Chapter 1 Flashcards
Hyperpluralism
when groups are so strong that a government is unable to function
Pluralism
the competition among all affected interests shapes public society
Politics
activity by which an issue is agitated or settled.
Power
The ability of one person to get another person to act in accordance with the first person’s intentions.
Authority
right to use power
Direct Democracy
a government in which all citizens participate directly
Representative Democracy
government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote.
Elite
Persons who possess a disproportionate share of some valued resource, like money, prestige, or expertise
Class View
View that the government is dominated by capitalists
Power Elite View
View that the government is dominated by a few top leaders, most of whom are outside of government
Bureaucratic view
View that the government is dominated by appointed officials.
Political Agenda
Issues that people believe require governmental action
Majoritarian Politics
A policy in which almost everybody benefits and almost everybody pays.
Ex. Social Security benefits
Interest Group Politics
A policy in which one small group benefits and another small group pays.
Ex. Congress passed a bill requiring companies to give 60 days’ notice of a plant closing or a large-scale layoff. Labor unions – benefit corporations - pay
Client Politics
A policy in which one small group benefits and almost everybody pays.
Ex. Farmers receive agricultural price supports tax-payers and consumers pay for this through taxes and higher food prices.
Pork-barrel legislation
Log-rolling
Entrepreneurial Politics
A policy in which almost everybody benefits and a small group pays.
Ex. Superfund
