Unit 1: Intro to POLS Key Concepts and Terms

CSCC POLS-110

Authoritarian government

A form of government in which those in power openly repress their opponents in order to stay in power.

Authoiry

The recognized right of officials to exercise power as a result of the positions they hold

Constitutionalism

The idea that there are lawful limits on the power of government

Corporate power

The power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace

Cirtical thinking

Reflective thinking focused on deciding whatt can reasonably be believed and then using this information to make judgements

Democracy

A form of government in which the people government, either directly or through elected representatives

Elitism

The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy

Equality

The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and are there by entitled to equal treatment under the law

Free-market system

AN economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free Enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets

Individualism

The idea that people should take the initiative, be self-sufficient, and accumulate the material advantages necessary for their well-being

Liberty

The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the rights and freedoms of others

Majoritarianism

The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in determining policy

Party (partisan) polarization

The condition in which opinions and actions in response to Political issues and situations divide substantially along Political party linesPlur

Pluralism

A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interest are substantially represented through the activities of groups

Political science

The systematic study of government and politics

Politics

The process through which a society settles its conflictsP

Power

The ability of persons or institutions to control policy

Public policies

Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action

Self-government

The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authority, in practice, a government based on majority rule