Chapter 1: American Political Culture Flashcards
the belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does; the ability to influence government and politics
political efficacy
exclusion from participation online, most likely among lower-income and less-educated Americans, racial minorities, the elderly, and rural Americans
digital divide
a form of government in which a single individual rules
autocracy
a form of government in which a small group (landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants) controls most of the governing decisions
oligarchy
a system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the government processes
democracy
the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome is compromise and moderation
pluralism
a system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government
Constitutional Government
a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions
Authoritarian Government
A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it
Totalitarian Government
a system of government in which the populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision making
Representative democracy (republic)
broadly shared values, beliefs and attitudes about how the government should function. American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy
Political Culture
a principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution
Limited government
