Political Science 201 Study Guide #1 Summer Cerritos College
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What is Political Science?
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The study of all government. The idea of political power. The origin, justification, and function of government. Government exist in all societies.
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What are the three organs of government?
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The legislative organ, administrative organ, and interpretive organ.
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What are the disciplines of Political Science?
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Political philosophy, comparative politics, international politics, and american politics.
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What is government?
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Formal vehicle through which policies are made and the affairs of state are conducted.
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What are the three arguments concerning the legitimacy of government?
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Divine right, might makes right, and social contract theory.
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Which ones of the three arguments concerning the legitimacy of government are problematic?
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Divine right and might makes right.
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What is the State of Nature?
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No government, unlimited freedom, and pure equality.
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What is the Social Contract Theory?
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An agreement between the people and their government, no safety in state of nature, humans formed government to protect all from all, contains structure of government, political liberty, and social rights.
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What is the difference between Elitism and Pluralism?
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Elitism are politics characterized by political stratification, they control decision making process, and mass is politically impotent. Pluralism are politics characterized by competing political groups, this groups pursue their interests, and government balances competing interests.
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What are the three most common government types?
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Despotism, theocracy, and democracy.
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How are the three most common government types different from each other?
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Despotism is ruled by a tyrant, theocracy is ruled by religion, and democracy is ruled by the majority.
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What is the difference between the three categories of states?
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Effective states have laws that are mostly obeyed, government looks after general welfare, and corruption is minor. Weak states is where crime penetrates politics, justice is for sale, and corruption is high. Failed states are those with no functioning government, warlords, gangs, and drug lords do as they please, and there is no law except the gun.
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What is the difference between a Unitary-State, Confederation, and Federation?
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Unitary state is a central government that holds all the power and majority of governments. Confederation is a loose association of countries and central government has very little power. Federation is a balance of power between central and regional government.
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What are the benefits of a Unitary-state, Confederation, and Federation?
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Unitary state has a clear authority, uniform policy, and national identity. Confederation has economic and military cooperation. Federation accommodates diversity and creates political stability.
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What are the powers given to the central and regional governments under American Federalism?
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Central government deals with national issues, warfare, immigration, and national currency. Regional government deals with domestic issues, marriage, driving, and prostitution.
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How is American Federalism to blame for the Hurricane Katrina aftermath?
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It is to blame because it was considered a regional government problem and it was too late when the central government stepped in after the governor of Louisiana finally contacted them.
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What makes a constitutional regime legitimate?
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It is the physical manifestation of social contract.
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What is a constitution?
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The fundamentals rules of the political system.
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What is the purpose of a Constitution?
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It describes the structure of government, the geographical division of power, and also the rights of the people.
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What is a Republic?
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Rule by law.
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How is a Republic different from a Democracy?
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It is a government that works for the people, however, it barriers to majority rule. Only some should be allowed to govern and have the right to vote.
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How are the three organs of government organized under the American political system?
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Legislative organ is the legislative branch. Administrative organ is the executive branch. Interpretive organ is the judicial branch.
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What are the basic human rights under constitutional regimes?
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Fundamental liberties such as habeas corpus and freedom of expression.
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Under what circumstances can political liberties be restricited?
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In rights vs. rights and liberty vs. order.
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What are the liberties associated with Habeas Corpus?
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The right to challenge one's imprisonment and protection from arbitrary detention.
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What are the liberties associated with Freedom of Expression?
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The right to hold and convey opinions or ideas without interference.
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What is the significance of Ciero's quote? \"In times of war, the laws fall silent\"
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This means I think that during a tough time in war, all laws are off in order to protect the safety and security of the people.
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What is the Political Culture of the U.S.?
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They are community held beliefs, feelings, and values that influence political behavior.
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American reality of political culture in the U.S.
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Racism, corporatism, and American exceptionalism.
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American ideal of political culture in the U.S.
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Liberty, equality, individuality, and freedom of diversity.
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What are the three \"Iron Cages\" facing the United States?
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Racism, Corporative, and Demonic.
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Why does race discrimination exist in the U.S.?
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Americans are unable to move beyond bigotry, multiple Americas, reverse racism, and white resentment.
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How does capitalism impact American political culture and U.S. politics?
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Everything is a business and there is a competition for employment and education.
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How is U.S. foreign policy impacted by American Iron Cages?
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U.S. can do what it wants, when it wants, and they fight for corporatism.
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What is Despotism?
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It is a leader who controls the government with absolute power. People have few rights and they embrace elitism.
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What is Theocracy?
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It is when the government is controlled by a group of religious leaders. Purpose is to impose and enforce divine law and they embrace elitism.
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What is Democracy?
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It is when the government is controlled by the people in the hands of the majority. They embrace pluralism.
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What is the Magna Carta?
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It was written in 1215 and is one of the first constitutions. Also called the Great Charter.
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What is Political Liberty?
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It is freedom from unjust government control.
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What is the Freedom of Speech?
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It is the right to speak freely without censorship.
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What is the Freedom of Thought?
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It is the right to hold an opinion and also the right to hold any religious belief or non belief.
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What is the Freedom of Information?
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It is the the right to disseminate information.
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What is the Freedom of Assembly?
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It is the right to protest and the right to join groups.
