Ch 1 - American Political Culture

Political Science 201 with Lowndes at University of Oregon

About this deck

By: Chase KR
Created: 2012-04-07
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 2

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Term

Description

Authoritarian government

a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions

Autocracy

a form of government in which a single individual—a king, queen, or dictator—rules

Citizenship

informed and active membership in a political community

Constitutional government

a system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government

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

Direct democracy

a system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies

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

Government

institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled

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

Liberty

freedom from governmental control

Limited government

a principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution

Majority rule

minority rights

Oligarchy

a form of government in which a small group—landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants—controls most of the governing decisions

Pluralism

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 culture

broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function. American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality, and democracy

Political efficacy

the ability to influence government and politics

Political equality

the right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of "one person, one vote"

Politics

conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments

Popular sovereignty

a principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people

Power

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

Totalitarian government

a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it

About this deck

By: Chase KR
Created: 2012-04-07
Size: 23 flashcards
Views: 2

About StudyBlue

“Simply amazing. The flash cards are smooth, there are many different types of studying tools, and there is a great search engine. I praise you on the awesomeness.”
Dennis