Chapter 1 - Vocabulary

Question 1

Government

Answer 1

The term generally used to describe the formal institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled

Question 2

Politics

Answer 2

The conflicts and struggles over the leadership, structure, and policies of government

Question 3

Autocracy

Answer 3

A form of government ruled or governed by a single individual (i.e. king or dictator)

Question 4

Oligarchy

Answer 4

A form of government wherein a small group (i.e. the wealthy, religious, etc.) controls most of the governing decisions

Question 5

Democracy

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Constitutional Government

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Authoritarian

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Political Power (influence)

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Representative Democracy (Republic)

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Direct Democracy

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Pluralism (Group Politics)

Answer 11

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 12

Political Knowledge (Information)

Answer 12

Information about the formal institutions of government, political actors, and political issues

Question 13

Citizenship

Answer 13

Informed and active membership in a political community

Question 14

Political Efficacy

Answer 14

The belief that one can influence government and politics

Question 15

Political Culture

Answer 15

Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function; In America, emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy

Question 16

Liberty

Answer 16

Freedom from government control

Question 17

Limited Government

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

Answer 18

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 19

Equality of Opportunity

Answer 19

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 20

Political Equality

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Majority rule, minority rights

Answer 22

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