Theory Of Modern Government

Question 0

Formal institutions of government on national level

Answer 0

Executive branch beaded by president
Legislative branch (Congress)
Judicial branch- Supreme Court and lower courts

Question 1

Working definition of government

Answer 1

Institutions that create public policy

Question 2

Modern government characteristics

Answer 2

Absences that implement public policy– bureaucracies (regulatory agencies, independent executive agencies, government corporations, and the cabinet)

Question 3

Harold Laswell definition of politics

Answer 3

“Who gets what, when, and how”

Question 4

Government + politics=

Answer 4

public policy

Question 5

Preamble to the Constitution

Answer 5

1. Establishment of a more perfect Union
2. Establishment of Justice
3. Insurance of domestic tranquility
4. Promotion of the general welfare
5. Security of individual liberty

Question 6

Politics

Answer 6

Means by which individuals and groups get involved in government, resulting in formal election of officials

Question 7

Role of the electorate is crucial in…

Answer 7

Determining the means with which individuals get involved in politics/government

Question 8

Influences on the success or failure of a candidate

Answer 8

How voters perceive the candidate’s position on issues
The way people feel about the party
Comfort level of the voter in relation to the candidate and the party
Media

Question 9

The US political system evolved from….

Answer 9

Various interest groups vying to implement a policy agenda

Question 10

Federalist and Anti-Federalist views of the Constitution

Answer 10

Federalists (James Madison) supported ratification

Anti-Federalists opposed ratification

Question 11

Once the Constitution was ratified, _____ evolved

Answer 11

Two parties: Federalist and Democrat

Question 12

The Federalist Party

Answer 12

Headed by Alexander Hamilton
Upper class strong national government 
Set up policy to solve economic problems 
Loose construction
Liberal interpretation 
Appealed to business and trade

Question 13

The early Democrat party

Answer 13

Led by Thomas Jefferson
"Common man"
Limited role of central government 
Strict construction 
Conservative interpretation of the government 
Farmers, merchants, middle class

Question 14

Tea Party

Answer 14

Est. In 2010
Name derived from Boston Tea Party patriots
Est. By Republicans who served in House of Representatives
Less government
Lower taxes
Less government spending
“Taking the government back”

Question 15

Public policy is affect by…

Answer 15

Linkage institutions in political parties
Elections
Interest groups
Media

Question 16

Linkage institutions

Answer 16

Means by which individuals can express preferences regarding the development of public policy
Ex. political parties, special interest groups, and media

Question 17

How political preferences travel to public policy

Answer 17

1. Preferences are voices through the political system

2. When specific political issues are resolved, they become the basis for policy

Question 18

Interaction of linkage institutions results in…

Answer 18

The formation of a policy agenda by the candidates running for elected office

Question 19

What can be considered the fourth branch of government?

Answer 19

Development and growth of bureaucracies

Because it have independent regulatory power and is connected directly and indirectly to the federal government itself

Question 20

_______ has a direct impact on public policy through its interpretation of the Constitution

Answer 20

The Supreme Court

Question 21

A Court that shows judicial restraint will…

Answer 21

Maintain the status quo or mirror what the other branches of government have establishes as current policy

Question 22

Characteristics of the Rehnquist court in the 1980s and 1990s

Answer 22

Conservative
Judicial restraint
Est. Legitimacy of state restrictions on abortions
Narrower interpretation of Miranda Rights

Question 23

The size of government has increased since _____

Answer 23

WWII

As a results of bureaucracy becoming an integral part of government

Question 24

Size of government workforce has ______, while the influence of the bureaucratic agencies on public policy has _____

Answer 24

Decreased

Increased dramatically

Question 25

The development of our representative government evolved from…

Answer 25

Other forms of democracies

Question 26

Greek inspiration in government

Answer 26

Givt rule should be that of the many rather than the few

Question 27

Enlightenment inspiration influence on government

Answer 27

Democracy should rely on the consent of the people
Natural rights (life, Liberty, and property) cannot be taken away
Individual is central focus of government policy

Question 28

Basic concepts of out democracy today rely on…

Answer 28

Worth and dignity of the individual 
Respect for equality
Majority rule with minority rights 
Compromise 
Guarantee of individual freedom

Question 29

How are senators elected?

Answer 29

Through direct elections

Question 30

Electoral college

Answer 30

Determines the office outcome of presidential elections based on the vote of electors rather than direct vote of citizens

Question 31

Inability for government officials to compromise often lead to…

Answer 31

Gridlock ing

Question 32

In order for democracy to succeed, elections have to be…

Answer 32

Open to all citizens

Question 33

How government must act

Answer 33

1. Be responsive
2. Respect minority rights while operating under majority rule
3. Respect individual freedom (guaranteed with Bill of Rights)
4. Work on basis of consensus and compromise

Question 34

Modern political theory revolves around…

Answer 34

Who controls the agenda

Question 35

Three schools of thought regarding how the agenda is controlled

Answer 35

1. Pluralism: involves different groups vying for for control of the policy agenda, forcing compromise
2. Elite and class theory: elite controls the linkage institutions of government
3. Models: Majoritarian model, delegate model of representation, trustee model of representation, etc.

Question 36

Modern government changes as a result of…

Answer 36

Who can best serve the public interest