Midterm 1: terms (ch 1-8) Flashcards
(150 cards)
1
Q
political socialization
A
the process by which ones attitudes and values are shaped to support the political system.
2
Q
public-opinion polls
A
surveys that seek to determine how different groups of people perceive political issues.
3
Q
Demographics
A
classifications of different groups of people that usually refer to ones race, class, ethnicity, gender, wealth, age, place of residence, employment status, level of education etc…
4
Q
Social contract theorists
A
thinkers beginning in the 17th century who sought to explain human nature by looking at the terms by which governments are set up in the first place
5
Q
“politics is…
A
who gets what, when and how”
6
Q
Capitalism
A
an economic system in which the means of production, such as land and factories, are privately owned and operated for profit.
7
Q
Communism
A
the economy, including capital, property, major industries, and public services, is controlled and directed by the state and in that sense is “communal”
8
Q
Direct democracy
A
democracy in which the people as a whole make direct decisions, rather than have those decisions made for them by elected representatives
9
Q
Liberal
A
A person who believes it is the duty of the government to ameliorate social conditions and create a more equitable society.
10
Q
Libertarianism
A
the belief that the government should not interfere in the lives of citizens, other than to provide police and military protection.
11
Q
Monarchy
A
form of rulership whereby a king or queen, empress or emperor holds absolute or limited power, usually inherited.
12
Q
Representative Democracy
A
a system of government in which the people elect agents to represent them in a legislature.
13
Q
Republic
A
the form of govt. in which ultimate power resides in the people, who elect representatives to participate in decision making on their behalf.
14
Q
Socialism
A
a political system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are mostly owned by the state and used, at least in theory, on behalf of the people.
15
Q
who was the first woman to serve on the supreme court?
A
Sandra Day O’Connor
16
Q
Arab Spring
A
the pro-democratic political movements (2011) spreading throughout the middle east and northern Africa.
17
Q
“Hard power”
A
nations exert hard power when they compel other nations to modify their behavior through military and/or economic force.
18
Q
“soft power”
A
where leverage is gained through the sway of diplomatic and cultural persuasion.
19
Q
Counterterrorism
A
a police or military strategy that employs offensive tactics to preempt or deter future terrorist attacks.
20
Q
Counterinsurgency
A
military strategy that includes military, political, economic, and humanitarian efforts in an attempt to win over the hearts and minds of the domestic population.
21
Q
Counterinsurgency
A
military strategy that includes military, political, economic, and humanitarian efforts in an attempt to win over the hearts and minds of the domestic population.
22
Q
political science
A
the academic discipline that seeks to understand the relationship between individuals and political institutions.
23
Q
traditionalism
A
the methodological tradition that seeks to understand if certain government or political institutions are behaving in ordinance with how they”ought to behave”
24
Q
Normative
A
a normative approach is any approach that seeks to determine how onw “ought” to live.
25
Variable
features or attributes of social science research. in particular, a variable might look at the relationship between race and voting, age and voting, or religious preference and voting.
26
postbehavioralism
the school of thought that seeks to combine elements of the traditional approach, especially the idea of values, with those of behavioralism.
27
comparative politics
subfield of political science that examines different types of institutions and issues within different countries .
28
international relations
field of political science that studies the way nations interact with one another and the influence of global trendson nation-states.
29
The Socratic method of teaching
a belief that we can only come to knowledge by recognizing our own ignorance.
30
Socrates employed (?) theory to philosophy
normative
31
Socrates is considered to be a “?” philosopher, not a “political” philosopher.
moral philosopher
32
who is considered the first Western political philosopher?
Plato
33
Plato believed that human behavior is comprised of three competing states of mind:
craftspeople/appetites, auxiliaries/spirits, and guardians/rational.
34
who wrote the "Republic"?
Plato
35
Plato sets out his theory of forms in order to prove that...
only those with perfect knowledge can place public interest over self-interest, and, therefore, be qualified to rule a polis.
