term for the process of evaluating, interpreting, and understanding political issues through personal values, beliefs, and experiences?
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Party identification is a complex and multifaceted concept that often involves a strong emotional connection to a political party.
Party identification is a complex and multifaceted concept that often involves a strong emotional connection to a political party.
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Political ideology is a coherent set of beliefs that provides a framework for understanding and responding to political issues.
Political ideology is a coherent set of beliefs that provides a framework for understanding and responding to political issues.
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Group orientations are often based on shared values, interests, and beliefs, influencing how individuals perceive political issues and align their political choices.
Group orientations are often based on shared values, interests, and beliefs, influencing how individuals perceive political issues and align their political choices.
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What is the term used to describe an ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get its candidates for public office elected under a common label?
What is the term used to describe an ongoing coalition of interests joined together in an effort to get its candidates for public office elected under a common label?
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The first political parties in the United States emerged from the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.
The first political parties in the United States emerged from the rivalry between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson.
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What is the name of the political party that favored a strong national government, emphasizing a strong central authority and promoting a strong national economy?
What is the name of the political party that favored a strong national government, emphasizing a strong central authority and promoting a strong national economy?
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What is the name of the political party that focused on states' rights, emphasizing a more limited government and advocating for the interests of farmers and ordinary citizens?
What is the name of the political party that focused on states' rights, emphasizing a more limited government and advocating for the interests of farmers and ordinary citizens?
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What is the name of the political party that emerged in the 1830s in opposition to the Democratic Party, advocating for economic growth and a more active government role?
What is the name of the political party that emerged in the 1830s in opposition to the Democratic Party, advocating for economic growth and a more active government role?
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What is the name of the political party that emerged in the 1850s, advocating for the abolition of slavery and a stronger national government?
What is the name of the political party that emerged in the 1850s, advocating for the abolition of slavery and a stronger national government?
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The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 led to a significant shift in the political landscape, with many Southern Democrats switching allegiance to the Republican Party.
The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 led to a significant shift in the political landscape, with many Southern Democrats switching allegiance to the Republican Party.
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The United States has historically been a two-party system, with two major parties dominating the political landscape and influencing elections.
The United States has historically been a two-party system, with two major parties dominating the political landscape and influencing elections.
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The plurality system, used in the United States, elects candidates who win a majority of votes in single-member districts.
The plurality system, used in the United States, elects candidates who win a majority of votes in single-member districts.
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Proportional representation systems are often used in multiparty systems, giving parties representation in the legislature based on their share of the popular vote.
Proportional representation systems are often used in multiparty systems, giving parties representation in the legislature based on their share of the popular vote.
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What is the term used to describe the strategic effort of a political party to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, often seeking to align with the views of the 'median voter' who represents the middle ground in political opinions?
What is the term used to describe the strategic effort of a political party to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, often seeking to align with the views of the 'median voter' who represents the middle ground in political opinions?
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Primary elections are the key mechanism for selecting candidates to represent a political party in general elections.
Primary elections are the key mechanism for selecting candidates to represent a political party in general elections.
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Study Notes
Political Science
- Political science is the systematic study of government and politics
- It's often described as a "soft science"
- It's focused on power and its use
- Political science is distinct from other sciences; it focuses on people
Natural Science vs. Social Science
- Natural science deals with physical objects and phenomena
- Social science studies human behavior and society, including politics
Why Study Political Science?
- Politics impacts nearly all aspects of daily life
- Mismanagement of politics can lead to serious consequences
- Understanding government and politics is crucial for citizens
Origin of Government
- Myth/Religion: People attribute the origin of government to gods or spiritual entities
- Reason/Logic: People attempt to explain the origin of government through logical reasoning
- Science: People use methodologies to understand government origins
Hobbes vs. Locke
| Feature | Hobbes | Locke |
|---|---|---|
| Why we need Government | To protect us from ourselves | To preserve natural rights |
| Can Government power be restricted? | No | Yes |
| Do the people have the right of revolution? | No | Yes |
| Who is sovereign? | Monarch | People |
Critical Thinking
- Critical thinking involves determining what can be believed and applying information to form conclusions
- Crucial for responsible citizenship
- Requires an open mind and desire to learn facts
Political Culture
- Political culture is a set of commonly held beliefs about politics in a country
- It shapes political behavior
- It's rooted in a country's traditions
American Core Ideals
- Liberty: Individuals are free to act as they choose, as long as they don't harm others
- Individualism: Emphasis on personal initiative and self-sufficiency
- Equality: All individuals are equal in moral worth
American Political System
- Democratic, Constitutional, and Free Market
- Democracy is a system of government where citizens have a voice in decision-making
- Constitutionalism involves restrictions and limitations on the government
- Free market is a system that operates mainly on private transactions
Constitutional System
- Constitutionalism is the idea that there are restrictions on government's power
- It's usually reflected in a written document or law
- Legal action (using the court system) is a method for citizens to assert and defend rights
The 3 Powers of U.S. Government
- Legislative (congress) – writes the laws
- Executive (president) – enforces the laws
- Judicial (courts) – interprets the laws
Articles of Confederation
- A document establishing the initial form of government in the U.S.
- It had a series of problems, including a weak national government, budget problems, and lack of ability to form treaties with other countries
The Constitution
- A foundational document that established a stronger national government
- Divided powers and responsibilities between the national and state governments.
- Ensured limited government and established checks and balances to prevent abuse of power
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of political science, including its definition, relevance, and the contrasts with natural sciences. Understand why studying politics is essential for effective citizenship and delve into the philosophical origins of government through thinkers like Hobbes and Locke.
