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Overview Priming effects refer to the phenomenon where exposure to certain stimuli influences our responses to subsequent stimuli, often without our conscious awareness. This psychological concept is based on the idea that our brains are constantly making conn...

Overview Fixation, in the context of psychodynamic theory, refers to the persistent focus on past conflicts or events that interfere with an individual's ability to function and develop in the present. This concept is central to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic ...

Overview Automatic thoughts are spontaneous, immediate thoughts that often occur in   response to a situation or stimuli. These thoughts can be influenced by past experiences, beliefs, and attitudes, and they can shape our emotional responses and behaviors. Au...

Overview Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that undermine the logic of an argument. They can be intentionally used to deceive or may unintentionally slip into conversations and writing. Recognizing logical fallacies allows us to critically evaluate inf...

Overview Object Relations Theory is a psychological framework that explains human behavior and relationships by focusing on internal representations of ourselves and others. It suggests that our experiences with primary caregivers in infancy shape our personal...

Overview Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between national and regional governments. This structure allows for a balance of authority, where both the federal (national) and state (regional) governments have distinct areas of respo...

Overview Judicial review is the process by which a court examines the actions of a legislative, executive, or administrative body and determines their constitutionality. If the court finds that the action is unconstitutional, it has the power to strike down or...

Overview The Rule of Law is a legal principle that suggests all people, including those in power, are subject to the law. It emphasizes the equal subjection of citizens and government to the law, and guarantees due process and procedural fairness before the la...

Overview A bicameral legislature is a type of legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses. This system is used in many countries, including the United States, where it is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Key Themes...

Overview The Electoral College is the system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President. Established by the Founding Fathers during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, it was designed as a compromise between allowing Congress to cho...

Overview An executive order is a directive issued by the President of the United States that carries the force of law without requiring congressional approval. It is used to manage federal operations, implement policies, or respond to emergencies. Executive or...

Overview The concepts of enumerated powers and implied powers are fundamental to understanding the balance of power between different branches of government in the United States. Enumerated powers refer to specific authorities explicitly granted to the federal...

Overview The Supremacy Clause is a part of the United States Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) that establishes federal law as supreme over state laws when there is a conflict between the two. This principle ensures the uniformity and supremacy of federal la...

Overview The Commerce Clause is a part of the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 8) that grants Congress the power to regulate commerce between states and with foreign nations. This power has been interpreted broadly over time, leading to significa...

Overview The terms "republic" and "democracy" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in political philosophy. Both forms of government aim for the collective good, but their methods differ. Key Themes A republic is a form of government...

Overview Lobbying refers to advocacy efforts aimed at influencing decisions made by policymakers, often in government. It involves communicating with elected officials, civil servants, or other decision-makers to promote specific interests, policies, or legisl...

Overview When we talk about "media as a political actor," we’re referring to the way various media such as newspapers, TV, social media, and podcasts can influence politics and public opinion. Media doesn’t just report on events; it shapes how people understan...

Overview Due process is a legal concept protecting individuals from arbitrary or unfair treatment by the government, especially through the judicial system. It's enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which state that no per...

Overview The Establishment Clause is a provision in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion." This clause prohibits the government from establishing, supporting, or favorin...

Overview The Free Exercise Clause is part of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to freely practice their religion without government interference. This clause reflects the framers' intent to protect religious free...