American Government Flashcards for Political Science 102

Question 1

When the work of more than one government agency overlaps and the same thing is done more than once.

Answer 1

Duplication (in government)

Question 2

The belief that political power should be proportional to the amount of resources a person has.

Answer 2

Elitism

Question 3

Under this principle, the U.S. government is divided into three branches that all have their own specific function and powers. The three branches are the legislative branch (Congress), the judicial branch (courts), and the executive branch (the President).

Answer 3

Separation of powers

Question 4

This process occurs when bureaucratic organizations are changed to improve their efficiency.

Answer 4

Methods to Reform Bureaucracy: Reorganization

Question 5

John Locke’s work that provided a philosophical basis for the American government

Answer 5

Two Treatises of Government

Question 6

Participation; equality; tolerance; accountability; transparency; fair elections; economic freedom; proper use of power; human rights; the rule of law

Answer 6

Principles of democracy

Question 7

For these citizens, joining in the political process is a low priority. This results in a shift in power from the majority of the population to a smaller group of informed voters.

Answer 7

The effect of uninformed voters

Question 8

The three-way partnership between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

Answer 8

The iron triangle

Question 9

The attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Answer 9

Examples of events in which live TV played a key role in informing the public on politics.

Question 10

The rules of this type of government claim that a deity rules through them. These governments are usually very strict.

Answer 10

Theocracy

Question 11

To put into effect the laws created by elected officials.

Answer 11

Primary function of American bureaucracy.

Question 12

Journalists who expose injustice and corruption.

Answer 12

Muckraking

Question 13

The U.S. government agency responsible for the military

Answer 13

Department of Defense

Question 14

1) Recruiting candidates for public office.
2) Gathering volunteers to register voters.
3) Presenting political platforms.
4) Staffing positions with party supporters.
5) Putting forth its own policies when they weren’t the winning party.

Answer 14

5 main functions of political parties

Question 15

When voters have less and less allegiance and commitment to a political party over time.

Answer 15

Dealignment

Question 16

Informant, watchdog, platform and public voice; public educator

Answer 16

Roles that the media play during campaigns, elections, and other government activity

Question 17

This economic system supports the ownership of private property and an open market, while only allowing the government to step in to prevent certain crimes.

Answer 17

Capitalism

Question 18

Culture, commerce, and politics

Answer 18

Mass media influences:

Question 19

The written document that outlines the highest level of law in the United States of America.

Answer 19

The U.S. Constitution.

Question 20

Citizens directly vote on each policy themselves.

Answer 20

Direct democracy

Question 21

Metaphor for when it is challenging to get anything done because of inefficient bureaucracy. This expression comes from when the government really tied up documents.

Answer 21

‘Red tape’

Question 22

The relationship between bureaucratic agencies, congress, and interest groups to make policies.

Answer 22

Iron Triangle

Question 23

Defamation of a person’s character in a physical form, including print, pictures, video or audio.

Answer 23

Libel

Question 24

A government ruled by a single person who possesses all power. This ruler obtains power through military action and uses intimidation to maintain power.

Answer 24

Dictatorship

Question 25

Print

Answer 25

Dominant form of journalism in the 19th century

Question 26

A group of powerful individuals rule in this type of government. They mostly inherit their power and usually rule for life.

Answer 26

Oligarchy

Question 27

A governmental office that assesses the way different bureaucratic departments perform. It can help the president hold these agencies accountable by setting budgets and reorganizing them.

Answer 27

The Office of Management and Budget

Question 28

These individuals generally earn a high income, support men, are conservative and live in the South or Great Plains area.

Answer 28

Characteristics of Republican Voters

Question 29

Laws that require meetings to ensure the public can scrutinize bureaucratic organizations. These laws can raise accountability and lower red tape.

Answer 29

Methods to Reform Bureaucracy: Sunshine Laws

Question 30

Department of Defense; Department of Education; Department of Health and Human Services; Department of Justice; Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior; Department of Transportation; Department of State

Answer 30

Examples of governmental departments

Question 31

It gives cheaper ways to influence people's politics, such as the internet or other digital- based platforms.

Answer 31

New media's effect on the public's opinion on politics.

Question 32

The acceptance and celebration of people of all different backgrounds and ways of life, including religious, racial, cultural, and economics identities.

Answer 32

Diversity

Question 33

Largest part of federal bureaucracy

Answer 33

The military

Question 34

Third parties can be formed from the ground up by people who are passionate about a specific issue, or they can form as splinter parties, which branch out from one of the two major parties

Answer 34

Formation of third parties

Question 35

When a bureaucracy tries to maintain its size and importance for the sake of itself, losing sight of its concrete goals.

