Chapter 1: Americans & Their Political Values

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms and foundational concepts of American government and political values.

Politics

Conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments.

Political Efficacy

The belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does and make government listen to them.

Government

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

Monarchy

A form of government in which a single individual, such as a king or queen, rules.

Oligarchy

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

Totalitarianism

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.

Authoritarianism

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

Popular Sovereignty

A principle of democracy in which ultimate political authority rests in the hands of the people.

Political Culture

Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function.

Liberty

Freedom from governmental control, encompassing both personal and economic freedoms.

Equality

The principle that all people should have equal opportunities to express their political views and equal protection under the law.

Democracy

A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process.

Direct Democracy

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

Indirect Democracy

A system of government in which citizens select representatives who make decisions on laws and policies on their behalf.

Republican Government

A system of government in which power resides in the people, who elect representatives to govern and make decisions according to the rule of law.

Constitutionalism

The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a fundamental set of constitutional rules and laws.

Limited Government

A principle of constitutional government whose powers are defined and restrained by a constitution.

Citizenship

Informed and active membership in a political community.

Political Knowledge

Information and understanding about the formal institutions, actors, and processes of government.