Chapter 2 The Ideas that Shape America

Question 1

American Exceptionalism

Answer 1

The view that the United States is unique, marked by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government

Question 2

Freedom

Answer 2

The ability to pursue one’s own desires without interference from others

Question 3

Negative Liberty

Answer 3

Freedom from constraints or the interference of others

Question 4

Positive Liberty

Answer 4

The freedom and ability to pursue one’s goals

Question 5

Libertarians

Answer 5

People who believe in minimal government specifically, that public officials’ only role should be defending borders, prosecuting crime. and protecting private property

Question 6

Self-Rule

Answer 6

The idea that legitimate government flows from the people

Question 7

Democracy

Answer 7

A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves

Question 8

Referendum

Answer 8

An election in which citizens vote directly on an issue

Question 9

Initiative

Answer 9

A process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution

Question 10

Sunshine Laws

Answer 10

Laws that permit the public to watch policymakers in action and to access the records of the proceedings

Question 11

Conservatives

Answer 11

Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense. Also known as right or right-wing

Question 12

Liberals

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Individualism

Answer 13

The idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being

Question 14

Social Democracy

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Equality

Answer 15

All citizens enjoy the same privileges, status, and rights before the laws

Question 16

Social Equality

Answer 16

All individuals enjoy the same status in society

Question 17

Political Equality

Answer 17

All citizens have the same political rights and opportunities

Question 18

Economic Equality

Answer 18

A situation in which there are only small differences in wealth among citizens

Question 19

Median

Answer 19

A statistical term for the number in the middle or the case that has an equal number of examples above and below it

Question 20

Equal opportunity

Answer 20

The idea that every American has an equal chance to achieve economic success

Question 21

Equal Outcome

Answer 21

The idea that citizens should have roughly equal economic circumstances

Question 22

Political Culture

Answer 22

The orientation of citizens of a state toward politics