36
Aristotle used a more (?) approach to politics
Scientific/ Empirical
37
Plato's theory of forms
1. The world of appearances (things we can see)
2. The intelligible world (things beyond our physical senses)
38
Aristotle theorized that there are three distinct form of human communities:
1. the family unit
2. the village
3. the polis (state)
39
what is Aristotles' view of happiness?
he believes happiness is acheived when we as humans actually realize our potential by achieving our preexisting purpose.
40
what are the 6 political systems that Aristotle explained
1. monarchy
2. tyrant
3. aristocracy
4.oligarchy
5. polity
6.democracy
41
who were the Sophists?
a group of political thinkers who were primarily responsible for shifting the focus of Greek philosophy from the universe to the individual. they believed that human beings are naturally power seeking and predisposed to the pursuit of self-interest.
42
The Theory of Being
the belief that underlying our ever-changing material world is a preexisting and permanent design.
43
The Theory of Becoming
the belief that universe was in a constant state of random and arbitrary change (becoming) and could be understood in material terms.
44
Civil disobedience
the refusal to obey governmental demands or commands,especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the govt.
45
Peloponnesian War
the war between Athens and Sparta (431 to 404 BCE). Sparta with the assistance of Persia, built a massive fleet that destroyed the Athenian navy at Aegospotami in405 bce, the war destroyed Athens.
46
what was the purpose of Platos' "The Republic"
to highlight Socrates contention that knowledge goes well beyond simply understanding individual self interest and is needed to understand the larger objective truth: that the highest form of happiness is attained when we nurture the human soul by pursuing justice rather than self-interest.
47
Aristocracy
a govt. in which power is vested in a minority, consisting of those believed to be best qualified
48
Timocracy
a govt. in which the love of honor is the highest ruling principle.
49
Oligarchy
govt. in which a small group exercises control over the masses.
50
Tyrant
an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution
51
Natural Law
a body of law or a special principle held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society.
52
Positive Law
a body of law established or recognized by a governmental authority.
53
Democracy- Middle class
Aristotle argued that democracy required a strong middle class to help balance the interests of the wealthy and the poor.
54
Wealth of congress
70% of U.S. senators are classified as millionaires. With the most wealthy man having a total of $135.7 million.
55
Social Contract theory
a wide range of theories related closely with John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the most appropriate relationship between the state and the individual. Social contract theorists typically provide an 1. observation on human nature 2. observation on problems that arise in the absence of govt. and 3. a recommendation
56
Social Contract theory
a wide range of theories related closely with John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the most appropriate relationship between the state and the individual. Social contract theorists typically provide an 1. observation on human nature 2. observation on problems that arise in the absence of govt. and 3. a recommendation
57
Describe Machiavelli’s contribution to political theory.
he is one of the first to assert that power, and not justice, is the key unit of analysis in politics. and his text "The Prince" provides practical yes amoral advice on how to attain and maintain political power.
58
Hobbes’ departure from Ancient Greek political thought.
Greeks saw political power as merely a means to promote justice. Hobbes believed political power was a means toward the more limited aim of preventing chaos and warfare. Hobbes broke from Greek traditions by denying the existence of a universal objective truth, Hobbes was a nominalist.
59
Hobbes' view of Human nature
He believed that not all humans were virtuous, though most were good, and instead they were born as blank slates without any preconceived notions of anything. Locke also believed that our sense of right and wrong is developed from the knowledge we gain through our five senses (external) and our powers of reflection (internal).
60
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
the father of the French Revolution, and is seen as the last great social contract theorist. his social contract theory differed from Locke's, because his social contract called for greater quality under law, and he advocated for a more direct democracy. He also proposed a new social contract whereby individuals surrender all rights to a general will in exchange for having an equal voice in what that general will should be.
61
John Locke (1632–1704)
His classic work was Two Treatises of Government. Locke created a new view of thinking called classic liberalism.He believed that not all humans were virtuous, though most were good, and instead they were born as blank slates without any preconceived notions of anything. He believed our rational side can dominate our urges. He also believed that we are Born Free and exists naturally in a state of liberty.
62
John Locke's social contract
Although people enjoyed the benefits of freedom and the state of nature, this liberty is vulnerable to the invasions of others. He believed that every natural right had a corresponding natural law that needed to be enforced by government.
