PSCI-1100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Enrolled Bill, Advice And Consent, Direct Democracy

• School: Vanderbilt University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: PSCI-1100
• Professor: Oppenheimer Bruce

Document Summary

Politics: the process through which individuals and groups reach agreement on a course of common or collective action - even as they disagree on the intended goals of that action. Each groups has preferences that must be reconciled if they are to agree to come common course of action. Preferences may reflect the individual"s economic situation, religious values, ethnic identity, etc. Institutions: a set of rules that manage potential conflicts, ethnic and religious differences, reaching and enforcing collective agreements, etc. Important to maintain peace - can often lead to war without institutions. Constitution: establishes a nation"s governing institutions and the set of rules and procedures these institutions must (and must not) follow to reach and enforce collective agreements. Government: consists of these institutions and the legally prescribed process for making and enforcing collective agreements. Offices: government institutions consist of offices that confer on their occupants" specific authority and responsibilities. Authority: the acknowledged right to make a particular decision.