AM Chaper 1

What is political polarization?

Political polarization is the growing ideological distance and disagreement between political groups, especially liberals and conservatives.

What is the general trend in political polarization in the United States?

Political polarization has increased, with Democrats and Republicans becoming more ideologically divided.

What is a liberal or left-wing ideology?

An ideology generally favoring government action to promote equality, social welfare, and protection of individual rights.

What is a conservative or right-wing ideology?

An ideology generally favoring limited government, free markets, individual responsibility, and traditional values.

What is libertarian ideology?

An ideology favoring maximum individual freedom and minimal government involvement in both economic and personal matters.

What is populist ideology?

An ideology emphasizing the interests of ordinary people and arguing that powerful elites have too much influence.

How do liberals and conservatives generally differ economically?

Liberals generally support more government economic regulation and social programs, while conservatives generally favor free markets and less government regulation.

How do libertarians differ from liberals and conservatives?

Libertarians generally want less government involvement in BOTH economic and personal/social matters.

How do populists differ from libertarians?

Populists may support government economic intervention but can favor more traditional or restrictive social policies, while libertarians favor minimal government in both areas.

What is a unidimensional approach to political ideology?

Placing political beliefs along one left-to-right spectrum from liberal to conservative.

What is a two-dimensional approach to political ideology?

Measuring ideology using two dimensions, commonly economic issues and personal/social issues.

Why can a two-dimensional model be more useful than a one-dimensional model?

It can show combinations of beliefs, such as someone being economically conservative but socially liberal.

What is democracy?

A form of government in which political power ultimately comes from the people.

What is direct democracy?

A system in which citizens directly vote on laws and public policies.

What is representative democracy?

A system in which citizens elect representatives to make government decisions for them.

What is a republic?

A representative form of government in which elected officials govern on behalf of the people.

What is an authoritarian government?

A government in which political power is concentrated in a leader or small group and citizens have limited political influence.

What is a monarchy?

A government headed by a monarch, such as a king or queen.

What is an oligarchy?

A form of government in which political power is controlled by a small group.

What are checks and balances?

A system allowing each branch of government to limit or check the powers of the other branches.

Why are checks and balances important?

They help prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What is separation of powers?

The division of government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

What is political ideology?

A consistent set of beliefs about government, politics, and public policy.

What is a political party?

An organization that seeks to win elections, hold political office, and influence government policy.

What is the difference between ideology and political party?

Ideology is a set of political beliefs; a political party is an organization that seeks to win elections and govern.

What is majoritarianism?

The idea that government policies should generally reflect what a majority of citizens want.

What is civic interest?

Concern for and participation in the well-being of the community and political system.

What is elitism?

The theory that political power is concentrated in the hands of a relatively small number of wealthy or influential people.

What is pluralism?

The theory that political power is distributed among many competing groups and interests.

How does pluralism differ from elitism?

Pluralism says many competing groups share political influence, while elitism says a small powerful group dominates politics.

What is civil society?

Voluntary organizations and associations outside government that allow citizens to cooperate and participate in public life.

What are examples of civil society?

Churches, charities, community organizations, professional associations, advocacy groups, clubs, and other voluntary organizations.

Why is civil society important to democracy?

It gives citizens ways to organize, communicate, cooperate, and influence government outside of elections.

What are problems or challenges facing the American political system?

Political polarization, unequal political influence, low participation, gridlock, distrust of government, and tension between majority rule and minority rights.