63
Justice vs power
Most political thinkers believe that justice is the key unit of analysis in politics, Macchiavelli is one of the first to assert that power, not justice, is the key unit of analysis.
64
Realism
A school of thought and international relations that emphasizes the furtherance of national interests and military security. Realists primarily believe nations exist within an anarchic international political system, and because of a tendency to distrust international organizations, believe nations must be prepared to militarily defend themselves at all times
65
The Prince
A text written by Niccolo Machiavelli, whose primary purpose was to offer the ruling Medici family needed analysis on how to gain and maintain political power.
66
Lion and fox
Machiavelli unlike others viewed self-interested and power-seeking behavior as just human nature. He stated that a successful Prince should be as strong as a lion and as cunning as a fox when leading the state.
67
Classical liberalism
Advocates for a limited government and for greater individual liberties at the political social and economic levels of society.
68
Traditional conservatism
The belief that government should not attempt to change society but that government should instead merely reflect changes that have already taken place in society. Edmund Burke is generally regarded as the father of conservatism.
69
Prisoners dilemma
A game theory to illustrate that people sometimes will not cooperate with each other even when it is in their best interest to do so.
70
Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson and other founding fathers were strongly influenced by John Locke's notion of natural rights and natural law.
71
Women's rights movement
John Locke's belief in individual rights helped pave the theoretical path for the expansion of women's rights. Mary Wollstonecraft is seen as the founder of feminism.
72
Karl Marx
Challenged the tradition of modern political theory by arguing that private property should no longer serve as the foundation of western civil society. He also believed that the capitalist system is very flawed. Marxism.
73
Articles of Confederation
America's first system of government that existed during the constitutional convention. It lacked both an executive and judicial branch of government and granted most powers to the original 13 states. It was also unable to produce an enforceable peace treaty with Britain.
74
Unitary system
A system of government where all powers are located in the central government. In this system, regional and local government derive power from the central government. Approximately 150 nations currently have a unitary system of government.
75
The Annapolis convention of 1786
an Interstate convention called to discuss the issues of commerce. The meeting was seen as a failure because only five of the 13 states sent delegations.
76
Shays rebellion
An armed insurrection in Massachusetts led by Revolutionary War hero Daniel shays , the rebellion targeted attacks on courthouses and attempts to prevent farm foreclosures.
77
Virginia plan
Called for a strong central government. Primarily drafted by James Madison and Edmund Randolph of Virginia, it was proposed at the constitutional convention and called for representation in Congress to be apportioned according to the state's population.
78
Bicameral legislature
A legislature that consists of a two house body. The US Congress and every state except Nebraska are bicameral.
79
New Jersey plan
Proposed by William Paterson, and called for a one house chamber apportioned according to equal representation of each state.
80
Unicameral legislature
One house chamber
81
The Connecticut compromise
The great compromise between the large and small states at the constitutional convention that called for the US House of Representatives to be apportioned according to the states population and the US Senate comprised of two senators per state.
82
The 3/5 compromise
Southern states proposed counting slaves as part of their population when determining representation in Congress, the framers ultimately agreed to count slaves as 3/5 of a person. This significantly impacted the regional balance of power as some southern states were inhabited by more slaves than non slaves at that time.
83
What are the three basic constitutional principles
1. Separation of powers
2. The system of checks and balances
3. The system of federalism.
84
What are the main tasks of each branch of government
The legislative branch was created to make the law, the executive branch was created to enforce the law, and the federal judiciary branch was formed to interpret the law.
85
What are the enumerated powers
They include the power to declare war, to coin money, to regulate foreign commerce, to raise and support armies, and to establish a federal court system.
86
The elastic clause (necessary and proper clause)
Found in the constitution and expands federal power by granting the federal government all powers that are "necessary" and quote "proper" to carry out the enumerated powers of Congress.
87
Concurrent power
Powers that are granted to both the national and state governments in the US constitution, the power to tax is an example All of this.
88
Full faith and credit clause
Requires each state to recognize the civil judgments and public records of other states.
89
Defense of Marriage act
Federal law enacted in 1996 that allows states to not recognize same sex marriages performed in other states.
