Chapter 1: Spirit of American Politics Day 2

Question 1

american decisions are shaped by what type of events?

Answer 1

liberty (freedom), self-rule, individualism, limited government, (checks & balances), american dream, equality, rights to religion (christianity)

Question 2

definition of institutions

Answer 2

government organizations that establish rules and procdures

Question 3

what is an example of a government institution

Answer 3

white house

Question 4

what is a group or “self”

Answer 4

individualism

Question 5

what is the rational choice theory?

Answer 5

when people are rational and make decisions based on their political interest

Question 6

public is for what good?

Answer 6

the common good

Question 7

what are those that can influence political outcomes

Answer 7

individuals

Question 8

what is an example of an individual

Answer 8

the president

Question 9

is the government involved in your private life?

Answer 9

yes, with you families, friends, and with individual people

Question 10

when people join with others, that is what type of society?

Answer 10

civil

Question 11

what is the government?

Answer 11

an institution that can make decisions for all

Question 12

is government involvement needed?

Answer 12

yes: to a certain extent

Question 13

what are some daily activities in which you experience government involvement?

Answer 13

volunteering, drivers license, club sports

Question 14

what are some things that are used on the annual budget?

Answer 14

social security, medicare, medicaid, national debt, military, unemployment

Question 15

the united states is a nation of what type of people?

Answer 15

immigrants

Question 16

does the aging population in the united states have the same views and opinions as younger people?

Answer 16

no

Question 17

who governs in a republic

Answer 17

the people are in charge

Question 18

what are the 4 approaches to the power in america?

Answer 18

pluralist theory, elite theory, bureaucratic theory, social movement theory

Question 19

what is the pluralist theory?

Answer 19

the belief that competition among all affected interest shape public policy

Question 20

what is the elitist theory?

Answer 20

the government is dominated by a few top leaders who are wealthy and powerful (presidents)

Question 21

what is the bureaucratic theory?

Answer 21

a true theory that the government is dominated by government workers who carry out the day to day activities

Question 22

what is the social movement theory

Answer 22

the government is dominated by citizens when they organize and rise up (protest)