Chapter 1 - Understanding American Politics Flashcards
The definition of “government”
The system for implementing decisions made through the political process
The definition of “factions”
Groups of like-minded people who try to influence the government. American government is set up to avoid domination by any one of these groups
The definition of “separation of powers”
The division of government power across the judicial, executive, and legislative branches
The definition of “checks and balances”
A system in which each branch of government has some power over the others
The definition of “federalism”
The division of power across the local, state, and national levels of government
The definition of “public goods”
Services or actions (such as protecting the environment) that, once provided to one person become available to everyone. Government is typically needed to provide public goods because they will be under-provided by the free market
The definition of “collective action problems”
Situations in which the members of a group would benefit by working together to produce some outcome, but each individual is better off refusing to cooperate and reaping benefits from those who do the work
The definition of “free rider problems”
The incentive to benefit from others’ work without making a contribution, which leads individuals in a collective action situation to refuse to work together
The definition of “free market”
An economic system based on competition among businesses without government interference
The definition of “economic individualism”
The autonomy of individuals to manage their own financial decisions without government interference
The definition of “redistribution tax policies”
Policies, generally favored by Democratic politicians, that use taxation to attempt to create greater social equality(for example, higher taxation of the rich to provide programs for the poor)
The definition of “culture wars”
Political conflict in the United States between “red-state” Americans, who tend to have strong religious beliefs, and “blue-state” Americans, who tend to be more secular
The definition of “ideology”
A cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used to organs evaluate the political world
The definition of “conservative”
One side of the ideological spectrum defined by support for lower taxes, a free market, and a more-limited government; generally associated with Republicans
The definition of “liberal”
One side of the ideological spectrum defined by support for stronger government programs and more market regulation; generally associated with Democrats
The definition of “libertarians”
Those who prefer very limited government and therefore tend to be conservative on issues such as welfare policy, environmental policy, and public support for education, but liberal on issues of personal liberty such as free speech, abortion, and the legalization of drugs
The definition of “democracy”
Government by the people. In most contexts, this means representative democracy in which the people elect leaders to enact policies. Democracies must have fair elections with at least two alternatives
The definition of “politics”
The process that determines what government does
The definition of “liberty”
Political freedom, such as the freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
The definition of “equality”
In the context of American politics, equality means equality before the law, political equality (one person, one vote), and equality of opportunity.
What did Aristotle call “a government ruled by the many”?
Polity
Which term describes the inability to get individuals to cooperate to achieve a common goal?
Collective action problem
What is the main reason why politicians have a hard time resolving the issue of abortion?
The parties are divided on what abortion policy should look like
Which concept describes the idea that actions by the government touch most aspects of your life?
Politics is everywhere
Rules such as those regulating debate in the Senate, or limiting who can vote in elections, serve as evidence that…
Politics is conflictual
Democrats tend to favor _____ tax policies and are _____ inclined to regulate industry.
Redistributive; more
An individual who opposes government social welfare policy and supports the legalization of drugs is most likely a…
Libertarian…
Which type of equality is not typically agreed upon in American politics?
Material equality (such as equal income)…
What did James Madison argue was “worse that the disease”?
Jk
Which issue is commonly associated with the culture wars?
Same-sex marriage