90
Privileges and immunities clause
To make certain that citizens travelling across the states would not be unfairly treated
91
Extradition clause
Asserts that states must surrender criminal offenders to states in which the crime was committed.
92
Federalists
Believed a strong national government was necessary to address national problems and promote a sense of national unity.
93
Anti-Federalists
Strong states rights activists who oppose the constitution because they believe the new government would dominate over the states
94
Political realignments
Situations in which one political party dominates over the other for an extended period of time.
95
Federalist papers
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay submitted 85 essays that would eventually be labeled as The Federalist Papers after many written editorials in support and opposition to the constitution flooded into every major newspaper around the country.
96
Federalist paper no.10
is labeled as America's greatest contribution to Western political thought. James madison confronts long-standing criticisms of democracies, he explains how it is possible to simultaneously have a system of govt that allows for majority rule while safeguarding minority rights and the national interest.
97
Faction
group of citizens who share common interest or impulsive adverse to the interests of others. For example: rich vs poor, men vs women, democratic vs republican.
98
Bill of rights
Anti-federalists were concerned and argued that the Constitution should not be ratified until the natural rights of individuals were protected. The Federalists initially opposed the bill of rights until they were able to compromise by adding the bill of rights to the constitution as amendments.
99
What were the reasons the Federalists were opposed to adding the bill of rights to the constitution
1. 1. they believed the main text of the Constitution already prohibited the national govt. from violating the natural rights of citizens.
2. 2. They were also concerned that a call for a bill of rights would require another Constitutional convention, and ultimately make room for the Anti-federalists to ruin all of the progress that happened in the first convention.
100
Amending the constitution is a two-step process:
1. proposal, 2. ratification
101
what amendment cleared the proposal stage but not the ratification stage?
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
102
What is considered to be the greatest economic catastrophe since the Great Depression?
The housing bubble bursting in 2008
103
The housing bubble burst in 2008
Large investments in commercial banks began to provide mortgages to individuals who had poor credit scores and low wages, because of this, home ownership shot up, and the risk of people defaulting on the subprime mortgages increased exponentially. This catastrophe is one of the major contributors to the emerging populist movement.
104
What are the two major contributors to the emerging populist movement?
The housing bubble burst in 2008, and how the central banks around the world handled this housing crisis.
105
Austerity measures
A political budget strategy that attempts to reduce deficits by raising taxes/ or cutting governmental spending.
106
Populist candidate
"faithful champions of the people"
Both trump and sanders are considered populist candidates.
107
Name one defining characteristic of populism
The belief that politics should be framed as a "conflict" between the people and the elite.
108
Left wing populist
Believe the interests of the people are best served by expanding federal regulations over the private sectors in order to promote equality. (bernie sanders)
109
Right wing populist
Tend to stress nationalistic and anti -elitist themes and are inclined to believe international organizations, trade agreements, and illegal immigration hurts the nation and its working class. (Trump)
110
Corrupt bargain
A theory that John Quincy Adams secured the presidency in 1824 by engaging in a corrupt bargain with speaker of the house Henry Clay.
111
New deal
Series of policies enacted during the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt geared toward lifting the United states out of the Great Depression. Some policies such as a Social Security act of 1935 still have a major impact on American Society.
112
Anti-pluralist
One who opposes a political system where power is shared between a ride array of people from different social cultural and political backgrounds.
113
Manichean
believes in a dualistic vision of the universe where everything is either good or evil.
114
Nationalism
An ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state and holds that such obligations outweigh other individual groups or interests.
115
Modern populism
Emphasizes political messaging based on racial and ethnic identities instead of policy preferences or ideologies.
116
Identity politics
The tendency to form political alliances based on one's race, gender, ethnicity, and/or sexual orientation.
117
President trump's immigration policy
1. Travel ban against mostly Middle Eastern citizens.
2. Suspension of temporary Protective Services for migrants seeking political asylum.
3. Attempt to earn the deferred action for childhood arrivals program (DACA)
118
Bicameral legislature
a legislature that has a two houses, an upper and a lower house
119
The house of representatives
also called "the peoples body" is responsible for incorporating the views of the masses into government
120
what are the two most important powers of Congress?
