Poli Sci Terms #1 - Sheet1 Flashcards

Question

Socialism

Answer 1

An ideology advocating social ownership of the means of production and the distribution of resources to ensure greater economic and social equality, often through a strong welfare state or collective arrangements.

Answer 2

A radical form of socialism aiming for a classless society with collective ownership of all means of production, typically envisioned as the final stage of historical development after socialism (in Marxist theory).

Answer 3

An ultra-nationalist, authoritarian ideology characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and the economy, often accompanied by militarism and xenophobia.

Answer 4

A resurgence of classical liberal ideas emphasizing deregulation, privatization, free trade, and the reduction of government intervention in the economy, influential in global economic policies since the late 20th century.

Answer 5

A political orientation favoring social reform, government intervention to address inequalities, and the expansion of democratic participation to achieve social justice and improve the welfare of citizens.

Answer 6

A political approach that claims to represent the common people against a perceived corrupt or distant elite, often featuring charismatic leadership and anti-establishment rhetoric.

Answer 7

A system in which appointments and responsibilities are objectively assigned to individuals based on ability, qualifications, and demonstrated achievement, rather than arbitrary factors like social class or wealth.

Answer 8

A hierarchical organizational structure, typically within government, governed by formal rules and procedures, staffed by specialized officials to administer policies and programs.

Answer 9

A view of politics and policy-making as an open competition among various groups, ensuring that multiple interests are represented, preventing any single group from monopolizing power.

Answer 10

The belief or system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged group, often argued to be the most capable of leading by virtue of specialized knowledge or status.

Answer 11

An approach in international relations emphasizing power, national interest, and the competitive nature of states in an anarchic global system, often prioritizing security over ideological concerns.

Answer 12

A perspective in politics and IR that emphasizes moral values, ethical norms, and the potential for cooperative international structures, assuming that human nature can transcend power politics.

Answer 13

A theoretical perspective that focuses on overarching social, economic, or institutional structures that constrain and shape political behavior and outcomes, often minimizing the role of individual agency.

Answer 14

A critical approach challenging the idea of fixed structures, emphasizing the fluidity of power relations and the contingent nature of social and political realities constructed through discourse.

Answer 15

A broad set of movements and theories aiming to understand and address gender inequalities, highlighting power imbalances and advocating for women’s political, social, and economic rights and representation.

Answer 16

A framework that examines how overlapping identities (e.g., race, gender, class) combine to shape distinct modes of discrimination or privilege, crucial for understanding complex patterns of inequality and power.

Answer 17

A political movement originating in the United States that combines traditional conservative values with an interventionist foreign policy, emphasizing democracy promotion abroad and skepticism of expansive welfare programs.

Answer 18

The idea that it is legitimate for institutions to nudge individuals toward choices deemed beneficial while maintaining freedom of choice, blending libertarian emphasis on autonomy with mild paternal oversight.

Answer 19

A sociopolitical concept suggesting a reemergence of tribal-like affiliations or group identities in modern societies as a response to globalization, individualism, or weakening of nation-states.

Answer 20

A tradition emphasizing the importance of active citizenship, civic virtue, and the common good, with a focus on preventing corruption through citizen engagement and participatory governance.

Answer 21

The presence and acceptance of multiple competing ideas, interests, and groups in the political sphere, seen as essential for healthy democratic governance and protection of minority voices.

Answer 22

The principle that governmental authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law, ensuring that rulers follow established legal processes and respect individual rights.

Answer 23

The power of a court, especially a supreme or constitutional court, to invalidate or uphold laws and actions based on their conformity with the constitution.

Answer 24

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any single body from exercising unchecked authority.

Answer 25

Institutional mechanisms that give each branch of government oversight and control over the others, ensuring that power is balanced and no branch can dominate the political system.

Answer 26

A system in which power is constitutionally divided between a central (national) government and subnational (state or provincial) governments, each with certain areas of autonomy.

Answer 27

The set of rules and procedures through which votes are cast, counted, and translated into seats in legislative bodies, shaping party dynamics and representation.

Answer 28

A plurality-based electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes in a single-member district wins, regardless of whether they have a majority, often favoring major parties.

Answer 29

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them, aiming to reflect the electorate’s preferences more accurately.

Answer 30

A hybrid electoral system combining elements of proportional representation and single-member districts, giving voters two ballots: one for a district representative and one for a party list.

Answer 31

A principle stating that single-member district, plurality electoral systems tend to favor a two-party system, while proportional representation systems encourage multiparty competition.

Answer 32

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to advantage a particular political party or group, often leading to distorted representation.

Answer 33

The periodic process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect shifts in population, typically following a census, which can be nonpartisan or politically manipulated.

Answer 34

The body of voters or residents in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body, also referring to the district itself.

Answer 35

An organized group of individuals or organizations that seek to influence public policy and decision-making without seeking formal political office.

Answer 36

Efforts by individuals or groups to directly influence policymakers, often through advocacy, campaign contributions, or the provision of information and expertise, in order to shape legislation or regulation.

Answer 37

An organized group that seeks to attain and maintain power within government, typically by participating in electoral campaigns, framing policy agendas, and coordinating candidates for office.

