Unit I: Foundations of American Democracy Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the foundations of American democracy, government institutions, and political models as presented in the introductory lecture.

Government

This is comprised of the institutions that make decisions for a society, including Congress, the President, the Courts, and the Federal Bureaucracy.

Politics

The processes of determining whom we select as our leaders and what policies they will pursue, often defined as "who gets what, when, and how."

Political Participation

The ways in which people get involved in politics, including activities such as voting, volunteering for campaigns, and donating money.

Public Policy

Every decision government makes, including every law it passes, budget it establishes, and ruling it hands down.

Policy Agenda

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and all those involved at a given time.

Linkage Institutions

Any group that transmits Americans' preferences to the policymakers, such as political parties, elections, the media, and interest groups.

Policymaking Institutions

The three institutions established by the Constitution—the Legislature, the Executive, and the Courts—that can take charge on political issues.

Four Branches of the American Federal Government

As defined in the notes, these include Congress, the President, the Courts (Federal, State, and Local), and the Federal Bureaucracy.

National Government Functions

The five functions provided by governments worldwide: Maintain a National Defense, Provide Public Services/Goods, Preserve order, Socialize the Young, and Collect Taxes.

Harold Lasswell Model

A model of the policymaking process that simplifies politics into four questions: Who participates? What do they want? How do they get it? and When do they get it?

EE Schattschneider Model

A model that emphasizes that politics is the "socialization of conflict" and that conflict is likely to change as it becomes political.

Socialize the Young

A function of national governments typically performed through education to instill shared values and knowledge about the political system.

Public Services and Goods

Services provided by the government that include things such as school funding and benefit checks.

The "Who" (Lasswell Model)

Refers to political participants including individuals (voters, candidates), groups (business, labor, ethnic groups), and organizations (political parties, AARP, NAACP).

The "What" (Lasswell Model)

Refers to values or goals such as recognition, influence, justice/equity, jobs, and public interest.

The "How" (Lasswell Model)

Refers to political methods or tools such as voting, lobbying, bargaining, public relations, and campaigns.

The "When" (Lasswell Model)

Refers to the impact of policy, occurring either "Now" or "Later."

Policymaking system

The process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time.