Texas Government Test 1 Study Guide: Political Theory & Constitutional Foundations

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, theorists, and structural facts for Texas Government Test 1.

Logos

Speech, possessed uniquely by human beings according to Aristotle, which allows them to express the useful and harmful, as well as the just and unjust, forming the family and city.

Architectonic Science

Aristotle's term for politics as the master science that ranks above medicine, rhetoric, war, and economy because it determines the necessary arts for the city and aims at human happiness and virtue.

State of Nature (Locke)

A condition of perfect freedom and equality under the law of nature where individuals order their actions and dispose of possessions, distinct from a state of license.

Law of Nature (Locke)

The principle taught by reason that, being equal and independent, no person ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.

Execution of the Law (Locke)

The right placed into every individual's hands in the state of nature to punish transgressors to a degree that hinders further violation.

Natural Rights

Rights that belong inherently to all human beings by virtue of their humanity, existing independently of any government or positive law.

Consent of the Governed

The foundational principle stating that a just government derives its legitimate powers from the consent of the people.

Equality (Declaration of Independence)

The principle that 'all men are created equal,' referring to equal natural rights rather than identical talents or interests.

Right to Alter or Abolish

The right of the people to alter or abolish a government when it becomes destructive of its ends.

Social Capital

The collective value of all social networks and the inclinations that arise from them to do things for each other, requiring mutual trust, shared norms, and reciprocity.

Bonding Social Capital

Exclusive networks that link similar people with strong ties, which can potentially exclude outsiders.

Bridging Social Capital

Inclusive networks that connect diverse groups across race, class, or political lines.

Generational Succession (Putnam)

The single largest culprit (50%) of declining social capital, caused by later generations failing to form the same civic habits as the Great Generation.

Consequences of Low Social Capital (Governance)

Declining voter turnout, dysfunctional local government, and increased political polarization.

Consequences of Low Social Capital (Health & Economy)

Increased anxiety and depression, higher crime rates, and reduced economic productivity.

The Spring of Republics (Montesquieu)

Virtue (love of the public good, self-restraint, and civic spirit), which is necessary for a republic to endure, contrasting with monarchy (honor) and despotism (fear).

Human Happiness (Adam Ferguson)

The active employment of the mind and purposeful motion, reaching its peak when consideration is given to the public.

National Strength (Adam Ferguson)

The strength of a nation that ultimately rests on the character, courage, and valor of its people, rather than wealth or numbers.

Single Assembly Danger (John Adams)

The risk that a single legislative assembly subject to the vices, passions, and avarice of an individual will make itself perpetual and act in its own interest.

Adams's Constitutional Remedy

A government design featuring a bicameral structure, a unitary executive with veto power, an independent judiciary, and laws encouraging virtue and frugality.

Ward Republics

Small local units proposed by Jefferson that allow citizens to participate directly in local affairs, gain civic education, keep power visible, and attach themselves to the republic.

Point of Departure (Tocqueville)

The principle that a nation's laws, customs, and destiny begin at its founding; for America, New England settlers fused the spirit of religion with the spirit of liberty.

Mores (les mœurs)

Habits and moral customs that Tocqueville argues preserve democratic government more effectively than formal institutions alone.

Courtier Spirit

The trend in a democracy where politicians flatter the majority rather than tell hard truths, resulting in demagoguery and an absence of great statesmen.

Spiritualizes Despotism

Tocqueville's description of the tyranny of the majority, which targets the soul and independent thought without needing physical chains or executioners.

Texas Plural Executive

An executive branch made up of multiple independently elected officials, differing from the unitary executive model of the U.S. presidency.

Texas Bicameral Legislature

The state legislature of Texas, composed of 31 Senators and 150 Representatives.

Texas Counties

The 254 local administrative divisions of Texas, total county count being higher than any other U.S. state.