AP Government Review - Week 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics in AP Government Week 1, including democratic theories, political structures, linkage institutions, and government relationships.

Linkage Institutions

Institutions that connect citizens to the government, including political parties, interest groups, elections, and the media.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A "friend of the court" brief submitted by someone not directly involved in a case to provide information or arguments to influence the court.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between interest groups, congressional committees/subcommittees, and bureaucratic agencies that work together to influence policy.

Issue Network

A larger, more fluid group of people and organizations working on a specific issue.

Think Tanks

Organizations that research public policy and develop ideas and recommendations for policymakers and the public.

Pluralism

The idea that political power is distributed among many competing groups, allowing different interests to influence government.

Elite Theory

Theory that a small, wealthy, or powerful elite controls major political decisions.

Bureaucratic Theory

Theory that bureaucrats and government agencies have significant influence over policy.

Pluralist Theory

Theory that many competing interest groups share political power.

Hyper-pluralism

Condition where too many competing interest groups make it difficult for government to make effective policy.

Direct Democracy

System where citizens directly participate in making government decisions, with examples including initiatives, referendums, and recalls.

Representative Democracy

System where citizens elect representatives who make laws and decisions on their behalf.

Functions of Interest Groups

Influence government policy, educate the public, provide information to policymakers, and mobilize citizens around issues.

Interest Group Litigation

The method by which interest groups file lawsuits or submit amicus curiae briefs to influence court decisions and public policy.

Functions of Political Parties

Recruit and nominate candidates, mobilize voters, create and promote policy platforms, and organize government and coordinate elected officials.

Functions of the Bureaucracy

Implement and enforce laws, create and enforce regulations, and provide government services and expertise.

Functions of the Media

Inform the public and set the political agenda by deciding which issues receive attention.

Roles within the Iron Triangle

Congress creates laws, controls funding, and oversees agencies; Bureaucracy implements policies and provides expertise; Interest groups provide political support, information, and lobbying.

Resources of Interest Groups

Three key resources that make interest groups powerful: money, information/expertise, and members/grassroots support.

Resources of the Bureaucracy

Two key resources that make the bureaucracy powerful: expertise and information, and the ability to implement and enforce laws and regulations.

Problems of Direct Democracy

Issues where complicated topics are difficult for citizens, majority rule can threaten minority rights, voters may be influenced by misinformation or emotional appeals, and wealthy interest groups can have too much influence.

Problems of Representative Democracy

Issues where representatives may not reflect voters' views, politicians may prioritize donors or interest groups, citizens have less direct control over individual policies, and voter participation can be low.