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Poli Sci 40 Midterm
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76
Political Studies
Undergraduate 1
07/09/2010

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Term
Politics
Definition
struggle over the allocation(distribution) of benefits and privileges; the goods that society has to deliver, who are the winners and losers going to be
-Example of benefits and privileges:
• Back in the stone age: food, clothing, shelter (cave) ←which cave is closest to the water
• NOW(modern society): oil, health care
Term
Government
Definition
institution responsible for resolving conflicts over the allocation (distribution) of benefits and privileges; different kinds of governments are going to produce different types of winners and losers
Term
Authority
Definition
power of a government to enforce its decisions and compel (enforce) obedience; enforce rules
Term
Legitimacy
Definition
popular acceptance of the right of the government to exercise authority
Term
Totalitarianism
Definition
-authority, NO legitimacy
-type of political system
-government has UNLIMITED power
-government controls distribution of benefits and privileges
-rights are GIVEN by government, so they can be TAKEN AWAY by government
ex: North Korea
Term
Democracy
Definition
-authority AND legitimacy
-type of political system
-government is limited
-government does NOT determine who the winners and losers are
Term
3 principles of Democracy
Definition
1. popular sovereignty
2. political equality
3. political liberty
Term
popular sovereignty
Definition
people are in charge to a degree
Term
how do we achieve popular sovereignty?
Definition
1. Universal suffrage - everyone can vote
2. Government leaders are elected - (but Supreme Court, Cabinet,and Bureaucratic Agencies are appointed)
3. Elections are 3 F's (Free, Fair, and Frequent)
4. People participate in political process
5. High quality information is available - unbiased, unmediated
6. Majority Rules (but Supreme Court doesn't care about majority, bureaucratic agencies don't care, presidential elections are done by electoral college)
Term
political equality
Definition
one PERSON, one VOTE
Term
political liberty
Definition
freedom to participate in processes that communicate political preference; joining associations that articulate preferences
Term
3 economic systems and who owns the means of production in each?
Definition
1. communism - the workers
2. socialism - government
3. capitalism - private individuals
Term
communism
Definition
-workers own the means of production
-blending political system with economic system
Term
Socialism
Definition
-Government owns the means of production (matter of degree)
-USA has elements of Socialism: schools, police, post office
Term
Capitalism
Definition
-private individuals own the means of production
-free-market
-government should not interfere
Term
Ideology (what are two)
Definition
system of beliefs and values about the proper order of society and the proper role of government
-Liberal and Conservative
Term
Liberalism
Definition
-believe people are selfish
-proper role of government: ACTIVE
-proper order of society: EGALITARIAN
-role of tradition: NON-REVERENTIAL
-economic policy: more money you make, more money is taxed
-social policy: favor change in social order
Term
Conservatism
Definition
-proper role of government: LIMITED
-proper order of society: non-egalitarian; talent, creative, hard-working is not equally distributed in society, so those who are better should have more stuff
-role of tradition: REVERENTIAL; provides stability
Term
3 types of political systems (and their distribution of power)
Definition
1. Unitary: National > State
2. Federalist: National > or = state
3. Confederation: State > National
Term
Structure of Articles of Confederation
Definition
Weak Executive Branch: no independent source of authority
Weak Judicial Branch: power in state courts
Weak Legislative Branch
Term
Article of Confederation: Explain the weak Legislative Branch
Definition
-members of national Congress were appointed and paid by their respective state governments
-each state had 1 vote in Congress
-needed 9 out of 13 to pass legislation
-any state could block constitutional change (unanimous approval from all states to change articles of confederation)
-states sent representatives to negotiate trade agreements with foreign nations
-New Hampshire made its own Navy
-no power to provide national defense and establish the basis for a general economy b/c it prohibited Congress from interfering in the states' commerce policies-caused trade wars
-it denied Congress the power to tax (couldn't build navy or army)
Term
3 problems with Articles of Confederation
Definition
1. Week federal government
*Shay’s Rebellion – growing hostility toward wealthy; Congress was weak, Army was weak
2. Bad economy - could not enforce tax or regulate commerce
3. Connection to state not nation
Term
Federalists vs. Anti-federalist: FEDERALIST SIDE
Definition
Constitution supporters
-James Madison and Alexander Hamilton
-restrictions on new constitution would endanger neither the states nor personal liberty
-separation of national institutions would empower and restrict federal government
Term
Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist: ANTI-FEDERALIST SIDE
Definition
opponents to the constitution 1. federal gov would be too powerful and threaten the SELF-GOVERNMENT of the STATES and the LIBERTY of the PEOPLE 2. wanted a Bill of Rights 3. thought "President" would lead to a monarchy 4. thought constitution was a tool for wealthy to rule over less-privileged 5. didn't want to pay national taxes in addition to state taxes
Term
Myth of the Three-Fifths Compromise
Definition
For purposes of apportionment of taxes and seats in the House of Rep, blacks were counted at 3/5 a person for population counts. Northern states did not want them to be counted, Southern states wanted them to be counted for reasons of apportioning House seats (increasing their number of southern representatives)
Term
Great Compromise
Definition
-2 chamber Congress
-Lower house (H.O.R) would be PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION depending on size <--appeal to large states
-Upper house (Senate) 2 reps, elected by state legislatures<--appeal to small states
Term
Why did small states like the way the President was elected?
Definition
Term
enumerated powers (give examples)
Definition
given to national legislature (CONGRESS) only
*expressed powers
EXAMPLES: Raise an army, regulate commerce, coin money
Term
implied powers (give examples)
Definition
-authority given to national government to take action that is not expressly authorized by the Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated powers
-"Necessary and Proper Clause", elastic clause
EXAMPLES: creating a national bank (McCullock v. Maryland)
Term
reserved powers (give examples)
Definition
powers not given to the national government or prohibited to the states are to be the states powers under the constitution
-10th Amendment
-EX: intrastate commerce, police and fire department,
Term
limitations to the states
Definition
-LIMITATIONS: the Supremacy Clause - any conflict between a LEGITIMATE ACTION (acting in an area that is appropriate for them/falls under their responsibilities) of the national gov. and a state will be resolved in favor of the national gov.
Term
McCulloch v. Maryland
Definition

