Political Science
What the exam expects
Political science questions cover U.S. constitutional principles, the structure and powers of government, civil liberties and civil rights, political behavior, and comparative political systems. Expect items that test both recall (which branch does what) and application (given a scenario, which principle applies).
Core concepts to master
- Constitutional principles: separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, popular sovereignty, limited government, and judicial review (established in Marbury v. Madison).
- Federalism: enumerated (delegated) powers belong to the national government; reserved powers belong to the states (Tenth Amendment); concurrent powers are shared. The Supremacy Clause makes federal law supreme when conflict exists.
- Civil liberties vs. civil rights: liberties protect individuals from government overreach (speech, religion, due process); rights protect against discrimination and guarantee equal treatment.
- Political behavior: interest groups, political parties, public opinion, and the role of media. Elections include primaries, general elections, and the Electoral College.
- Comparative systems: parliamentary vs. presidential systems; unitary vs. federal states.
Traps to watch for
Questions blur civil liberties and civil rights. Another common trap: confusing the elastic clause (implied powers) with reserved powers. Also watch for which level of government regulates elections-states administer them, but Congress can regulate federal election procedures.
Rule of thumb
When a scenario involves a power dispute, ask: is the power enumerated, implied, reserved, or concurrent? That classification usually determines the answer.
Worked example: Congress creates a national bank using the Necessary and Proper Clause. This is an exercise of implied power, upheld in McCulloch v. Maryland, which also affirmed federal supremacy over state taxation of federal institutions.