Chapter 1 Flashcards
what are the four theories to answer the question “who governs”?
pluralist theory, elitist theory, bureaucratic theory, social movement theory
describe the pluralist theory
people influence government through the many interest groups that give people a voice
describe the elitist theory
power rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful individuals
describe the bureaucratic theory
power lies with the millions of men and women who carry out the day-to-day operations of modern government, establish policy regardless of party views
describe the social movement theory
citizens can wield a lot of power when they organize and rise up in protest
what is a republic?
a government in which citizens rule indirectly and make government decisions through their elected representatives, indirect rule
how do american politics work? 4 I’s
ideas: powerful ideas shape the country
institutions: structure
interests: individuals, groups, and nations pursue their own self-interest
individuals: ordinary people can change the world :)
what are institutions?
the organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action
what is rational-choice theory?
an approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them
what does the government do?
NATIONAL DEFENSE, social security, unemployment and labor, medicare, medicaid
who are we?
the answer is constantly being rewritten because WE CHANGIN
what is American-exceptionalism?
the view that the US is uniquely characterized by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government
what is freedom?
the ability to pursue one’s own desires without interference from others
what are the two kinds of liberty?
negative and positive
what is negative liberty?
FREEDOM FROM constraint of interference from others, like the feds :)
what is positive liberty?
FREEDOM TO pursue one’s goals, and having the basic provisions to do so, thanks government!
us the idea of freedom constant and fixed?
no it’s always changing!
what is self-rule?
the idea that legitimate government flows FROM the PEOPLE
what is a democracy?
a government in which citizens rule DIRECTLY and make government decisions for themselves
what is a referendum?
an election in which citizens vote DIRECTLY on an issue
what is initiative?
a process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution, way to take INITIATIVE y’all!
is America a democracy or a republic?
both! trying to find a balance
what do conservatives believe in?
reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional (racist) moral values, and a strong national defense
what do liberals 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
are all the limits on government efficient?
HELL NO, we can’t get anything done, but i guess we gotta have it for checks and balances????
what is individualism?
the idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being
what is social-democracy?
the idea that government policy should ensure that all are comfortable cared for within the context of a capitalist society
what are the roots of American individualism?
golden opportunity and social discord
is the American dream available to everyone?
in theory, yes, but it’s actually titled toward the wealthy, and hard work really isn’t all you need to get ahead anymore
does the American dream promote the wrong values?
I kinda think so (elaborate)
what is equality, and how many kinds are there?
all citizens enjoy the same privilege, status, and rights before the laws; there are three kinds
what are the three kinds of equality?
social, economic, political
describe social equality?
all individuals enjoy the same status in society
describe political equality
all citizens have the same political rights and opportunities
describe economic equality
a situation in which there are only small differences in wealth between citizens
AMERICA AINT IT CHIEF
what is equal opportunity?
the idea that every American has the same CHANCE to influence politics and achieve economic success
what is equal outcome?
the idea that citizens should have roughly equal economic circumstances
is religion important in American economics and society?
yes, and this is unusual among developed countries
what is the free market of religion in America?
Americans have a lot of religious options to choose from because there is no state-sanctioned religion
what are the three ways religion touches politics?
injects questions about the role of religion in political life
inspires political participation
fosters a missionary sense in American foreign policy
what is political culture?
the attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions that give order and meaning to public life
