Ch. 1 Flashcards
Government
The formal institutions through which a land and its people are ruled.
Politics
Conflicts and struggles over the leadership, structure, and policies of government.
Autocracy
When a nation is governed by a single individual
Oligarchy
When a nation is governed by a small group
Democracy
When citizens are given the power to rule themselves
Constitutional Governments
Governments that are limited in some way by something like a constitution
Authoritarian
Governments where there is not really a law controlling the government but other institutions check its power and keep it from getting too strong
Totalitarian
Governments that have no legal limits and also seek remove any other institutions that might limit it as well.
Power
Influence over a government’s leadership, organization or policies
Representative Democracy
A system of government in which the people select representatives, who play a significant role in government decision making.
Direct Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies
Pluralism
The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government
Political Knowledge
Possessing information about the formal institutions of government, political actors, and political issues.
Citizenship
Informed and active membership in a political community
Digital Citizenship
Using the internet, social media, and other information technology to engage in society and government
Political Efficacy
The ability to influence government and politics
Political Culture
Broadly shared beliefs, values, and attitudes about how the government should function. American political culture is based on liberty, equality, and democracy
Liberty
Freedom from governmental control
Limited Government
A government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no government interference
Equality of Opportunity
A widely shared American ideal that people should be able to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential
Political Equality
The right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of “one person, one vote”
Popular Sovereignty
A principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people
Majority rule with minority rights
The democratic principle that the government follows the preferences of the majority of the voters but protects the interests of the minority
