Chapter 1 Flashcards

1
Q

what are the four theories to answer the question “who governs”?

A

pluralist theory, elitist theory, bureaucratic theory, social movement theory

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2
Q

describe the pluralist theory

A

people influence government through the many interest groups that give people a voice

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3
Q

describe the elitist theory

A

power rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful individuals

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4
Q

describe the bureaucratic theory

A

power lies with the millions of men and women who carry out the day-to-day operations of modern government, establish policy regardless of party views

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5
Q

describe the social movement theory

A

citizens can wield a lot of power when they organize and rise up in protest

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6
Q

what is a republic?

A

a government in which citizens rule indirectly and make government decisions through their elected representatives, indirect rule

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7
Q

how do american politics work? 4 I’s

A

ideas: powerful ideas shape the country
institutions: structure
interests: individuals, groups, and nations pursue their own self-interest
individuals: ordinary people can change the world :)

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8
Q

what are institutions?

A

the organizations, norms, and rules that structure political action

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9
Q

what is rational-choice theory?

A

an approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them

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10
Q

what does the government do?

A

NATIONAL DEFENSE, social security, unemployment and labor, medicare, medicaid

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11
Q

who are we?

A

the answer is constantly being rewritten because WE CHANGIN

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12
Q

what is American-exceptionalism?

A

the view that the US is uniquely characterized by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government

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13
Q

what is freedom?

A

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

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14
Q

what are the two kinds of liberty?

A

negative and positive

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15
Q

what is negative liberty?

A

FREEDOM FROM constraint of interference from others, like the feds :)

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16
Q

what is positive liberty?

A

FREEDOM TO pursue one’s goals, and having the basic provisions to do so, thanks government!

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17
Q

us the idea of freedom constant and fixed?

A

no it’s always changing!

18
Q

what is self-rule?

A

the idea that legitimate government flows FROM the PEOPLE

19
Q

what is a democracy?

A

a government in which citizens rule DIRECTLY and make government decisions for themselves

20
Q

what is a referendum?

A

an election in which citizens vote DIRECTLY on an issue

21
Q

what is initiative?

A

a process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution, way to take INITIATIVE y’all!

22
Q

is America a democracy or a republic?

A

both! trying to find a balance

23
Q

what do conservatives believe in?

A

reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional (racist) moral values, and a strong national defense

24
Q

what do liberals value?

A

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

25
Q

are all the limits on government efficient?

A

HELL NO, we can’t get anything done, but i guess we gotta have it for checks and balances????

26
Q

what is individualism?

A

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

27
Q

what is social-democracy?

A

the idea that government policy should ensure that all are comfortable cared for within the context of a capitalist society

28
Q

what are the roots of American individualism?

A

golden opportunity and social discord

29
Q

is the American dream available to everyone?

A

in theory, yes, but it’s actually titled toward the wealthy, and hard work really isn’t all you need to get ahead anymore

30
Q

does the American dream promote the wrong values?

A

I kinda think so (elaborate)

31
Q

what is equality, and how many kinds are there?

A

all citizens enjoy the same privilege, status, and rights before the laws; there are three kinds

32
Q

what are the three kinds of equality?

A

social, economic, political

33
Q

describe social equality?

A

all individuals enjoy the same status in society

34
Q

describe political equality

A

all citizens have the same political rights and opportunities

35
Q

describe economic equality

A

a situation in which there are only small differences in wealth between citizens
AMERICA AINT IT CHIEF

36
Q

what is equal opportunity?

A

the idea that every American has the same CHANCE to influence politics and achieve economic success

37
Q

what is equal outcome?

A

the idea that citizens should have roughly equal economic circumstances

38
Q

is religion important in American economics and society?

A

yes, and this is unusual among developed countries

39
Q

what is the free market of religion in America?

A

Americans have a lot of religious options to choose from because there is no state-sanctioned religion

40
Q

what are the three ways religion touches politics?

A

injects questions about the role of religion in political life
inspires political participation
fosters a missionary sense in American foreign policy

41
Q

what is political culture?

A

the attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions that give order and meaning to public life