Crash Course Government and Politics Overview

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts in government and politics.

Government

A set of rules and institutions people set up to function together as a unified society.

Politics

The process that describes how power and decisions are made within a government, focusing on who holds office and how decisions are made.

Republic

A form of government where representatives are elected to govern.

Democracy

A system of government in which citizens are allowed to participate directly or indirectly.

Citizen Participation

The involvement of citizens in the political process, which includes voting and other forms of civic engagement.

Anarchy

A state of society without government or law, where there is chaos or disorder.

Political Ideologies

Belief systems that explain how society should be organized, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism.

Political Parties

Groups that organize to gain political power and influence policies by electing candidates to office.

Interest Groups

Organizations formed to influence political policies and decisions, often representing specific interests.

Civil Rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, often protected by law.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from governmental interference.

Public Opinion Polls

Surveys that measure the public’s views on political issues or candidates.

Voter Participation

The act of voting in elections, which is a crucial aspect of democratic engagement.