Unit 1: Framework Flashcards
Checks and Balances
The principle that each branch of government has the authority to block the other branches, making it more difficult for any one branch or individual to exercise too much power. This system makes passing legislation far more difficult in the United States than in most other democracies
Electoral College
The system established by the Constitution to elect the president; each state has a group of electors (equal in size to that of its congressional delegation in the House and the Senate); the public in each state votes for electors who then vote for the president.
Institutions
The organizations, norms, and rules that structure government and public action.
Military- Industrial Complex
A network of influence and money flowing among defense contractors, military figures in the Pentagon, and defense policy officials in Congress and the White House.
Political Machines
Corrupt parties that ran many city and state governments in the nineteenth century
Presidential czar
An informal name for an official appointed by the president, usually to lead a special project like the White House’s “war on drugs”
Public-Private partnership
A government program or service provided through the joint efforts of private sector actors (usually businesses) and elected officials.
Rational-choice theory
An approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them.
Republic
A system of government that places ultimate governing power in its people, who may rule directly or via representatives.
Tea Party
A national social movement, primarily attracting fiscal and social conservatives, that seeks to limit government spending and cut taxes.
American Exceptionalism
The view that the United States is unique, marked by a distinct set of ideas such as equality, self-rule, and limited government.
7 key ideas that guide American Politics
Liberty Self-Rule Limited Government Individualism The American Dream Equality Religion
Freedom
The ability to pursue ones own desires without interference from others
Negative Liberty
Freedom from constraints or the interference of others
Positive Liberty
The freedom and ability to pursue ones goals.
Libertarians
People who believe in minimal government or negative liberty: public officials only role should be defending borders, prosecuting crime and protecting private property.
Democracy
A government in which citizens rule directly and make government decisions for themselves
Referendum
An election in which citizens vote directly on an issue
Initiative
A process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution
Sunshine Laws
Laws that permit the public to watch policy makers in action or to access the records of the proceedings
Conservatives
Americans who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values and a strong national defense. Also known as “right-wing”
Liberals
Americans who value cultural diversity, government programs for the needy, public intervention in the economy, and individuals right to a lifestyle based in their own social and moral positions. Also known as “left-wing”.