Hamilton wanted to establish a national bank, but Maryland imposed a tax on its citizens to take the bank out of business. McCulloch didn't pay the tax.

1. implied powers *it was reasonable that the national government, with power to tax, borrow money, and regulate commerce, could establish a bank 2. supremacy clause *national law prevailed over a conflicting state law (Maryland put a tax on the banks operations within their borders and Mcculloch didnt pay it) it could protect the bank from any actions by the states that might destroy it.

Term
shared (concurrent) powers
Definition
Powers that are held by both the state and national governments
ex: taxation, making roads, borrowing money, helping the environment
Term
Limitations on National Government
Definition
Regulating commerce: Congress must treat all states the same
Term
meaning and significance of the Supremacy clause as it relates to FEDERALISM?
Definition
Federalism: a governmental system in which powers are divided between the states and national level
Supremacy Clause - any conflict between a LEGITIMATE ACTION (acting in an area that is appropriate for them/falls under their responsibilities) of the national gov. and a state will be resolved in favor of the national gov.
Term
Pros of federalism
Definition
-Because there are different levels of power, (local, state, national), for people who want to be involved in national politics, they can get training
Ex: groups that were previously excluded have better ability to get higher office

-Policy laboratories:
*They can see which state’s policies work better and use that one

-Local government better to address local needs

-Makes CHANGE very difficult:
*Harder to pass bad policies
*Groups won't keep reversing policies when they are in power
*Gives stability
Term
Cons to federalism
Definition
-Lack of accountability
Ex: people play blame game for everything

-LACK OF NATIONAL STANDARDS
Ex: makes it difficult to have business between states ---inefficient

-Very hard to Change
Term
how do on-going disputes about federalism effect current political issues?
Definition
Gay Marriage: allowed in some states, not others. there is an on-going dispute about whether or not same-sex marriages are legitimate in other states.
-The "Full Faith and Credit" CLAUSE states...States must respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states
Term
Civil Rights
Definition
Whether individual members of differing GROUPS are treated equally by government
*equality regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, sex preference
Term
Civil Liberties
Definition
individual rights that are protected from infringement by government
*keeps gov from preventing expression of political preference
Term
1st Amendment
Definition
CONGRESS can’t help or hurt any religion/individuals from practicing their religion/speak freely, but STATES still can
Term
Explain why the Bill of Rights originally only limited the federal government.
Definition

-the framers wanted the states to have more control

-the effect was that the Bill of Rights had limited meaning to the lives of ordinary Americans because state and local governments carry out most of the activities

