Chapter 1 Notes

Question 1

The systematic study of government and politics, can increase ability to think politically

Answer 1

Political science

Question 2

What are the basis of our national identity?

Answer 2

American ideals

Question 3

Widely shared and deep-seated beliefs of its people about politics

Answer 3

Political culture

Question 4

Thou “shall” or “shalt” not

Answer 4

Normative structure

Question 5

Freedom to act and think as one chooses but no infringement on freedom of others

Answer 5

Liberty

Question 6

All individuals equal in worth, legal treatment, and political voice

Answer 6

Equality

Question 7

People are ultimate source of governing authority

Answer 7

Popular consent

Question 8

People can achieve self sufficiency and material success

Answer 8

Individualism

Question 9

Americans = one people in an invisible Union

Answer 9

Unity

Question 10

Respect for individual and group differences -> national strength

Answer 10

Diversity

Question 11

Value: Individuals should be free to act as they choose
Tradition: Unsettled land fostered freedom through migration, many fled Europe to escape religious persecution

Answer 11

Liberty

Question 12

Value: Government’s role is to serve the people
Tradition: Tocqueville: Americans’ chief aim is to remain their own masters

Answer 12

Individualism

Question 13

Value: Contrast- European aristocratic privilege versus American equal treatment under the law
Tradition: Perplexing ideal in the early years of the nation- some were free while others were enslaved

Answer 13

Equality

Question 14

Value and tradition: American colonials had substantial self determination
Vision of a nation with powers from the consent of the governed

Answer 14

Self government

Question 15

America’s cultural beliefs are?

Answer 15

Idealistic

Question 16

“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”

Answer 16

S. Johnson

Question 17

Political conflict develops for what two reasons?

Answer 17

1. Scarcity of resources

2. Competing values

Question 18

Process through which a society settles conflict

Answer 18

Politics

Question 19

To have power, in a government context, means?

Answer 19

To control public policy

Question 20

A course of action followed by the government

Answer 20

Public policy

Question 21

The means by which society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs

Answer 21

Politics

Question 22

The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments

Answer 22

Power

Question 23

Controlled by a small group

Answer 23

Oligarchy

Question 24

Autocracy

Answer 24

Controlled by an individual

Question 25

The preference of special interests largely determine what government does

Answer 25

Pluralism

Question 26

The recognized right of officials to exercise power

Answer 26

Authority

Question 27

Represses opposition through intimidation, restriction of rights, and even imprisonment and physical abuse

Answer 27

Authoritarian government

Question 28

Authority is the recognition of

Answer 28

Power

Question 29

System in which the people govern, by direct or representative means. In practice, majority rule through the free and open election of representatives

Answer 29

Democratic system

Question 30

The majority effective determines what government does

Answer 30

Majoritianism

Question 31

Government ruled by groups, not necessary for the public benefit

Answer 31

Pluralism

Question 32

A well positioned few manipulate the political process

Answer 32

Elitism

Question 33

Power of high level administrators -> policy decisions

Answer 33

Bureaucracy

Question 34

What is America's political system like?

Answer 34

Parts are delet ate Parts connect with eachother Parts affect and interact with eachother Dynamic system, changing as needed

Question 35

What are the 5 overriding tendencies of the American political system?

Answer 35

1. Enduring cultural ideals 2. Fragmentation of governance based on checks and balances 3. Competition between diverse groups 4. Emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities 5. Economic + political decision making separate -> economic issues out of political control

Question 36

A system based on rule of law

Answer 36

Constitutionalism

Question 37

An economic system that centers on the transactions between private parties, empowers business firms and the wealthy

Answer 37

Free market

Question 38

- lays down the files and restricts/defines lawful uses of power - protects rights of the minority

Answer 38

Constitutionalism

Question 39

3 parts of the constitutional system?

Answer 39

The Constitution, elaborate checks and balances, Bill of Rights

Question 40

Idea that there are lawful restrictions on governments power

Answer 40

Constitutionalism

Question 41

Operates mainly on private transactions. Some government regulation through regulatory, taxing, and spending policies

Answer 41

Free market system

Question 42

Influence firms have over policy makers

Answer 42

Corporate power

Question 43

Power exercised by the influential few

Answer 43

Elitism

Question 44

Government has large regulating role in economy

Answer 44

Socialism

Question 45

Government owns most or all of industry. Well beyond regulation.

Answer 45

Communism

Question 46

Government does not interfere in economy except when necessary

Answer 46

Capitalism

Question 47

Outlined the Social Contract: - a basis for legitimate political order - sovereignty in the hands of the people, including the making of laws, opposed to representation

Answer 47

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Question 48

Key ideas: - the value of self: human nature characterized by reason and tolerance - value and property: although limited, the right to accumulate and attain should be vigorously protected - a right to rebel and replace failing govt

Answer 48

John Locke

Question 49

Wrote Democracy in America: - balance of liberty and equality: didn't support individualism but believed Am democracy created an opportunity for the coming together for a common purpose

Answer 49

Alexis de Tocqueville

Question 50

Involves the careful gathering and sifting of information to form a knowledgeable view about a political issue. Important for responsible citizenship.

Answer 50

Political thinking