Chapter 1 Definitions

Question 1

Policymaking Institutions 3

Answer 1

Executive, judicial, legislative

Question 2

Majority Rule

Answer 2

A fundamental principle of traditional democratic theory. In a democoracy, choosing among alternatives requires that the majoity’s desire be respected.

Question 3

Minority Rights

Answer 3

A principle of traditional democratic theory that guarantees rights to those who do not belong to majorities

Question 4

Pluralism

Answer 4

A theory of American democoracy emphasizing that the policymaking processes is open to the participation of all groups with shared interests with no single group usually dominating. Pluralists tend to believe that, as a result, public interest generally prevails.

Question 5

Elitism

Answer 5

A theory of American democorocy contending that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy, regardless of the formal governmental organization

Question 6

Hyperpluralism

Answer 6

A theory of American Democracy contends that interest groups are so strong that the government, which gives in to the many different groups, is thereby weakened.

Question 7

Policy gridlock

Answer 7

A condition that occurs when intrests conflict and no coalition is strong enough to form a mojorty and establish policy, so nothing gets done

Question 8

Laissez- Faire

Answer 8

free markets and limited goverment

Question 9

Populism

Answer 9

a political philospy supporting the rights of average citizens in their struggle against privileged elites

Question 10

Egalitarianism

Answer 10

philosophy based on equality, namely that all people are equal and deserve equal treatment in all things.

Question 11

John Locke

Answer 11

all persons are endowed with natural rights to life, liberty, and property and that rulers who fail to protect those rights may be removed by the people

Question 12

Framers and Madison

Answer 12

They assumed human nature was imperfect