Chapter 2 Flashcards
Political Theory
The big or fundamental questions on ethics/justice political systems, and theories of knowledge
US Government and Politics or American Politics
How the US government works and its political controversies
Comparative Politics
The evaluation and analysis of different types of governments
International Relations
Why countries fight, talk, or ignore each other
State and Local Government
The study of regional (50 states) and local governments (cities and countries) found in the US
Public Good
Shared beliefs of a group on which goals the government should pursue on economics, education, the environment, immigration, foreign policy etc.
Public Goods
Things we need as a society but cannot produce on our own, so government does it and taxes pay for them
Ideology
Set of beliefs by a political community on how to best serve the public good and which public goods should be produced
Lefties
Promote economic/sexual/social/racial equality through “leveling the playing field” or a “cradle to grave welfare state” Pursue limited foreign goals with allies. Freedom over Security
Righties
Minimal regulation of the economy and a small welfare state. Endorsement of Christianity and support for legal moralism is generally hostile to laws that promote economic, social, and sexual equality. Wants to reduce both legal and illegal immigration. Historically in favor of a robust foreign policy and US unilateral action but may have become isolationist. Security over Freedom
Moderates or Independents
Typically former lefties/righties but differ on a few important policy issues such as abortion, the environment, race, or religion for example
Vote Maximization Strategy
Go for the center
Minimum Winning Coalition
Fire up the base
Welfare State
Government programs that are designed to assist the -
Health, Education, and Welfare of the public
All ideologies provide a welfare state except for Libertarians
Security
Domestic Issues (Policing) and Foreign Policy (Defense)
