Ch 1: American Government: Roots, Context, And Culture Flashcards
Monarchy
A form of government in which power is vested in hereditary kings and queens who govern in the interest of all
Government
The formal vehicle through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted
Totalitarianism
A form of government in which power resides in a leader who rules according to self-interest and without regard for individual rights and liberties
Oligarchy
A form of government in which the right to participate depends on the possession of wealth, social status, military position, or achievement
Democracy
A system of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives
Direct democracy
A system of government in which members of the polity meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule
Indirect democracy
System of government that gives citizens the opportunity to vote for representatives who work on their behalf
Republic
A government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy
Political culture
Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate
Personal liberty
Key characteristic of US democracy. initially meaning freedom from governmental interference, today it includes demands for freedom to engage in a variety of practices without governmental interference or discrimination
Political equality
The principle that all citizens are the same in the eyes of the law
Popular consent
The principle that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed
Majority rule
The central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law
Popular sovereignty
The notion that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people
Natural law
A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and as such can be understood by reason
Political ideology
The coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals
Conservative
One who favors limited government intervention particularly in economic affairs
Social conservative
One who believes that the government should support and further traditional moral teachings
Liberal
One who favors greater government intervention particularly in economic affairs in the provision of social services
Moderate
A person who takes a relatively centrist or middle-of-the-road view on most political issues
Statist
One who believes in extensive government control of personal and economic liberties
Libertarian
One who believes in limited government interference in personal economic liberties
Politics
The study of who gets what, when, and how-or how policy decisions are made
American dream
An American ideal of a happy, successful life which often includes wealth, a house, a better life for one’s children, and for some the opportunity to grow up to be president
