Chapter One Key Terms Flashcards
What is plurality voting?
When you can get enough votes to win the election even if the majority of the people didn’t vote for you.
What is pluralist theory?
Many centers of influence. Different groups compete of control of public policy through bargaining and compromise.
Prevents one group from taking over (factions)
What is hyper pluralism?
Too many strong influential groups cripples the government’s ability to make coherent policy by dividing government authority.
What is public policy?
The government’s plan to fix a problem.
What is common law?
A law based off previous decisions the court has made, but not legislative action.
A law based off tradition.
What is tyranny of the majority?
Decisions made by the majority that oppress the people in the minority.
What is Habeas Corpus?
A person has to be brought in front of a judge before trial. Ensures they aren’t coerced.
What is class theory?
Society is divided by how much money you make (classes) and the rich/elite rule.
What are linkage institutions?
Institutions that provide connections between citizens and the government.
What are policy making institutions?
Institutions that make the laws. (Congress, President, ect.)
What is politics?
The process through which a society settles its conflicts