Answer 38

The overall configuration of political parties within a given political system, including the number of parties, their ideological alignments, and patterns of competition or cooperation.

Answer 39

A form of government where multiple political parties cooperate, often sharing executive positions, due to no single party securing an outright majority.

Answer 40

A system of government in which the executive branch is composed of a council of ministers (the Cabinet) who are individually and collectively responsible for policy-making and administration.

Answer 41

A democratic system in which the executive branch is derived from the legislative majority, and the head of government (prime minister) typically relies on continued legislative support for authority.

Answer 42

A democratic system with a separation of powers where the president is both head of state and head of government, elected independently of the legislature for a fixed term.

Answer 43

A hybrid system combining features of parliamentary and presidential systems, with both a president (often directly elected) and a prime minister sharing executive authority.

Answer 44

A perspective emphasizing the role of bureaucratic agencies and their internal power struggles in shaping policy outcomes, often highlighting organizational interests and competition.

Answer 45

The proportion of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election, used as an indicator of political engagement and legitimacy.

Answer 46

The lifelong process by which individuals acquire political beliefs, values, and behaviors, shaped by family, education, media, peers, and broader cultural influences.

Answer 47

The collective attitudes and beliefs of the populace regarding political issues, leaders, institutions, or events, often measured through opinion polls.

Answer 48

The belief that one’s political participation can make a difference, comprising both internal efficacy (confidence in one’s own understanding and influence) and external efficacy (perception that the system will respond).

Answer 49

A strong, sometimes unwavering, psychological attachment to a specific political party that shapes voting behavior, ideology, and political perceptions.

Answer 50

In electoral politics, a state where no single candidate or party has overwhelming support, making it highly competitive and pivotal in determining election outcomes.

Answer 51

A mechanism for indirect election of the president (e.g., in the United States), where designated electors representing each state formally cast votes for presidential candidates.

Answer 52

An intra-party election in which voters select candidates to run under the party label in a subsequent general election, often a key mechanism for candidate selection in democracies like the U.S.

Answer 53

The final electoral contest in which voters decide among candidates from different parties (or independents) to fill public offices, as opposed to primaries or internal party selections.

Answer 54

The condition of already holding an elected office, often associated with electoral advantages such as name recognition, access to resources, and established networks.

Answer 55

The funding of political campaigns by individuals, organizations, or public subsidies, often regulated to prevent corruption or undue influence over elected officials.

Answer 56

The use of media (television, radio, digital platforms) by candidates or parties to inform, persuade, or mobilize voters, often involving strategic messaging and targeting.

Answer 57

The art and strategy of using language to shape public opinion, frame issues, and influence political outcomes, including speeches, debates, and public addresses.

Answer 58

Structured discussions or contests of argument between political candidates or parties, providing the public with insights into policy positions, competencies, and character.

Answer 59

The concept that policies, once enacted, reshape politics by influencing public attitudes, political participation, and the power of interest groups, potentially altering future policy choices.

Answer 60

The process by which certain issues or problems gain prominence in the public sphere or on policymakers’ to-do lists, often influenced by media coverage or elite advocacy.

Answer 61

The broader process wherein multiple actors—media, interest groups, policy entrepreneurs—work to shape priorities and construct a collective policy agenda, moving specific issues from obscurity to official consideration.

Answer 62

Efforts by leaders, parties, or interest groups to encourage political participation, build support, or rally people around a cause, often through campaigns or social movements.

Answer 63

A public demonstration of objection or dissent, typically involving collective action aimed at influencing public opinion or policymaking, sometimes challenging prevailing power structures.

Answer 64

Organized, sustained collective efforts by a large group to bring about or resist social or political change, often outside formal institutional channels.

Answer 65

The intentional act of defying certain laws or governmental directives as a form of peaceful political protest, aimed at highlighting injustice and prompting reform.

Answer 66

A system of interrelated beliefs and values about the proper order of society and how it can be achieved, guiding political preferences and policy goals.

Answer 67

A sense of shared identity based on culture, language, or ethnicity combined with a political aspiration for self-determination, often prioritizing the nation’s interests over global or external concerns.

Answer 68

The act of withdrawing formally from a political state or federation, typically by a region or group seeking independence or autonomy.

Answer 69

The delegation of power from a central authority to regional or local governments, allowing subnational units greater self-governance without fully separating from the state.

Answer 70

The process by which policy ideas and programs spread across political jurisdictions, often influenced by imitation, learning, competition, or coercion among states or localities.

Answer 71

Negotiations between political actors to reach compromises or agreements over policy, resources, or positions, often involving trade-offs and coalition-building.

Answer 72

Joint action by a group of individuals aimed at achieving a common objective or advancing a shared interest, often complicated by issues of coordination and incentives.

Answer 73

A situation in which individuals benefit from resources or public goods without paying the cost or contributing to their provision, potentially undermining collective action.

Answer 74

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rival in consumption—such as public safety or clean air—making them difficult to provide through purely private means due to the free-rider problem.

Answer 75

When individuals or groups use political processes to obtain economic gain without reciprocating benefits to society, typically by manipulating the environment to create monopolies or preferential regulations.

Answer 76

The perception (or claim) that an electoral victory grants the winning party or candidate the authority to implement their policy agenda, reflecting voter endorsement of their platform.