Chapter 1 Notes: Critical Thinking, Misinformation, and American Political Culture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on critical thinking, misinformation, and American political culture.

Misinformation

Information that is inaccurate or misleading; widespread beliefs can persist, highlighting the need for critical thinking to assess claims.

Critical thinking

The disciplined process of evaluating information to form sound judgments and reach thoughtful conclusions, not just expressing what you believe.

Perception vs. reality (Lippmann)

People respond to how they perceive the world, not necessarily to how it actually is; beliefs shape actions more than objective facts.

Foreign aid as a share of the US budget

Approximately 1% of the federal budget, amounting to tens of billions of dollars (roughly $70–$80 billion).

Liberty

Negative freedom from oppression, allowing people to think and act without arbitrary restraint.

Individualism

The value of self-reliance and personal initiative; emphasis on autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Equality

Belief in equal moral worth and equal protection under the law; historically complicated by unequal treatment and discrimination.

Self-government

The principle that the people are the ultimate source of governing power, exercised through consent and elections.

Political culture (American)

Shared beliefs, values, and practices that bind Americans, including liberty, individualism, equality, and self-government.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement emphasizing reason as a guide for political life and the rejection of irrationality.

Checks and balances

Constitutional design that divides power across branches to prevent tyranny and protect rights.

Constitutionalism

The idea that government power is limited and regulated by a constitution and laws.

Capitalism (free market)

Economic system with private property, voluntary exchanges, and minimal government interference.

Communism

System in which the state owns major industries and controls prices; centralized economic planning.

Socialism

System where the government controls major industries and provides basic living standards, with varying degrees of private enterprise.

Corporate power

Influence of corporations over policy, wages, working conditions, and political decisions through lobbying and economic leverage.

Elites

Individuals who use their economic and political power to influence policy outcomes.

Majoritarianism

View that leaders should pursue the preferences of the majority, though some scholars argue influence can hinge on a few key groups.

Pluralism

Theory that policy outcomes arise from bargaining among diverse interest groups rather than a single majority.

Free trade

Policy of reducing barriers to international commerce; critics argue it can hurt domestic jobs, sometimes framed against automation.

Automation

Use of machines and technology that perform tasks previously done by humans, contributing to job displacement.

Consent of the governed

Principle that governmental authority derives from the approval of the people.

Unalienable rights

Rights believed to be inherent and cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence

Foundational document asserting natural rights and the right to alter or abolish government that threatens those rights.

Optimism (American ideal)

Broad belief in progress and the possibility of improvement, often guiding American outlooks, sometimes masking historical injustices.