Chapter 1

Question 1

Government

Answer 1

The formal vehicle through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted.

Question 2

Monarchy

Answer 2

A form of government in which power is vested in hereditary kings and queens who govern in the interest of all.

Question 3

Aristocracy

Answer 3

Government by the few in the service of the many

Question 4

Totalitarianism

Answer 4

A form of government in which power resides in a leader who rules according to self-interest and without regard for individual rights and liberties.

Question 5

Oligarchy

Answer 5

A form of government in which the right to participate depends on the possession of wealth, social status, military position, or achievement.

Question 6

Democracy

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Direct Democracy

Answer 7

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 8

Indirect Democracy

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Republic

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Political Culture

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Personal Liberty

Answer 11

A key characteristic of U.S. 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 12

Political Equality

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Popular Consent

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Majority Rule

Answer 14

The central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law

Question 15

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 15

The notion that ultimate authority in society rests with the people

Question 16

Natural Law

Answer 16

A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and, as such, can be understood by reason.

Question 17

Political Ideologies

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Conservatives

Answer 18

One who favors limited government intervention, particularly in economic affairs.

Question 19

Social Conservative

Answer 19

One who believes that the government should support and further traditional moral teachings.

Question 20

Liberal

Answer 20

One who favors greater government intervention, particularly in economic affairs and in the provision of social services.

Question 21

Moderate

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Statist

Answer 22

One who believes in extensive government control of personal and economic liberties

Question 23

Libertarian

Answer 23

One who believes in limited governmental interference in personal and economic liberties

Question 24

Politics

Answer 24

The study of who gets what, when, and how- or how policy decisions are made.

Question 25

American Dream

Answer 25

An American ideal of a happy, successful life, which often includes wealth, a house, a better life for one's children, and, for some, the opportunity to grow up to be president.