1. The power to declare war
2. the power of the purse
121
define congresses "power of the purse"
powers that ensure Congress maintains control over economic policy and buttresses Congress’s oversight powers by enabling the body to cut off funding of any unpopular governmental program.
122
What is the structure of the house of representatives?
435 members, two year terms, must be 25 years old, and be an American citizen for at least 7 years.
123
what is the structure of the senate?
100 members, six-year terms, must be 30 years old, and be an American citizen for at least 9 years.
124
Cloture
A rule in the Senate that requires sixty senators to vote to stop a filibuster.
125
Cue-taking
Taking a political cue from a respected colleague or party leader when determining how to vote on a particular bill.
126
Fillibuster
A formal method used in the Senate in order to stop a bill from coming to a vote. Senators can prevent a vote by making long speeches or by engaging in unlimited debate.
127
Gridlock
A lack of progress on enacting legislation typically caused by partisan and/or institutional infighting.
128
House majority leader
The second-most important person in the House of Representatives. The majority leader assists the Speaker in establishing the political agenda in the House. (United States)
129
House minority leader
The elected leader of the party with minority status in the House of Representatives. (United States)
130
House of commons
The lower house in the UK Parliament. Members of the House of Commons (known as members of Parliament, or MPs) are directly elected by the people and therefore are charged with the duty of passing legislation. (United Kingdom)
131
House of councilors
The upper house in the Japanese parliament. It is designed to approve proposed legislation that has already been passed in the lower House of Representatives. However, if it chooses to reject the proposed law, its ruling can be overturned in the House of Representatives by a two-thirds majority vote. (Japan)
132
House of lords
The upper house in the UK Parliament. The House of Lords reflects the history and traditions of British society. Today, it serves as a deliberative body that can no longer prevent the passage of legislation, but simply delay it. (United Kingdom)
133
Jacksonian Democracy
Jacksonian democracy refers to the political philosophy and influence of President Andrew Jackson. The era (1824–1854) was marked with the expansion of democratic rights and started the trend away from political appointments and toward the use of elections to select public officials.
134
Logrolling
Trading influence or votes among legislators to achieve passage of projects that are of interest to one another.
135
Majority–minority concentrated district
A congressional district that includes a majority of minority voters that increases the probability of electing a minority representative.
136
Multiparty parliamentary Democracy
A democratic state that has more than two active political parties in the legislature.
137
National diet
The formal name of the Japanese legislature composed of the House of Councilors and the House of Representatives.
138
Omnibus legislation
A large bill that contains several smaller bills.
139
Partisan gerrymandering
The act of dividing congressional districts to give one political party an unfair advantage in congressional elections.
140
Pocket veto
an indirect presidential veto occurs when a president takes no action on a bill for 10 days and congress has adjourned
141
Parliamentary system
A system in which the executive branch is part of the legislature.
142
Presidential system
a system in which the executive branch is part of the legislature
143
Quorum
a legislative rule that requires a minimum number of legislators to be present in order for a vote on a bill to occur.
144
Senate majority leader
The elected leader of the majority party in the U.S. Senate. The majority leader is responsible for setting the agenda in the U.S. Senate and plays a role in selecting committee assignments.
145
Senate minority leader
The elected leader of the minority party in the U.S. Senate.
146
Speaker of the House
The presiding officer of the House of Representatives. The Speaker is the highest-ranking official in the House of Representative. He or she is third in line of succession to the presidency and is responsible for establishing the political agenda of the body. (United States)
147
Supermajority vote
A congressional vote requires more than a simple majority vote. The Constitution requires a two-thirds supermajority vote in Congress in five instances: (1) when overriding a presidential veto, (2) when impeaching federal officials, (3) when ratifying Senate treaty votes, (4) when removing fellow members for misconduct, and (5) when proposing constitutional amendments.
148
Whip
Party leaders who work closely with rank-and-file members to ensure individual members vote in accordance with the wishes of party leaders.
149
name three advantages to having an independent executive
1. Legislative terms are fixed
2. the executive is popularly elected
3. Presidential govt. is "limited" due to constitutionally designed separation of powers.
150
Vote of no confidence
the tool periodically used in parlimentary systems to remove a prime minister.
