Chapter 1 terms

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election key of public officials

Question 2

Constitutional government

Answer 2

A system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government

Question 3

Authoritarian government

Answer 3

A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions

Question 4

Totalitarian government

Answer 4

A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limit on its power and seek to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it

Question 5

Politics

Answer 5

Conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments

Question 6

Power

Answer 6

Influence over a government’s leadership, organization, or policies

Question 7

Representative democracy/republic

Answer 7

A system of government in which the populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision making

Question 8

Direct democracy

Answer 8

A system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies

Question 9

Pluralism

Answer 9

The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government. The outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation

Question 10

Political culture

Answer 10

Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function

Question 11

American political culture

Answer 11

Emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy

Question 12

Political efficacy

Answer 12

The ability to influence government and politics

Question 13

Citizenship

Answer 13

Informed and active membership in a political community

Question 14

Government

Answer 14

Institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled

Question 15

Autocracy

Answer 15

A form of government in which a single individual — a king, queen, or dictator — rules

Question 16

Oligarchy

Answer 16

A form of government in which a small group—landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants—controls most of the governing decisions

Question 17

Liberty

Answer 17

Freedom from governmental control

Question 18

Limited government

Answer 18

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution

Question 19

Laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 19

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no government interference

Question 20

Equality of opportunity

Answer 20

A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential

Question 21

Political equality

Answer 21

The right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of “one person, one vote”

Question 22

Popular sovereignty

Answer 22

A principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people

Question 23

Majority rule, minority rights

Answer 23

The democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interest of the minority