Ch 1: Basic Terms and Concepts of Political Science: Help and Review

1. What is Political Science?

The great Greek philosopher Aristotle once called political science the master science. In this lesson, you'll learn what political science is, different subfields in the discipline, and why the study of political science is important.

2. Politics: Definition and Source of Governmental Conflict

In this lesson, we will explore the concept of politics. We will examine the various definitions of the word, take a close look at the role of politics in government, and investigate the conflicts sometimes caused by politics.

3. The Rules of American Politics: Democracy, Constitutionalism & Capitalism

In this lesson, we will explore the three rules of American politics: democracy, constitutionalism, and capitalism. We will define each rule and see how it works to keep the political system running smoothly.

4. Political Power: Definition, Types & Sources

In this lesson, we will take a close look at political power. We will define the term, examine its elements, and learn about several theories that help determine who gets to use political power.

5. Shifting Power From Majority to Only a Few: Factors & Process

In this lesson, we will explore factors that have shifted power from the majority of voters to specific groups. We'll pay special attention to voter participation, single-issue voters, uninformed citizens, the nomination of candidates, and campaign expenses.

6. Political Justice and Political Rights

Some of the greatest questions in political thought revolve around the nebulous concepts of justice and rights. In this lesson, we'll be exploring these complex concepts. You'll also have a chance to reinforce your knowledge with a short quiz.

7. Civil Society and Citizenship

Citizenship and civil society are important concepts in the study of political science. In this lesson, you'll learn what citizenship is and what it means for people that hold it. You'll also learn about the important role of civil society in a democracy.

8. The Relationship Between Political Culture and Public Opinion

Politicians are always trying to take the pulse of public opinion, either to follow it or to try to change it. In this lesson, you'll learn about public opinion and its relation to political culture. A short quiz follows.

9. The Difference Between Countries, Nations, States, and Governments

The study of political science requires you to relearn familiar terms that hold a different meaning than found in common everyday usage. In this lesson, you'll learn about the difference between countries, nations, states and governments.

10. Representation in Political Science

Given the size and complexity of a modern state, direct democracy is impractical, if not infeasible. In this lesson, you'll learn about representative democracy, its different forms, and how it differs from direct democracy.

11. Gross Domestic Product: Definition and Components

Learn how economists measure the total production of an economy using gross domestic product (GDP). This lesson also outlines the components that make up a GDP. How do we calculate the economic value of a nation?

12. What is Autonomy? - Definition & Ethics

Through this lesson, you will learn how to define autonomy and gain insight into how the concept works in personal, political, and medical contexts. When you are through with the lesson, test your new knowledge with the quiz.

13. Bull Moose Party: Definition & Platform

After years away from the office, former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt returned to the campaign trail with the Bull Moose Party. Read about the colorful history of the party and the election of 1912, and check your knowledge with a quiz.

14. Doctrine of Nullification: Definition & Theory

The Doctrine of Nullification is the inherent right of a state to override the federal government. Learn more about the theory of nullification and how it was applied over the course of United States history.

15. Hyperpluralism: Definition, Theory & Examples

Through this lesson you will learn what defines hyperpluralism, come to understand some of the ways that it is applied in political discussions, and explore examples of hyperpluralism in practice.

16. Maryland: History & Facts

Maryland, the border between the northern and southern states in the US is rich in history. We look at an overview of the state and some important history here.

17. Militarism: Definition & Examples

Militarism is the belief that the military should play a central role in society. It usually features high government spending and aggression with neighbors. We look at three examples and then note the role of militarism in the First World War.

18. Military Conscription: Definition, History & Debate

Through this lesson, you will learn how to define military conscription, discover its origins, and gain an understanding of why it is often a controversial public and political issue.

19. National Government: Definition, Responsibilities & Powers

Learn about the two basics types of national government, and see how each works with regional governments. When you're finished, take the quiz to see what you've learned.

20. National Road: Definition & History

The National Road was the first major interstate highway in America. This lesson gives the history and description of the road from the early 1800s to today.

21. New York State History: Facts & Timeline

New York State has played a central role in both North American and world affairs for the past three centuries. In this lesson, we'll explore the three distinct phases in New York's history, including its emergence as one of the most important regions in the world from the 1900s through today.

22. Niccolo Machiavelli: Philosophy, Politics & Books

Machiavelli established the standards for much of our modern day evaluation of leaders in society. This lesson will assist you in understanding the historical foundations of this criteria. It will also explore the politics, works, and philosophy of ~'father of modern political theory,~' Niccolo Machiavelli.

23. What is Public Policy? - Definition, Types, Process & Examples

Through this lesson, you will learn how to define public policy, how it works in societies, and what it takes to shape and change policy through the political process.

24. Tyranny of the Majority: Definition & Examples

The idea of a tyranny of the majority goes back centuries, but for the past 200 years it has been a byword in American politics. This lesson explains the concept.

25. What is a Vizier?

A vizier was a person who stood second to the Egyptian king, or pharaoh, and was in charge of administration, security, judgment and the safety of the pharaoh and the empire.

26. Logical Positivism: Definition, Philosophy & Examples

Logical Positivism was a school of philosophy which developed in Austria in the years following World War One. It focused on applying strict logic and empirical observation to describing the world.

27. What is Constitutionalism? - Definition, History & Concept

In this lesson we will learn about the concept of constitutionalism. We will define the term, explore the concept, and examine how this view developed throughout history.