Chapter 1 terms

Question 1

American Dream

Answer 1

An American ideal of a happy, successful life, which often includes wealth, a house, a better life for one’s children, and, for some, the opportunity to grow up to be president.

Question 2

Conservative

Answer 2

One who favors limited government intervention, particular in economic affairs.

Question 3

Democracy

Answer 3

A system of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives.

Question 4

Direct Democracy

Answer 4

A system of government in which members of the polity meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule.

Question 5

Government

Answer 5

The formal vehicle through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted.

Question 6

Indirect Democracy

Answer 6

A system of government that gives citizens the opportunity to vote for representatives who work on their behalf.

Question 7

Liberal

Answer 7

One who favors greater government intervention, particularly in economic affairs and in the provision of social services.

Question 8

libertarian

Answer 8

One who believes in limited government interference in personal and economic liberties.

Question 9

majority rule

Answer 9

The central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law.

Question 10

moderate

Answer 10

A person who takes a relatively centrist or middle of the road view on most political issues.

Question 11

monarchy

Answer 11

A form of government in which power is vested in hereditary kings and queens who govern in the interest of all.

Question 12

natural law

Answer 12

A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and, as such, can be understood by reason.

Question 13

oligarchy

Answer 13

A form of government in which the right to participate depends on the possession of wealth, social status, achievement.

Question 14

personal liberty

Answer 14

a key characteristic of U.S. democracy. Initially meaning freedom from governmental interference, today it includes demands for freedom to engage in a variety of practices without governmental interference or discrimination.

Question 15

political culture

Answer 15

Common shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate.

Question 16

political equality

Answer 16

The principle that all citizens are the same in the eye of the law.

Question 17

political ideology

Answer 17

The coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals.

Question 18

politics

Answer 18

The study of who gets what, when and how - or how policy decisions are made.

Question 19

popular consent

Answer 19

The principle that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed.

Question 20

popular sovereignty

Answer 20

The notion that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people.

Question 21

republic

Answer 21

A government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy.

Question 22

social conservative

Answer 22

One who believes that the government should support and further traditional moral teachings.

Question 23

statist

Answer 23

One who believes in extensive government control of personal and economic liberties.

Question 24

totalitarianism

Answer 24

A form of government in which power resides in a leader who rules according to self-interest and without regard for individual rights and liberties.