Term
Selective Incorporation
Definition
The process by which the courts have applied portions of the Bill of Rights to the states
EX: Gitlow v New York - 1st Amendment
*did this case-by-case (not all at once)
Term
Establishment Clause
Definition
Government must be neutral to all religions
Term
Free exercise clause
Definition
government cannot restrict religious practices
Term
Explain whether the courts have made it harder or easier to limit freedom of speech.
Definition
HARDER because of Brandenberg Case (IMMINENT LAWLESS ACTION) took over Schenk case (CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER)
Term
Explain when the Courts have permitted the government to limit individual liberties
Definition
Even if it places limits on freedom, it is important for COMPELLING INTERESTS
EX: Vaccinations (compelling interest=health)
EX:Schenk v. US (clear and present danger)
EX: Brandenberg (imminent lawless action)
Term
Schenk vs. US
Definition
-Plaintiff encouraged people to oppose the draft
-Government can limit speech when it poses a "CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER"
Term
Gitlow vs. New York
Definition
-Plaintiff advocates overthrow of government
-States are bound by
FIRST Amendment (free speech)
*example of SELECTIVE INCORPORATION
Term
Brandenberg v. Ohio
Definition
-Plaintiff (KKK member) calls for march on Washington
-States have a COMPELLING INTEREST when speech can lead to IMMINENT LAWLESS ACTION ← replaced “clear and present danger”
*makes it harder to restrict speech
Term
Texas vs. Johnson
Definition
-Flag desecration as freedom of expression
-SCOTUS ruling: symbolic speech (State had NO COMPELLING INTEREST)
Term
How have the rights to the accused changed over time? WARREN COURT
Definition
-EXPANDED rights to accused
-(1953-1969)
-Mapp v. Ohio: Exclusionary rule
*Exclusionary Rule: Police cannot use evidence gained during unreasonable search or seizure
-Gideon v. Wainwright
•Right to court appointed attorney
-Miranda v. Arizona
*Right to remain silent, consult an attorney
Term
Mapp v. Ohio
Definition
Exclusionary rule:
Police cannot use evidence gained during unreasonable search or seizure
Term
Gideon v. Wainright
Definition
right to COURT APPOINTED attorney
Term
Miranda v. Arizona
Definition
Right to remain SILENT and consult an attorney
Term
How have the rights to the accused changed over time? BURGER COURT
Definition
-Restricted rights to accused
-(69-86)
-US v. Leon: “Good faith” exception
*Evidence allowed IF search warrant appeared to be valid
-Nix v. Williams (1984): “Inevitable discovery”
*Evidence allowed IF it would have been discovered eventually.
Term
US v. Leon
Definition
"good faith" exception:
-evidence is allowed if search warrant appeared to be VALID
Term
Nix v. Williams
Definition
"INEVITABLE DISCOVERY": evidence allowed if it would have been discovered eventually
Term
New Jersey Plan
Definition
small state plan
-one state, one vote
Term
Virginia Plan
Definition
large-state plan
-proportional representation based on population size
Term
categorical grant
Definition
Money granted for SPECIFIC purpose
Ex: stem cell research
Term
block grant
Definition
-Money granted for GENERAL purpose
Ex: medical research
Term
Attitude
Definition
(IN HEAD) An enduring tendency to respond in a positive or negative way towards something
Ex:
•Non-political Attitude: scared of big dogs
•Political Attitude: don’t like raising taxes; if you have a strong view toward abortion
Term
Opinion
Definition
(COME OUT OF OUR MOUTH - WE CAN OBSERVE) IMPERFECT indicator of underlying, unobserved attitudes
-Ex:
•Non-political Opinion: jumping into arms when a big dog walks
•Political Opinion:
***Individuals posses multiple conflicting attitudes about same topic
•Ex: hate big dogs, loves little dogs
Term
What is the process that takes place when people answer survey questions, according to the memory-based information processing model?
Definition
1. We don’t search for long (1 second to answer)
2. We take a random sample of our attitudes
*OVERsample attitudes from the “top of their head”-easily accessible
3. Opinion determined by attitudes sampled
Term
Thinking in terms of the RAS model, which group is more likely to be affected by exposure to media: univalents and ambivalents? Explain.
Definition
Ambivalents
Term
RAS model (ZALLER)
Definition
R(recieve) - only info that can EFFECT our opinion is info we RECEIVE
A(accept or reject) - if accepted, stored in memory
S(sample)
Term
Univalent
Definition
-Attitudes and opinions are CONSISTENT
*Accept information: confirms what they already believe
*Reject (counter-argue) information: that challenges what I believe
-RANDOM process still produces CONSISTENT opinions
Term
Ambivalent
Definition
-Attitudes and opinions are INCONSISTENT
*Accept information: take everything in
*Reject (counter-argue) information: THEY DON'T COUNTER-ARGUE
-RANDOM process produces INCONSISTENT
Term
What does the confidence level in a poll estimate?
Definition
THE LEVEL OF CERTAINTY TO WHICH AN ESTIMATE CAN BE TRUSTED
Term
confidence interval
Definition
The probability that an estimate falls within a specific range
Term
margin of error
Definition
+ or - half of the confidence interval
Term
The "Full Faith and Credit" Clause
Definition
States must respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states
Term
"Privileges and Immunities" clause
Definition
protects citizens right to… travel through states, access state courts, purchase and hold property, equal tax rates as state residents
Term
Court cases about the Free-Exercise Clause
Definition
1972: Amish families (kids work at a young age) did not have to abide by the law that made children attend school until they were 16
Term
Court Cases about the Establishment Clause
Definition
-conflict between free-exercise and establishment clause (makes it seem like they give religions preferred treatment)
*Louisiana: Supreme Court did not allow Creationism to be taught in school along with theory of Evolution<-violated the establishment clause
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