Answer 35

Imperialism

Question 36

An organized group with goals of being elected into office in order to shape the government and its policies.

Answer 36

Political party

Question 37

Ability of the government (president, courts, and congress) to hold the bureaucracy accountable for everything it does.

Answer 37

Bureaucratic accountability

Question 38

Provides Congress with the ability to regulate commerce between the states.

Answer 38

Commerce clause

Question 39

Spending more money than necessary for products or services

Answer 39

Government waste

Question 40

A system of government where the majority rules

Answer 40

Majoritarianism

Question 41

Interstate Commerce Commission; Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Answer 41

Examples of independent regulatory agencies

Question 42

A system of government where the people join in and contribute to the process

Answer 42

Democracy

Question 43

Politicians using social media to gain support; politicians appearing in TV interviews to explain their beliefs; politicians using the radio or print to advance their causes.

Answer 43

Examples of the changing role of media in American politics.

Question 44

Each of the three branches of governments has some control over the other two branches; since each branch is overseen by the other branches, no branch can become too powerful

Answer 44

Checks and balances

Question 45

To keep the population informed of the actions of the government

Answer 45

Most important role of media in a democracy

Question 46

The executive (president), legislative (congress), and judicial (courts) branches all have oversight.

Answer 46

Branch(es) of government with oversight of federal bureaucracy

Question 47

This act did away with the spoils system of political appointment and replaced it with a system that favored those who could prove their value by demonstrating skills and passing examinations.

Answer 47

The Pendleton Act of 1883

Question 48

Distinct histories and cultures lead to different ideologies and beliefs

Answer 48

General cause of political conflict

Question 49

Prejudice or bias towards the goals of one political party over the other

Answer 49

Partisanship

Question 50

The Third Party of Teddy Roosevelt, that won more electoral votes than any other third party presidential candidate by splitting the Republican vote

Answer 50

Bull Moose Party

Question 51

Journalism that exploits or exaggerates stories to attract more readers and sell more papers

Answer 51

Yellow journalism

Question 52

The ability of an entity to exercise power through demands, decision-making, and the subservience of others.

Answer 52

Authority

Question 53

When a news source promotes a specific political party, philosophy, or other agenda by focusing on some stories and excluding others.

Answer 53

Bias by story selection.

Question 54

Americans believing that the political system is too party-driven is one factor that contributes to:

Answer 54

Low voter turnout

Question 55

A voter who is focused on a single issue and ignores the others

Answer 55

Single-issue voter

Question 56

Governmental groups that create and enforce rules and regulations for various activities overseen by the government

Answer 56

Independent regulatory agencies

Question 57

``` Interest in single-issue voters. More uniformed voters. Less voter participation. High campaign expenses. Difficulty getting nominated. ```

Answer 57

Factors that lead to small groups gaining greater political power in the U.S.:

Question 58

Regulations that limit the amount of time a bureaucratic program can run.

Answer 58

Methods to Reform Bureaucracy: Sunset Provisions

Question 59

A political party other than Republican or Democrat

Answer 59

Third Party

Question 60

Any voter who is not firmly attached to one specific political party.

Answer 60

Independent Voter

Question 61

Separation of powers, popular sovereignty, checks and balances, limited government, and federalism

Answer 61

Core principles of the American government

Question 62

The government acts only with the people's assent and power.

Answer 62

Popular sovereignty

Question 63

In political matters, power and influence should be in the hands of groups

Answer 63

Pluralism

Question 64

A process that gives private agencies control of tasks that were previously controlled by bureaucratic agencies.

Answer 64

Methods to Reform Bureaucracy: Privatization

Question 65

The notion that all people should have the freedom to behave as they wish, as long as their behavior does not infringe on the rights of other people

Answer 65

Liberty

Question 66

Replaced the spoils system with a selection process based on merit

Answer 66

Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

Question 67

A country ruled by a leader who is born into power. In these governments, the country's ruler has full control over everything.

Answer 67

Absolute Monarchy

Question 68

An organized group that is united in a shared goal, which attempts to sway elected officials and policy makers.

Answer 68

Interest group

Question 69

Implement policies and laws Perform administrative functions Regulate activities of the government

Answer 69

Functions of bureaucracy in the U.S.:

Question 70

When the media gives an account of the news that is incomplete or based on opinion for the purpose of pursuing a specific point of view.

Answer 70

Media bias

Question 71

Biased or misleading media that is used to endorse or advertise a certain political agenda

Answer 71

Propaganda

Question 72

Print media, mass media, internet media, social media, broadcast media.

Answer 72

Ways that Americans get their information or news