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Political Theories and Concepts
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Political Theories and Concepts
Political Theories and Concepts
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1
Question
What is the divine right theory?
Answer
The divine right theory is the doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, and that they are not accountable to their subjects.
2
Question
What is the social contract theory?
Answer
The social contract theory posits that individuals consent to form a government that will protect their rights and welfare in exchange for some of their freedoms.
3
Question
Who is associated with the social contract theory?
Answer
John Locke is a key figure associated with the social contract theory.
4
Question
What does separation of powers refer to?
Answer
Separation of powers is the principle of dividing governmental powers and responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one group from gaining too much power.
5
Question
What are checks and balances?
Answer
Checks and balances is a system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.
6
Question
Define representative democracy.
Answer
Representative democracy is a type of democracy where elected officials represent a group of people in government.
7
Question
What is elite limited government?
Answer
Elite limited government refers to a political system where a small group of people, typically the wealthy or powerful, hold significant authority over governance.
8
Question
What does 'consent of the governed' mean?
Answer
Consent of the governed means that the authority of a government derives from the agreement and approval of the people it governs.
9
Question
What is popular sovereignty?
Answer
Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
10
Question
Define federalism.
Answer
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
11
Question
What were the Federalists?
Answer
The Federalists were supporters of the proposed Constitution during the ratification debates who favored a strong national government.
12
Question
What were the Anti-Federalists?
Answer
The Anti-Federalists were opponents of the proposed Constitution who favored stronger state governments and a weaker national government.
13
Question
Define participatory democracy.
Answer
Participatory democracy is a model of democracy in which citizens have the power to decide on policy proposals directly.
14
Question
What is pluralist democracy?
Answer
Pluralist democracy is a model of democracy in which multiple groups compete for power, and decisions are made through bargaining and compromise.
15
Question
What is elitist democracy?
Answer
Elitist democracy is a theory that a small, elite group of individuals holds the majority of political power and influence.
16
Question
What are enumerated powers?
Answer
Enumerated powers are specific powers granted to Congress outlined in the Constitution.
17
Question
What are implied powers?
Answer
Implied powers are those powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are deemed necessary to execute the enumerated powers.
18
Question
Define concurrent powers.
Answer
Concurrent powers are powers shared by both the federal and state governments.
19
Question
What are mandates in federalism?
Answer
Mandates are requirements imposed by the national government on state and local governments.
20
Question
What are categorical grants?
Answer
Categorical grants are federal funds provided for a specific purpose and subject to strict regulations.
21
Question
What are block grants?
Answer
Block grants are federal funds provided to state and local governments for general purposes, allowing more flexibility in how they are used.
22
Question
What is the condition of aid?
Answer
Conditions of aid are stipulations that must be met in order for state or local governments to receive federal funds.
23
Question
What is revenue sharing?
Answer
Revenue sharing is a policy where the federal government distributes a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments.
24
Question
Define devolution.
Answer
Devolution is the transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to state or local governments.
25
Question
What is the national supremacy clause?
Answer
The national supremacy clause establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.
26
Question
What is judicial review?
Answer
Judicial review is the power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.
27
Question
What is the amendment process?
Answer
The amendment process is the formal procedure through which changes can be made to the Constitution, requiring approval from two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
28
Question
What is the Electoral College?
Answer
The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.
29
Question
What does the full faith and credit clause entail?
Answer
The full faith and credit clause requires states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.
30
Question
What is the necessary and proper clause?
Answer
The necessary and proper clause grants Congress the ability to make laws required to execute its enumerated powers.