Chapter 1 - Terms

Question 0

Authority

Answer 0

The right and power of a government or other entity to enforce its decisions.

Question 1

authoritarianism

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Capitalism

Answer 2

An economic system characterized by the private ownership of wealth-creating assets, free markets, and freedom of contract.

Question 3

Bill of rights

Answer 3

Remember first ten amendment they were added in 1787-1789 and ratified in 1789

Question 4

Civil liberties

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Consent of the people

Answer 5

The idea that governments and laws derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

Question 6

democracy

Answer 6

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”).

Question 7

elite theory

Answer 7

A perspective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interests.

Question 8

equality

Answer 8

As a political value, the idea that all people are of equal worth.

Question 9

government

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

institution

Answer 10

An ongoing organization that performs certain functions for society.

Question 11

legislature

Answer 11

A governmental body primarily responsible for the making of laws.

Question 12

legitimacy

Answer 12

Popular acceptance of the right and power of a government or other entity to exercise authority.

Question 13

liberalism

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

liberty

Answer 14

The greatest freedom of the individual that is consistent with the freedom of other individuals in the society.

Question 15

majoritarianism

Answer 15

A political theory holding that, in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.

Question 16

majority

Answer 16

More than 50 percent.

Question 17

majority rule

Answer 17

A basic principle of democracy asserting that the greatest number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies.

Question 18

order

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

pluralism

Answer 19

A theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by compromise and accommodation.

Question 20

political socialization

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

politics

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

property

Answer 22

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).

Question 23

representative democracy

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

universal suffrage

Answer 24

The right of all adults to vote for their government representatives.