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Authoritarian government

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

Authority

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.

Critical thinking

Reflective thinking focused on deciding what can reasonably be believed and then using this information to make judgments.

Democracy

A form of government in which the people govern, 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 thereby 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.

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 lines.

Pluralism

A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests 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 conflicts.

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.