Chapter 1 Flashcards
term used to describe the formal institutions through which a territory and its people are ruled
Government
conflicts and struggles over leadership, structure, and policies of government.
Politics
Why is government needed?
Provide “public goods”, defense against foreign aggression, maintenance of public order, a stable currency, enforcement of contractual obligations and property rights, and some measure of economic security.
small group, such as landowners, military officers, or the wealthy –controls most of the governing decisions, that government is an
oligarchy
Nations are governed by a single individual ,king or dictator
autocracy
the power to rule themselves-citizens or the general adult population have a popular sovereignty
democracy
Constitutions and other laws limit what governments can do and how they do it.
Liberal or Constitutional governments.
Government kept in check by other political and social institutions that it cannot control such as self-governing territories, organized religions, business organizations, or labor unions.
Authoritarian
Governments not only lack legal limits but also try to eliminate institutions that might challenge their authority. These governments typically attempt to control all of a nation’s political, economic, and social life (Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Nazi Germany, North Korea today)
Totalitarian
The Founders of America focused on creating a democracy based on the principle of
majority rule with minority rights
Today, the U.S. government is a
representative democracy, or a republic which citizens elect top officials.
At the national level,
citizens select government officials but do not vote directly on legislation.
influence over a governments leadership, organization, and policies
Political power
the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation
pluralism, or group politics
How does democracy differ from an autocracy or oligarchy?
In a democracy, citizens rule themselves, while a single individual or small group controls most governing decisions in an oligarchy or autocracy.
What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
In a representative democracy, voters select individuals to act on their behalf, while direct democracy involves citizens voting directly on legislation, such as through initiatives and referenda in some states.
can be defined as a membership in political community that provides legal rights and carries participation responsibilities.
Citizenship
Civil liberties and rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and trial by jury are identified in
the Constitution, Bill of Rights
A citizens responsibilities
upholding the Constitution, obeying federal, state and local laws; paying taxes; serving and juries when called; be informed about issues and take part in the democratic process.
One key ingredient for political participation is
political knowledge
false information shared intentionally to reach a political goal-complicates the process of acquiring valid political information
Disinformation
The belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does
political efficacy
Why are political knowledge and political efficacy important ingredients for democracy?
An informed and engaged public that participates and serves as a check on government is vital for ensuring that government is responsive to the public
How is Americans’ knowledge and involvement in politics and government?
Americans’ level of efficacy has declined over time, and political involvement and knowledge is generally low among the public.
Key Elements of American Political Culture
- Liberty
- Popular Sovereignty
- Individualism
- Civic-mindedness
- Equality
How does democracy differ from an autocracy of oligarchy?
In a democracy, citizens rule themselves, while a single individual or small group controls most governing decisions in an oligarchy or autocracy.
What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
In a representative democracy, voters select individuals to act on their behalf, while direct democracy involves citizens voting directly on legislation, such as through initiatives and referenda in some states.
Why are political knowledge and political efficacy important for a democracy?
An informed and engaged public that participates and serves as a check on the government is vital for ensuring that the government is responsive to the public.
The U.S. House passed the CARES Act as a response to COVID-19.
majority rule (example)
Ten states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use through ballot initiatives.
-direct democracy
-majority rule
Several lawmakers want to protect the Senate filibuster because it allows a single member to hold up legislation unless a supermajority votes for cloture.
minority rights
—— limits the role of government, —— implies an obligation of the government to the people.
liberty limits the role of government, equality implies an obligation of the government to the people.
Why is trusting the government important?
-a mistrusted government can do little work for its citizens
-it’s important to attract talented people to work for the government.
-lack of trust could endanger tax revenue.
Describe Americans’ trust in the government?
Americans’ trust in the federal government has been declining, though their trust in state government has remained relatively consistent.
What effect has the changing composition of the American population had on politics and government?
It raises contentious debates about balance of representation among different regions of the country and between urban and rural areas.
In the American context, the concept of liberty is broken down into two sets of freedoms:
Personal/political freedom
Economic freedom
(both forms are closely tied with the concept of limited government)
(Enshrined in the first 10 amendments of the Constitution “Bill of Rights”)
First Amendment
Freedom of speech
Freedom of the press
Freedom to assemble peacefully
Freedom to practice one’s religious beliefs without governmental interference
a principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people
popular sovereignty
a system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials
democracy
a system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government
constitutional government
a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions
authoritarian government
a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it
totalitarian government
the democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority
majority rule, minority rights
the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation
pluralism
membership in a political community that confers legal rights and carries participation responsibilities
citizenship
the belief that one can influence government and politics
political efficacy
broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function; American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and justice
political culture
freedom from
governmental control
liberty
an economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no government interference
laissez-faire capitalism
the right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of “one person, one vote”
political equality
the just allocation of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society
social justice
