Ch. 1 Ideas that shape American Politics Flashcards
What are the 4 theories of american political power?
- pluralism theory 2. elite theory 3. bureaucratic theory 4. social movement theory
Define Pluralism Theory
suggests that people can influence government through the many interest groups.
Define Elite Theory
counters that power actually rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy powerful people
Define Bureaucratic Theory
argues real power lies with the millions of men and women who carry out day-to-day operations
Define Social Movement Theory
answers that mass popular uprisings have the potential to introduce great changes regardless of who is in control of ordinary, day-to-day politics
What are the 4 “I’s” of political decision making ?
- Ideas 2. Interests 3. Individuals 4. Institution
Define Ideas in political decision making.
Each idea provokes long loud controversies about what values and policies Americans should pursue.
Define Interests in political decision making.
political action often springs from individuals, groups, and nations pursuing self-interest
Define Individuals in political decision making.
civic engagement in any community and at any level can be profoundly rewarding
Define Institution in political decision making.
organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action.
What does Government do (supposed to do) ?
Establish justice, Ensure domestic tranquility, Provide for the common defense, Promote general welfare, and Secure the blessings of liberty
What are the set of ideas expressed in the declaration of independence? (7)
- Freedom 2. Liberty 3. Self-rule 4. Limited government 5. Individualism 6. Equality 7. Faith in God
What is meant by Freedom?
Freedom means that the government will protect your life, your liberty, and your property from the coercion of others (including public officials) in order to permit you to pursue your goals.
What 2 specific freedoms are mentioned in the declaration of independence ?
Freedom of Speech and Religion
Define Liberty.
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.
What are the 2 sides of liberty? Explain.
Freedom from constraints or interference of others; one has negative liberty to the extent that actions are available to one in his negative sense
(Negative Liberty) and Freedom to act in such away as to take control of one’s life and realize one’s fundamental purpose. (Positive Liberty)
Define Self-Rule and its 2 sides (paths)
The idea that legitimate government flows from people. . One side is Democracy and the other is Republic.
Define Democracy.
A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves.
Define Republican.
A government in which citizens rule indirectly through their elected representatives.
How is government limited ?
Complicated checks and balances limit government action except on essential issues.
Define Conservatives.
Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense.
Define Liberals
Americans who value cultural diversity, government programs for the needy, public intervention in the economy, and individuals’ right to a lifestyle based on their own social and moral positions.
Define Individualism.
The idea that individuals, not society, are responsible for their own well-being.
Define Social Democracy.
A government in which citizens are responsible for one another’s well-being and use government policy to ensure that all are comfortably cared for.
Individualism V.S. Social Democracy
individualism, Less taxes and Opposes government regulation, while social democracy people pay high taxes and government offers programs to help poor.
