Chapter 1 - One Republic Flashcards
capitalism
an economic system characterized by the private ownership of wealth-creating assets, free markets, and freedom of contract
direct democracy
a system of government in which political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives; probably attained most easily in small political communities
democratic republic
a republic in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies
elite theory
a perspective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest
initiative
a procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment
liberalism
a set of beliefs that includes the advocacy of positive government action to improve the welfare of individuals, support for civil rights, and tolerance for political and social change
political socialization
the process through which individuals learn a set of political attitudes and form opinions about social issues. families and the educational system are two of the most important forces in the political socialization process
pluralism
a theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
referendum
an electoral device whereby legislative or constitutional measures are referred by the legislature to the voters for approval or disapproval
representative democracy
a form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies; may retain the monarchy in a ceremonial role
socialism
a political ideology based on strong support for economic and social equality. socialists traditionally envisioned a society in which major businesses were taken over by the government or by employee cooperatives
totalitarianism regime
a form of government that controls all aspects of the political and social life of a nation
