Unit 1
What is a direct democracy?
When citizens meet and vote directly on government decisions
what is political socialization?
How people develop their political views
what is a third party?
they represent specific ideological positions
what is logrolling?
polititians trade votes
What does OPM stand for?
Office of personal management
What is the Natural Rights?
A principle that all people are born with certian rights: life, liberty, and property.
What is a liberal Ideology
wants a large federal government involvment needed to provide for the people
what is realignment
a major change in the core members/beliefs of a political party
Pork Barrel Spending
politicians add on extra, unrelated programs to bills that will benefit their constituents.
What is red tape?
complex rules and procedures that must be followed to get stuff done.
What does Shays' Rebellion represent?
It represented how weak the central government was and terrified many americans
What are demographic trends?
changes in the way people of certain socio-economic background vote.
Describe the Iron triangle
close relationship between interest groups, congress, and agencies
how long to representatives serve?
2 years
what is a stare decisis
the rule of precedent whereby a rule or law contained in a judicial decision is viewed as binding on judges whenever the same question is raised "let the decision stand"
What is the 10th amendement?
Any power not denied nor given to federal government is reserved for state governments
What are the names of different types of elections?
General, Primary, and Caucuses
What is horse race Journalism?
journalists cover elections like a horserace, focusing almost exclusively on the caandidate who is doing well at that particular moment
How long does senators serve?
six years
describe criminal law
type of law dealing with crimes and their punishments
When did Devolution start (returned power to the states)
During the new federalism under Nixion, Reagan, and Bush
What is gerrymandering?
practice of redistricting in order to benefit a specific party by drawing districts based on the demo of their residence.
what is the 527 Groups
a tax exempt organization created to influence the nomination/election of a candidate.
What is a rider?
an irrelevant amendment added to a bill/
what is forma pauperis?
when poor people have their cases heard in federal court for free