Chapter 1: Freedom, Order, or Equality — Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 1 notes on freedom, order, and equality.

Globalization

The increasing interdependence of citizens and countries worldwide; foreign affairs affect American government, and American politics affects governments in other countries.

Freedom

Absence of constraints on behavior and protection from exploitation and oppression.

Order

Limits imposed to prevent the violation of others’ freedoms; includes preserving life and property and domestic tranquility; the state can use police power.

Political equality

One person, one vote.

Equality of opportunity

Each person has the same chance to succeed.

Equality of outcome

Society must ensure everyone is equal; government-supported rights may be involved.

Majoritarian democracy

A model of democracy in which decisions are made by the majority.

Pluralist democracy

A model of democracy in which power is dispersed among many groups; no single group dominates.

Public goods

Benefits and services available to everyone; government actions to provide public goods can be controversial.

Totalitarianism

A system in which the government should have unlimited power.

Socialism

Government ownership of basic industries.

Capitalism

An economic system that supports private enterprise with limited government regulation; in the U.S., the government regulates private business and directs the overall economy.

Liberalism

A tradition in which government protects order and individual rights (noted in the text as the idea that government protects order).

Libertarianism

Opposes government action unless necessary to protect life and property; government should not promote order or equality.

Anarchism

Opposes government of any form; values absolute freedom.

Democratic socialism

Socialism that guarantees civil liberties, free elections, and political parties.

Welfare state

A concept of extensive social safety nets and redistribution; associated with the European welfare state.

National sovereignty

Each national government has the right to govern its people without interference from other nations; threatened by globalization.

Two-Dimensional Classification of Ideologies

An approach that maps ideologies on two axes (e.g., freedom vs. order, freedom vs. equality) to compare their views on government.

Liberal

Favor more government; support social programs, education, wildlife protection, and public transportation.

Conservative

Favor less government; support free enterprise and oppose extensive regulation of business and working conditions.

Communitarian

Value both equality and order more than freedom.

Capitalism vs. State roles

Capitalism: private enterprise with limited regulation; the U.S. often regulates and directs the economy as well.

Two Dilemmas of Government

Original dilemma: Freedom vs. Order; Modern dilemma: Freedom vs. Equality.

Ideology

A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government; ideologies differ on permissible activities.