Chapter 1: Political Thinking And Polictical Culture: Becoming A Responsible Citizen Flashcards
What is critical thinking?
The process of forming a constructive argument after gathering relevant facts
What is political science?
How does it help you with critical thinking?
The systematic study of government and politics
By providing you with analytical and descriptive tools to dissect information
Who was the Chief architect behind the constitution?
What papers did he contribute to that are highly revered and studied in the political science field
James Madision
What is political culture?
The widely shared and deeply ingrained beliefs of a population regarding politics
What is the United States called because of the diversity of people in the nation?
“The nation of immigrants”
What is the basis of the national identity of americans?
Beliefs
True or False?
Because of immigration and diversity in the United States, the gathering of similar sets of morals and ideals influences the belief as a nation more than common ancestry like other countries.
True
What does the latin phrase ‘E Pluribus Unum’ mean?
One out of many
What inspiration did the original white settlers have for constructing America’s core ideals?
The enlightenment period with individual progress
When were immigration restrictions from latin america and asia lifted in the 20th century?
1965
What was the first successful large scale rebellion in history?
The American Revolution
In America, what was supposed to be the highest authority?
The Constitution - written document, not the king
Who was government aimed to serve?
The people
What are America’s four core values?
- Liberty
- Equality
- Individualism
- self-government
What year were slaves brought to the United States?
1619
What war ‘ended’ slavery?
The civil war
What year was chinese immigration suspended?
1882
What year did President Calvin Coolidge ask for a permanent chinese immigration ban?
1923
What year was discrimination under the law regarding chinese immigrants abolished?
1965
What year did the first national convention for womens’ rights take place?
1848
What idea was pioneered in the 1800’s?
The idea of free education
What is politics?
The society’s way of settling conflicts; deciding who reaps the benefits and who pays the price
What is “power” regarding political development?
How important is it in politics? What does it determine?
The ability individuals, groups, or institutions have over influencing political development
Basic to politics - determines WHO has the authority to push their views on policies in every subject
What type of government does China possess?
Authoritarian Government
What kind of control does an Authoritarian government possess/use over society?
Tight controls - characterized especially over media, the election process, free expression
Government openly represses political opponents and brutalizes opposition leaders through intimidation and prohibits free speech, backed by the armed forces
What three basic systems are designed to keep the government in check?
Free market, Constitutionalism, and democracy
What is a democracy? How is it governed?
What kind of rule through elections is the operative form of a democracy?
A government system where the people govern, either indirectly or directly through elections and elected representatives
The majority rule
What type of government does control rest with a small group; such as high ranking military officers or a few wealthy families?
Oligarchy
What is an aristocracy?
A form of government where control rests with one individual, such as a king or dictator
How do Political leaders act in a Majoritarianism system?
What is an example in today’s American society?
Political leaders act on behalf of the majority
Ex: the democratic and republican party rivalry
What limit is a part of Majoritarianism regarding policies?
People don’t pay attention to all policies
What is Party (Partisan) Polarization?
Ex?
Where opinions and actions regarding political issues and situations are substantially divided along political party lines
Ex: polarization among southern and northern states leading up to the civil war where all hell broke loose
What term refers to where preferences of special interests largely determine what the government does?
Pluralism
What term refers to the recognized right of officials to exercise power?
Authority
