Chapter 1 Flashcards
goods that all people may use but that are of limited supply
common goods
a form of government where political power rests in the hands of the people
democracy
a form of government where people participate directly in making government decisions instead of choosing representatives to do this for them
direct democracy
claims political power rests in the hands of a small group of elites
elite theory
the means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals
government
the beliefs and ideals that help to shape political opinion and eventually policy
ideology
beliefs and preferences based on strong feelings regarding an issue that someone adheres to over time
Intense preferences
beliefs and preferences people are not deeply committed to and that change over time
latent preferences
a fundamental principle of democracy; the majority should have the power to make decisions binding upon the wholemajority rule
majority rule
protections for those who are not part of the majority
minority rights
a form of government where one ruler usually a hereditary one holds political power
monarchy
a form of government where a handful of elite society members hold political power
oligarchy
strong support or even blind allegiance for a particular political party
partisanship
claims political power rests in the hands of groups of people
pluralist theory
goods provided by private businesses that can be used only by those who pay for them
private goods
goods provided by government that anyone can use and that are available to all without charge
public goods
a form of government where voters elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on behalf of all the people instead of allowing people to vote directly on laws
representative democracy
connections with others and the willingness to interact and aid them
social capital
a good that is available to many people but is used only by those who can pay the price to do so
toll good
a form of government where government is all-powerful and citizens have no rights
totalitarianism
