Chapter 5 Notes Flashcards
What is Political Thinking?
Critical thinking focused on deciding what can be believed and making a political judgement.
Involves careful gathering and sifting of information.
What are the obstacles of Political Thinking?
Unwillingness of citizens to make the effort to self-inform
Changes in media consumption = bias
“Spin” is added by political leaders of government entities
Faulty perceptions are becoming more prevalent
What is Political Science?
The systematic study of government and politics.
Descriptive analytical discipline that can increase one’s ability to think politically
What are some Analytical Tools?
Reliable information on how the system operates
Systematic generalizations about major tendencies in American Politics
Terms and concepts that precisely describe key points
What is Political Culture?
Widely shared and deep-seated belief of a country’s people about politics
Derived from a country tradition
Defines the relation between citizens and government
Rooted in European heritage
What is Liberty?
The principle that individuals should be free to act as they choose
Ex: Unsettled land fostered freedom through migration, many fled Europe to escape religious persecution
What is Individualism?
A commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency
- Fostered by economic opportunities
-Tocqueville: Americans’ chief aim is to “remain their own masters”
What is Equality?
Individuals are equal in moral worth -> sufficiency
-Perplexing ideal when some were free and some enslaved
-Differing opinions on the meaning of equality persist
What is Self-Government?
People are the ultimate source of governing authority and should have a voice in governing
- American colonists had a lot of -> self-determination
- “powers from the consent”
What are the Limits and Powers of American Ideals?
America’s cultural beliefs are idealistic
Limits and Powers of American Ideals (FAILURES).
Equality has never been an American birthright
-Slavery
-Jim Crow
-Racial Immigration + Property Restrictions
-Limited voting rights
Limits and Powers of American Ideals (FAILURES).
Continuing struggle to build a more equal society
-Civil Rights movement
-Public Education
-Higher Education
What are Thomas Jefferson’s Political Beliefs?
The government that governs least governs best
Favored the state’s rights as opposed to a strong national government
Believed in strict constitution
What were Thomas Jefferson’s accomplishments prior to his presidency?
Wrote the draft of the Declaration of Independence
Served as an ambassador to Europe from then US
Who ran in the election of 1800?
Democratic-Republican Candidates: Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr
Federalist Candidates: John Adams and Charles Pinckney
