Chapter 1 - Vocabulary Flashcards
(22 cards)
Government
The term generally used to describe the formal institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled
Politics
The conflicts and struggles over the leadership, structure, and policies of government
Autocracy
A form of government ruled or governed by a single individual (i.e. king or dictator)
Oligarchy
A form of government wherein a small group (i.e. the wealthy, religious, etc.) controls most of the governing decisions
Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials
Constitutional Government
A system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of government
Authoritarian
A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits; but may be nevertheless restrained by the power of other social institutions
Political Power (influence)
Influence over a government’s leadership, organization, or policies
Representative Democracy (Republic)
A system of government in which the populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision-making
Direct Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies
Pluralism (Group Politics)
The theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation
Political Knowledge (Information)
Information about the formal institutions of government, political actors, and political issues
Citizenship
Informed and active membership in a political community
Political Efficacy
The belief that one can influence government and politics
Political Culture
Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function; In America, emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy
Liberty
Freedom from government control
Limited Government
A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no government interference
Equality of Opportunity
A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential
Political Equality
The right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of “one person, one vote”
Popular Sovereignty
A principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people
Majority rule, minority rights
The democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority
