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Question 1

unipolar

Answer 1

An international system with a single superpower dominating other states.

Question 2

unitary system

Answer 2

A system of government where power is concentrated in the hands of the central government.

Question 3

unity

Answer 3

The idea that people overwhelmingly support the government and share certain common beliefs even if they disagree about particular policies.

Question 4

user fee

Answer 4

A fee charged by the government to do certain things (e.g., paying a toll to use a tunnel).

Question 5

veto

Answer 5

The power of the president to stop a bill passed by Congress from becoming law.

Question 6

veto message

Answer 6

A message written by the president, attached to a bill he or she has vetoed, which explains the reasons for the veto.

Question 7

Virginia Plan

Answer 7

A plan at the constitutional convention to base representation in the legislature on population.

Question 8

voter turnout

Answer 8

The percentage of citizens who vote in an election.

Question 9

voting behavior

Answer 9

A term used to describe the motives and factors that shape voters’ choices.

Question 10

Voting Rights Act

Answer 10

A law passed in 1965 that banned discrimination in voter registration requirements.

Question 11

War Powers Resolution

Answer 11

Passed by Congress in 1973, the War Powers Resolution demands that the president consult with Congress when sending troops into action; it also gives Congress the power to force withdrawal of troops.

Question 12

Washington community

Answer 12

The “inside the beltway” group that closely follows politics and constantly evaluates the relative power of politicians.

Question 13

watchdog journalism

Answer 13

Journalism that attempts to hold government officials and institutions accountable for their actions.

Question 14

Weberian model

Answer 14

The model of bureaucracy developed by sociologist Max Weber that characterizes bureaucracy as a rational and efficient means of organizing a large group of people.

Question 15

welfare

Answer 15

The term for the set of policies designed to help those in economic need.

Question 16

welfare state

Answer 16

The term to describe the government or country that provides aid to the poor and help to the unemployed.

Question 17

whip

Answer 17

A member of the leadership of a legislative body responsible for counting votes and connecting the leadership with the rank and file.

Question 18

whistleblower

Answer 18

A person who reports wrongdoing in a government agency.

Question 19

White House staff

Answer 19

The people with whom the president works every day.

Question 20

white primary

Answer 20

The practice of political parties only allowing whites to participate in their primaries.

Question 21

winner take all

Answer 21

An electoral system in which the person with the most votes wins everything (and everyone else loses); most states have winner-take-all systems for determining electoral votes.

Question 22

writ of certiorari

Answer 22

The legal document, issued by the Supreme Court, that orders a lower court to send a case to the Supreme Court for review.

Question 23

writ of habeas corpus

Answer 23

A court order requiring that the government show cause for detaining someone and charge him or her with a crime.

Question 24

yellow journalism

Answer 24

Journalism that focuses on shocking and sordid stories to sell newspapers.