20 Flashcards
political appointees
Federal bureaucrats appointed by the president, often to reward loyalty.
political culture
The set of beliefs, values, shared myths, and notions of a good polity that a group of people hold.
political economy
The study of how politics and economics interact.
political efficacy
The belief that the government listens to normal people and that participation can make a difference in government.
political equality
Treating everyone the same way in the realm of politics.
political participation
Engaging in actions to achieve political goals.
political party
An alliance of like-minded people who work together to win elections and control of the government.
political science
The systematic, rigorous study of politics.
political socialization
The process by which political culture is passed on to the young.
politics
The process by which government decisions are made.
polling
Assessing public opinion by asking people what they think and feel.
pollster
A person who conducts polls.
poll tax
A fee for voting, designed to keep blacks and other poor people from voting.
popular sovereignty
A regime in which the government must respond to the wishes of the people.
Populists
A political movement in the late nineteenth century that fought on behalf of the poor workers and farmers; fused with the Democratic Party in 1896.
pork
Money spent by Congress for local projects that are not strictly necessary and are designed to funnel money into a district.
poverty line
The federal standard for poverty: Anyone below a certain income level is considered poor.
power
The ability to get others to do what you want.
power of the purse
The ability of Congress to spend money; all federal expenditures must be authorized by Congress.
precedent
A court ruling bearing on subsequent court cases.
