Chapter 1: Political Thinking and Political Culture

Question 1

authoritarian government (p. 14)

Answer 1

A form of government in which those in power openly repress their opponents in order to stay in power.

Question 2

authority (p. 18)

Answer 2

The recognized right of officials to exercise power as a result of the positions they hold. (See also power.)

Question 3

constitutionalism (p. 19)

Answer 3

The idea that there are lawful limits on the power of government.

Question 4

corporate power (p. 20)

Answer 4

The power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace.

Question 5

critical thinking (p. 3)

Answer 5

Critical thinking involves deciding what can reasonably be believed and then using the information to reach a thoughtful conclusion.

Question 6

democracy (p. 16)

Answer 6

A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.

Question 7

elitism (p. 21)

Answer 7

The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy.

Question 8

equality (p. 8)

Answer 8

The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and are thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Question 9

free-market system (p. 20)

Answer 9

An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets.

Question 10

individualism (p. 8)

Answer 10

The idea that people should take the initiative, be self-sufficient, and accumulate the material advantages necessary for their well-being.

Question 11

legal action (p. 19)

Answer 11

The use of courts of law as a means by which individuals protect their rights and settle their conflicts.

Question 12

liberty (p. 7)

Answer 12

The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the rights and freedoms of others.

Question 13

majoritarianism (p. 16)

Answer 13

The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in determining policy.

Question 14

party (partisan) polarization (p. 17)

Answer 14

The condition in which opinions and actions in response to political issues and situations divide substantially along political party lines.

Question 15

pluralism (p. 18)

Answer 15

A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through the activities of groups.

Question 16

political culture (p. 5)

Answer 16

The characteristic and deep-seated beliefs of a particular people.

Question 17

political science (p. 4)

Answer 17

The systematic study of government and politics.

Question 18

politics (p. 14)

Answer 18

The process through which a society settles its conflicts.

Question 19

power (p. 14)

Answer 19

The ability of persons or institutions to control policy. (See also authority.)

Question 20

public policies (p. 22)

Answer 20

Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action.

Question 21

self-government (p. 9)

Answer 21

The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authority; in practice, a government based on majority rule.