Chapter 1 - Terms Flashcards
Authority
The right and power of a government or other entity to enforce its decisions.
authoritarianism
A type of regime in which only the government itself is fully controlled by the ruler. Social and economic institutions exist that are not under the government’s control.
Capitalism
An economic system characterized by the private ownership of wealth-creating assets, free markets, and freedom of contract.
Bill of rights
Remember first ten amendment they were added in 1787-1789 and ratified in 1789
Civil liberties
Those personal freedoms, including freedom of religion and freedom of speech, that are protected for all individuals. The civil liberties set forth in the U.S. Constitution, as amended, restrain the government from taking certain actions against individuals.
Consent of the people
The idea that governments and laws derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
democracy
A system of government in which political authority is vested in the people. The term is derived from the Greek words demos (“the people”) and kratos (“authority”).
elite theory
A perspective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interests.
equality
As a political value, the idea that all people are of equal worth.
government
The preeminent institution within society in which decisions are made that resolve conflicts and allocate benefits and privileges. It is unique because it has the ultimate authority for making these decisions.
institution
An ongoing organization that performs certain functions for society.
legislature
A governmental body primarily responsible for the making of laws.
legitimacy
Popular acceptance of the right and power of a government or other entity to exercise authority.
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.
liberty
The greatest freedom of the individual that is consistent with the freedom of other individuals in the society.
majoritarianism
A political theory holding that, in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.
majority
More than 50 percent.
majority rule
A basic principle of democracy asserting that the greatest number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies.
order
A state of peace and security. Maintaining order by protecting members of society from violence and criminal activity is one of the oldest purposes of government.
pluralism
A theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by compromise and accommodation.
political socialization
The process by which political beliefs and values are transmitted to new immigrants and to our children. The family and the educational system are the most important sources of the political socialization process.
politics
The process of resolving conflicts and deciding “who gets what, when, and how.” More specifically, politics is the struggle over power or influence within organizations or informal groups that can grant benefits or privileges.
property
Anything that is or may be subject to ownership. As conceived by the political philosopher John Locke, the right to property is a natural right superior to human law (laws made by government).
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.
universal suffrage
The right of all adults to vote for their government representatives.
