Chapter 1- Government Flashcards
Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter
The functions that all governments preform include maintaining a national defense, providing public services, preserving order, socializing the young and collecting taxes
Define politics in the context of democratic government
Politics determines what leaders we select and what policies they pursue. The Who of politics is the voters, the candidates, the parties and groups. The what is the benefits and burdens of government; the how is the various ways in which people participate in politics
Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people
The policy making system is an effective cycle. Citizens interests and concerns are transmitted through linkage institutions. These concerns shape the governments policy agenda, from which those in policy making institutions choose issue to address the policies that are made then influence the people’s lives
Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today
According to traditional democratic theory, the ideal democracy is characterized by “one person, one vote” equal opportunity to participate. Pluralists theory holds that American democracy works well, as competition among many organized groups means that the publics interests become public policy. The Elitist theory claims that the powerful few dominate. The hyper pluralism states that excessive influence of groups leads to inaction of gridlock
Outline the central arguments of the debate in America over the proper scope of government
Politicians constantly debate on weather the scope of government is to vast, just about right, or not comprehensive enough. This debate concerns whether the goals that are agreed to be important are best achieved through government action rather that through means other than government
Political scientists argue that higher levels of political knowledge
Foster tolerance
Despite their differences, all governments
Provide public services, maintain an national defense, and collect taxes
Single issue groups
Tend to have a narrow interest and to dislike compromise
Which of the following is not a component of the policy making system
People Linkage institutions Policy agenda CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS Policy making institutions
In a democratic society, parties, elections, interest groups, and the media are all examples of __________ between the preference of citizens and the governments policy agenda
Cross-pollination Inputs and outputs Ideological bridges Obstacles LINKAGE INSTITUTIONS
The principle of one person one vote is an example of the principle of
EQUALITY IN VOTING Effective participation Enlighten understanding Inclusion Citizen control of the agenda
Pluralists
Believe that the publics interest will prevail through bargaining and compromise
The overall set values widely shared within society is called the society’s
Political culture
Which of the following is an example of a public good
Libraries Parks College education All of the above BOTH a AND b
Which of the following is true about the policy making system
Linkage institutions transmit people’s interest to government
Media investigate social problems and inform people about them
Elections enable Americans to make their opinions heard by choosing there public officials
People, linkage institutions, media, and elections all help shape the policy agenda
ALL OF THE ABOVE
