Political Cultures & Government Structures

Moralistic Political Culture

View government as a means to better society and promote welfare.

Individualistic Political Culture

View government as a mechanism for addressing individual goals.

Traditional Political Culture

Sees government as necessary to maintain the existing social order.

Elazar's Theory

Theory on political cultures evolving with immigrant influx.

State Legislatures' Functions

Enact laws, allocate funds, oversee state agencies.

Advantages of Legislative Term Limits

Bring fresh perspectives, prevent political dynasties.

City Government Structures

Mayor-council or council-manager systems for local governance.

Home Rule

Local autonomy in governance without higher-level interference.

The Bureaucracy

System of non-elected officials enforcing laws and policies.

Merit System

System of appointing officials based on qualifications.

Spoils System

Political patronage practice leading to inefficiency.

Patronage

Appointing based on personal connections rather than merit.

Privatization

Transfer of government functions to private entities.

Public Administration

Management of public policies and services by government.

Inflation

Sustained increase in general price level affecting purchasing power.

Fiscal Policy

Government policies on taxation and spending to influence economy.

Monetary Policy

Government control of money supply, interest rates for economic goals.

Demand Side Economics

Theory emphasizing aggregate demand for economic growth.

Supply Side Economics

Focus on increasing goods and services supply for growth.

Medicare

Federal health insurance for elderly and certain individuals.

Medicaid

Federal-state health coverage for low-income individuals.

Social Security

Federal program providing retirement, disability benefits.

Means Tested Benefits

Government assistance based on income and resources criteria.

Non-Means Tested Benefits

Government benefits available regardless of income.

Clean Air Act

Federal law controlling air pollution to protect health.

Clean Water Act

Federal law protecting water quality by regulating pollutants.

Security in U.S. Foreign Policy

Protecting nation from external threats like military aggression.

Economic Prosperity in U.S. Foreign Policy

Promoting economic interests, trade, and investment.

Diplomacy

Negotiations between nations to advance national interests.

Military Power

Use of military force to protect security and foreign policy goals.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Military alliance for collective defense among North American and European countries.

World Trade Organization

International organization regulating global trade.

Military Industrial Complex

Network involved in military goods production influencing policy.

Isolationism

Foreign policy advocating minimal international involvement.

Internationalism

Foreign policy emphasizing global engagement and cooperation.

Multilateralism

Coordinating with multiple countries to address common challenges.

Protectionism

Trade policy protecting domestic industries through barriers.

Doctrine of Containment

U.S. strategy to prevent spread of communism during the Cold War.

Bi-Polar Global Power Structure

Geopolitical dominance by two major superpowers.