Chapter 2 The Ideas that Shape America Flashcards
American Exceptionalism
The view that the United States is unique, marked by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government
Freedom
The ability to pursue one’s own desires without interference from others
Negative Liberty
Freedom from constraints or the interference of others
Positive Liberty
The freedom and ability to pursue one’s goals
Libertarians
People who believe in minimal government specifically, that public officials’ only role should be defending borders, prosecuting crime. and protecting private property
Self-Rule
The idea that legitimate government flows from the people
Democracy
A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves
Referendum
An election in which citizens vote directly on an issue
Initiative
A process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution
Sunshine Laws
Laws that permit the public to watch policymakers in action and to access the records of the proceedings
Conservatives
Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense. Also known as right or right-wing
Liberals
Americans who value cultural diversity, government programs for the needy, public intervention in the economy, and individuals’ right to a lifestyle based on their own social and moral positions. Also known as left or left-wing
Individualism
The idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being
Social Democracy
A government in which citizens are responsible for one another’s well-being and use government policy to ensure that all are comfortably cared for
Equality
All citizens enjoy the same privileges, status, and rights before the laws
Social Equality
All individuals enjoy the same status in society
Political Equality
All citizens have the same political rights and opportunities
Economic Equality
A situation in which there are only small differences in wealth among citizens
Median
A statistical term for the number in the middle or the case that has an equal number of examples above and below it
Equal opportunity
The idea that every American has an equal chance to achieve economic success
Equal Outcome
The idea that citizens should have roughly equal economic circumstances
Political Culture
The orientation of citizens of a state toward politics
