Ch. 1 Ideas that shape American Politics

Question 1

What are the 4 theories of american political power?

Answer 1

1. pluralism theory 2. elite theory 3. bureaucratic theory 4. social movement theory

Question 2

Define Pluralism Theory

Answer 2

suggests that people can influence government through the many interest groups.

Question 3

Define Elite Theory

Answer 3

counters that power actually rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy powerful people

Question 4

Define Bureaucratic Theory

Answer 4

argues real power lies with the millions of men and women who carry out day-to-day operations

Question 5

Define Social Movement Theory

Answer 5

answers that mass popular uprisings have the potential to introduce great changes regardless of who is in control of ordinary, day-to-day politics

Question 6

What are the 4 “I’s” of political decision making ?

Answer 6

1. Ideas 2. Interests 3. Individuals 4. Institution

Question 7

Define Ideas in political decision making.

Answer 7

Each idea provokes long loud controversies about what values and policies Americans should pursue.

Question 8

Define Interests in political decision making.

Answer 8

political action often springs from individuals, groups, and nations pursuing self-interest

Question 9

Define Individuals in political decision making.

Answer 9

civic engagement in any community and at any level can be profoundly rewarding

Question 10

Define Institution in political decision making.

Answer 10

organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action.

Question 11

What does Government do (supposed to do) ?

Answer 11

Establish justice, Ensure domestic tranquility, Provide for the common defense, Promote general welfare, and Secure the blessings of liberty

Question 12

What are the set of ideas expressed in the declaration of independence? (7)

Answer 12

1. Freedom 2. Liberty 3. Self-rule 4. Limited government 5. Individualism 6. Equality 7. Faith in God

Question 13

What is meant by Freedom?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

What 2 specific freedoms are mentioned in the declaration of independence ?

Answer 14

Freedom of Speech and Religion

Question 15

Define Liberty.

Answer 15

the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.

Question 16

What are the 2 sides of liberty? Explain.

Answer 16

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)

Question 17

Define Self-Rule and its 2 sides (paths)

Answer 17

The idea that legitimate government flows from people. . One side is Democracy and the other is Republic.

Question 18

Define Democracy.

Answer 18

A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves.

Question 19

Define Republican.

Answer 19

A government in which citizens rule indirectly through their elected representatives.

Question 20

How is government limited ?

Answer 20

Complicated checks and balances limit government action except on essential issues.

Question 21

Define Conservatives.

Answer 21

Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense.

Question 22

Define Liberals

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Define Individualism.

Answer 23

The idea that individuals, not society, are responsible for their own well-being.

Question 24

Define Social Democracy.

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Individualism V.S. Social Democracy

Answer 25

individualism, Less taxes and Opposes government regulation, while social democracy people pay high taxes and government offers programs to help poor.