Chapter 1 Vocab Flashcards
A form of government in which those in power openly repress their opponents in order to stay in power
Authoritarian government
The recognized right of officials to exercise power as a result of the position they hold
Authority
The idea that there are lawful limits on the power of government
Constitutionalism
The power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace
Corporate power
A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives
Democracy
The notion that wealthy and well connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy
Elitism
The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and are thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law
Equality
An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets
Free market system
The idea that people should take the initiative, be self-sufficient, and accumulate the material advantages necessary for their well-being
Individualism
The use of courts of law as a means by which individuals protect their rights and settle their conflicts
Legal action
The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the rights and freedoms of others
Liberty
The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in determining policy
Majoritarianism
The condition in which opinions and actions in response to political issues and situations divides substantially along political party lines
Party (partisan) polarization
A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through the activities of groups
Pluralism
The characteristic and deep-seated beliefs of a particular people
Political culture
The systematic study of government and politics
Political science
Reflective thinking focused on deciding what can reasonably be believed and then using this information to make political judgement
Political thinking
The process through which a society settles its conflicts
Politics
The ability of persons or institutions to control policy
Power
Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action
Public policies
The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authorities; in practice, a government based on majority rule
Self- government
Controlled by a small group
Oligarchy
Controlled by an individual
Autocracy
What are the 5 overriding tendencies of the American political system?
- Enduring cultural ideals
- Fragmentation of governance based on checks and balances
- Competition between diverse groups
- Emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities
- Economic and political decision making separate -> economic issues out of political control
What are the 6 core values of self-government?
- Liberty
- Equality
- Popular consent
- Individualism
- Unity
- Diversity
Americans are one people in an invisible union
Unity
Respect for individual and group difference leads to national strength
Diversity
