POL101 Final Study Guide Flashcards
(36 cards)
Participation Paradox
The theory that individuals participate in politics despite the seeming irrationality of their actions according to rational choice theory.
Rational Choice Theory
A framework suggesting individuals logically assess the costs and benefits before making decisions.
Collective Action Problem
A situation where individuals would all benefit from a certain action, but it has an associated cost making it implausible that any individual can or will undertake and solve it alone.
Free Riders
Those who benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for the cost of the benefit.
Political/Public Good
Goods or services provided without profit to all members of a society, either by the government or a private individual or organization.
Voter Turnout
The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.
Apathy in Politics
Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern in politics and political activities.
Institutionalized Political Participation
Engagement in formally established political processes, such as voting or being a member of a political party.
Majoritarian System
An electoral system where the majority rules and the winning candidate or party receives more than half of the votes.
Plurality System
An electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they have a majority.
Proportional Representation
An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.
Multi-Member Districts
Electoral districts that elect more than one representative to a legislative body.
Electoral Districts Drawing
The process of defining geographic boundaries for electoral districts.
Social Movements
Organized activities advocating for change in social or political order.
Protest and Activism
Actions taken to express opposition to or support for a cause.
Relative Deprivation Theory
The idea that people protest and demand change due to a perception of inequality or injustice compared to others.
Resource Mobilization Theory
A theory focusing on the resources needed for social movements to successfully mobilize.
Political Opportunity Model
A theory suggesting that the political environment influences the emergence and development of social movements.
Framing Process in Movements
How social movements shape their narratives and issues to appeal to and mobilize supporters.
Liberalism
A political ideology favoring individual freedoms, limited government, and equality under the law.
Rule of Law
The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.
Classical Liberalism
A political ideology advocating for civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom.
Negative Rights
Rights that require others to abstain from interfering with an individual’s actions.
Secularism in Liberal States
The separation of religious institutions from state institutions and a public sphere where religion is not privileged.
