Political Science Study Guide
Political Science
Mid-term study guide
Chapter 2: The Founding and the Constitution
Articles of Confederation: what were they? What did they omit that the Constitution included? Which gave Congress greater powers?
Significance of Shays’ Rebellion
Great Compromise
Three-fifths Compromise
Federalism
Why we have staggered elections
Judicial review
Most important political value for Framers
Chapter 3: Federalism
Has federal government grown stronger or weaker throughout American history?
Clauses of implied powers
Who has police powers / reserved powers?
What does full faith and credit clause require?
What does privileges and immunities clause require?
Which government writes most criminal laws?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Amendment X
Grants-in-aid
“dual federalism”: when?
Chapter 9: Political parties
Definition of political parties
Parties within the government
When does internal mobilization occur?
Type of party system in U.S. (1-party, 2-party, 3-party, etc.), and why
Event that ended the dominance of the Republican Party
Dealignment
Divided government
What/who do third parties typically represent?
Electoral systems
Caucuses, conventions
Have partisan ties increased or decreased recently?
Do vigorous parties help or hurt voter turnout?
Chapter 11: Interest groups
Pluralism
Functions of interest groups
How interest groups enhance democracy
Difference between interest groups and political parties
Collective goods, solidarity benefits
Primary variable that predicts the likelihood of joining an interest group
Who interest groups serve most effectively
Why groups have increased in number and importance
How public interest groups differ from special interest groups
Lobbying; grassroots lobbying
What protects the practice of lobbying?
How groups can use litigation to gain influence
Function of political action committees
Chapter 12: Congress
Constituent
How senators were originally selected
Which chamber is more
Mid-term study guide
Chapter 2: The Founding and the Constitution
Articles of Confederation: what were they? What did they omit that the Constitution included? Which gave Congress greater powers?
Significance of Shays’ Rebellion
Great Compromise
Three-fifths Compromise
Federalism
Why we have staggered elections
Judicial review
Most important political value for Framers
Chapter 3: Federalism
Has federal government grown stronger or weaker throughout American history?
Clauses of implied powers
Who has police powers / reserved powers?
What does full faith and credit clause require?
What does privileges and immunities clause require?
Which government writes most criminal laws?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Amendment X
Grants-in-aid
“dual federalism”: when?
Chapter 9: Political parties
Definition of political parties
Parties within the government
When does internal mobilization occur?
Type of party system in U.S. (1-party, 2-party, 3-party, etc.), and why
Event that ended the dominance of the Republican Party
Dealignment
Divided government
What/who do third parties typically represent?
Electoral systems
Caucuses, conventions
Have partisan ties increased or decreased recently?
Do vigorous parties help or hurt voter turnout?
Chapter 11: Interest groups
Pluralism
Functions of interest groups
How interest groups enhance democracy
Difference between interest groups and political parties
Collective goods, solidarity benefits
Primary variable that predicts the likelihood of joining an interest group
Who interest groups serve most effectively
Why groups have increased in number and importance
How public interest groups differ from special interest groups
Lobbying; grassroots lobbying
What protects the practice of lobbying?
How groups can use litigation to gain influence
Function of political action committees
Chapter 12: Congress
Constituent
How senators were originally selected
Which chamber is more