Ch.1 The Democratic Republic

Question 1

An ongoing organization that performs certain functions for society

Answer 1

Institution

Question 2

The preeminent institution within a society. Has the ultimate authority to decide how conflicts will be resolved and how benefits and privileges will be allocated.

Answer 2

Government

Question 3

A state of peace and security. Maintaining order by protecting members of society from violence and criminal activity is the oldest purpose of government.

Answer 3

Order

Question 4

The greatest freedom of the individual that is consistent with the freedom of other individuals in the society.

Answer 4

Liberty

Question 5

The right and power of a government or other entity to enforce its decisions and compel obedience.

Answer 5

Authority

Question 6

Popular acceptance of the right and power of a government or other entity to exercise authority

Answer 6

Legitimacy

Question 7

A form of government that controls all aspects of the political, social, and economic life of a nation

Answer 7

Totalitarian Regime

Question 8

A type of regime in which only the government itself is fully controlled by the ruler. Social and economic institutions exist that are not under the government’s control.

Answer 8

Authoritarianism

Question 9

Rule by the “best.” In reality, rule by an upper class.

Answer 9

Aristocracy

Question 10

Literally, rule by God or the gods. In practice, rule by religious leaders, typically self-appointed.

Answer 10

Theocracy

Question 11

Rule by a few

Answer 11

Oligarchy

Question 12

A system of government in which political authority is vested in the people.

Answer 12

Democracy

Question 13

A system of government in which political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives.

Answer 13

Direct Democracy

Question 14

The struggle over power or influence within organizations or informal groups that can grant or withhold benefits or priveleges

Answer 14

Politics

Question 15

A governmental body primarily responsible for making the laws

Answer 15

Legislature

Question 16

A procedure by which voters can propose a law or a constitutional amendment

Answer 16

Initiative

Question 17

An electoral device whereby legislative or constitutional measures are referred by the legislature to the voters for approval and disapproval

Answer 17

Referendum

Question 18

A procedure allowing the people to vote to dismiss an elected official from office before his or her term has expired

Answer 18

Recall

Question 19

The idea that governments and laws derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed

Answer 19

Consent of the People

Question 20

A form of government in which sovereign power rests with the people, rather than with a king or monarch

Answer 20

Republic

Question 21

The concept that ultimate political authority is based on the will of the people

Answer 21

Popular Sovereignty

Question 22

A republic in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies

Answer 22

Democratic Republic

Question 23

A form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies, but in which the monarchy may be retained in a ceremonial role

Answer 23

Representative Democracy

Question 24

The right of all adults to vote for their representatives

Answer 24

Universal Suffrage

Question 25

More than 50%

Answer 25

Majority

Question 26

A basic principle of democracy asserting that the greatest number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies

Answer 26

Majority Rule

Question 27

A government with powers that are limited either through a written document or through widely shared beliefs

Answer 27

Limited Government

Question 28

A political theory holding that in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want

Answer 28

Majoritarianism

Question 29

The argument that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further their self-interest

Answer 29

Elite Theory

Question 30

A theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise.

Answer 30

Pluralism

Question 31

The patterned set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics that characterizes a people.

Answer 31

Political Culture

Question 32

The process by which people acquire political beliefs and values

Answer 32

Political Socialization

Question 33

Those personal freedoms, including freedom of religion and speech, that are protected for all individuals in a society.

Answer 33

Civil Liberties

Question 34

The first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution

Answer 34

Bill of Rights

Question 35

As a political value, the idea that all people are of equal worth.

Answer 35

Equality

Question 36

Anything that is or may be subject to ownership. As conceived by the political philosopher John Locke, the right to property is a natural right superior to human law (laws made by government).

Answer 36

Property

Question 37

An economic system characterized by the private ownership of wealth-creating assets, free markets, and freedom of contract.

Answer 37

Capitalism

Question 38

A comprehensive set of beliefs about the nature of people and the role of government

Answer 38

Political Ideology

Question 39

A set of beliefs that includes advocacy of a limited role for the national government in helping individuals, support for traditional values and lifestyles, and a cautious response to change.

Answer 39

Conservatism

Question 40

A set of beliefs that includes advocacy of positive government action to improve the welfare of individuals, support for civil rights, and tolerance for political and social change.

Answer 40

Liberalism

Question 41

A political ideology based on strong support for economic and social equality. Traditionally envisioned a society in which major businesses were taken over by the government or by employee cooperatives.

Answer 41

Socialism

Question 42

A political ideology based on skepticism or opposition toward most government activities

Answer 42

Libertarianism