The Political Landscape

Question 1

Democracy

Answer 1

A system of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives.

Question 2

Direct Democracy

Answer 2

A system of government in which members of the polity meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule.

Question 3

Indirect / Representative Democracy

Answer 3

A system of government to give citizens the opportunity to vote for representatives who work on their behalf.

Question 4

Republic

Answer 4

A government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy.

Question 5

Social Contract Theory

Answer 5

The belief that people are free and equal by natural right, and that this intern requires that all people give their consent to be governed; espoused by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and influential in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Question 6

Popular Consent

Answer 6

The principal the governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed.

Question 7

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 7

The notion that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people.

Question 8

Political Culture

Answer 8

Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate.

Question 9

Personal Liberty

Answer 9

The key characteristic of US democracy. Initially meaning freedom from governmental interference, today it includes demands for freedom to engage in a variety of practices without governmental interference or discrimination.

Question 10

Political Equality

Answer 10

The principle that all citizens are the same in the eyes of the law.

Question 11

Political Ideology

Answer 11

The coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals.

Question 12

Conservative

Answer 12

One who believes that the government is best that governs least and that big government should not infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights

Question 13

Liberal

Answer 13

One who favors governmental involvement in the economy and in the provision of social services and who takes an activist role in protecting the rights of women, the elderly, minorities, and the environment.

Question 14

Libertarian

Answer 14

One who believes in limited government and no government interference in personal liberties.

Question 15

Moderate

Answer 15

A person who takes a relatively centrist or middle-of-the-road view on most political issues.

Question 16

Social Conservative

Answer 16

One who believes the traditional moral teaching should be supported and furthered by the government.