Final

Question 1

What are the three levels of the court system?

Answer 1

Trial courts (original jurisdiction), appellate courts (review decisions), and courts of last resort (final appeal).

Question 2

How does federalism relate to the judiciary?

Answer 2

Federal courts interpret and apply federal laws, balancing power between state and federal jurisdictions.

Question 3

Why do federal courts take cases?

Answer 3

Cases involving federal laws or the Constitution, and disputes between states or citizens of different states.

Question 4

What is the writ of certiorari?

Answer 4

A Supreme Court order to review lower court decisions, granting discretionary review.

Question 5

What did Marbury v. Madison establish

Answer 5

It established judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Question 6

What is the difference between originalism and the living constitution?

Answer 6

Originalism interprets the Constitution as intended, while the living constitution allows for adaptable interpretation.

Question 7

How does ideology influence court decisions?

Answer 7

Judges’ personal beliefs impact decisions, affecting constitutional interpretation.

Question 8

What is public opinion?

Answer 8

Aggregated views of a population on political issues

Question 9

How does self-interest influence public opinion?

Answer 9

Personal concerns shape individuals’ political views.

Question 10

What is the role of socialization in forming public opinion?

Answer 10

Socialization through family, education, and media shapes long-term beliefs.

Question 11

How do values influence public opinion?

Answer 11

Moral and ethical principles guide individuals’ political views.

Question 12

How do personality traits like openness to ambiguity influence public opinion?

Answer 12

Individual differences in personality traits impact worldviews and political opinions.

Question 13

How does political knowledge influence the formation of public opinion?

Answer 13

Informed citizens have more nuanced views, and education enhances understanding.

Question 14

What are heuristics in the context of public opinion?

Answer 14

Mental shortcuts used in decision-making to simplify complex information.

Question 15

How do framing and agenda-setting influence public opinion?

Answer 15

Media framing shapes perception, and agenda-setting influences public priorities.

Question 16

What role do political parties play in mobilization?

Answer 16

Parties organize and motivate voters, influencing political participation.

Question 17

How do political parties regulate ambition?

Answer 17

Parties structure competition and provide a pathway for individuals to seek office.

Question 18

How do political parties help resolve collective choice problems in government?

Answer 18

Parties provide a mechanism for aggregating and representing diverse interests.

Question 19

What is party identification?

Answer 19

Personal affiliation with a political party that influences voting behavior

Question 20

How does party identification affect attitudes toward government and policies?

Answer 20

It shapes perceptions and preferences on various political issues.

Question 21

What is affective polarization?

Answer 21

Emotional attachment and hostility between members of opposing political parties.

Question 22

How does partisan identity relate to lifestyle?

Answer 22

Partisan identity can influence lifestyle choices and social interactions.

Question 23

How do registration rules impact voting?

Answer 23

Rules governing voter registration can affect voter turnout.

Question 24

How do demographic factors relate to voter registration?

Answer 24

Age, race, and income can influence disparities in voter participation

Question 25

How does voter turnout in the US compare to other democracies?

Answer 25

Factors influencing voter turnout vary, resulting in different participation rates. (Usually lower compared to diff. democracies tho - in the middle kinda)

Question 26

What is the secret ballot?

Answer 26

A private voting method to prevent coercion and ensure free and fair elections.

Question 27

What is the Australian ballot?

Answer 27

A uniform official ballot for all voters, enhancing secrecy and fairness

Question 28

What are districts in the context of elections?

Answer 28

Geographic subdivisions used for representation in elections.

Question 29

What are single-member districts?

Answer 29

Electoral districts with one representative per area, promoting a two-party system.

Question 30

What are at-large elections?

Answer 30

Elections where representatives are elected from an entire jurisdiction, impacting minority representation.

Question 31

What are multi-member districts?

Answer 31

Electoral districts where multiple representatives are elected from the same area.

Question 32

What are plurality election rules?

Answer 32

A system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if it's not a majority.

Question 33

Why does the United States have two major political parties?

Answer 33

Structural and historical factors contribute to a two-party system.

Question 34

What is gerrymandering?

Answer 34

Manipulation of electoral districts to favor a particular political party, influencing representation.

Question 35

What is the Electoral College?

Answer 35

A system for electing the President, involving state-based voting.

Question 36

Why are younger people less likely to vote?

Answer 36

Factors include civic disengagement, perception of political inefficacy, and lower turnout

Question 37

How does education influence voter turnout?

Answer 37

Higher education is correlated with increased political awareness and participation.

Question 38

What are "spatial" issues in voting behavior?

Answer 38

Issues related to geography and location influencing voter alignment

Question 39

What are "valence" issues in voting behavior?

Answer 39

Issues with broad consensus that are less divisive and more unifying.

Question 40

What is an interest group?

Answer 40

An organization advocating for specific interests and policy outcomes.

Question 41

What do interest groups need to be successful?

Answer 41

Resources, membership, and influence are crucial for success.

Question 42

What are selective benefits in interest groups?

Answer 42

Informational, material, solidary, and purposive benefits incentivize group participation.

Question 43

What is the interest group universe, and who dominates it?

Answer 43

Diverse interest groups exist, with certain groups exerting dominant influence.

Question 44

What are the ethical considerations of "uncivil" political activity?

Answer 44

Debates often involve arguments about necessity and self-defense

Question 45

How effective is non-violent resistance compared to violent resistance in politics?

Answer 45

Effectiveness varies, and ethical considerations play a role.

Question 46

How do interest groups influence politics?

Answer 46

Through lobbying, campaign contributions, advocacy, and other legal and strategic methods.

Question 47

What is lobbying, and how is it done?

Answer 47

Lobbying is the act of influencing policymakers through various methods, including advocacy and persuasion.

Question 48

What role does media play in a democracy?

Answer 48

Media informs citizens, acts as a watchdog, and shapes public opinion.

Question 49

Where do Americans primarily get their news, and what are the implications?

Answer 49

News sources vary, impacting the diversity and accuracy of information.

Question 50

What are the strengths and weaknesses of different media sources for political news?

Answer 50

Each source has unique attributes, influencing the nature of information.

Question 51

What are different forms of bias in the media, and how can they be identified?

Answer 51

: Bias can be political, sensational, or related to confirmation bias.

Question 52

How do consumer preferences influence news content?

Answer 52

Media caters to audience interests, affecting the framing of news.

Question 53

What is "The Constitution of Knowledge," and why is it important?

Answer 53

It refers to the framework of shared understanding and is crucial for democratic discourse.

Question 54

Why is a shared reality important for politics?

Answer 54

A common understanding is essential for effective governance and decision-making.

Question 55

What is the strategy of brazen lying in politics, and why is it challenging to defeat?

Answer 55

Brazen lying involves deliberate misinformation and can be difficult to counter.

Question 56

What is propaganda, and why is it significant in contemporary politics?

Answer 56

Propaganda involves systematic dissemination of information and influences public opinion.