Introducing Government In America

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to government and politics in America, derived from the lecture notes on the functions, roles, and theories that define democratic systems.

Government

The institutions through which public policies are made for a society.

Politics

The process of determining the leaders we select and the policies they pursue.

Policymaking system

The process by which policy comes into being and evolves.

Democracy

A system of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy reflects citizens' preferences.

Collective goods

Goods and services that cannot be denied to anyone and must be shared by everyone.

Political participation

All the activities by which citizens attempt to influence the selection of political leaders and the policies they pursue.

Single-issue groups

Groups that have a narrow interest on which their members tend to take an uncompromising stance.

Linkage institutions

The political channels through which people's concerns become political issues.

Policy agenda

The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials.

Political issue

An issue that arises when people disagree about a problem and how to fix it.

Policymaking institutions

The branches of government charged with taking action on political issues.

Public policy

A choice that government makes in response to a political issue.

Policy impacts

The effects a policy has on people and problems.

Majority rule

A fundamental principle of traditional democratic theory that requires the majority's desire to be respected.

Minority rights

A principle that guarantees rights to those who do not belong to majorities.

Representation

The relationship between the few leaders and the many followers in a democracy.

Pluralism

A theory emphasizing that the policymaking process is open to the participation of all groups with shared interests.

Elitism

A theory of American democracy contending that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy.

Hyperpluralism

A theory contending that interest groups are so strong that government is weakened.

Policy gridlock

A condition wherein interests conflict and no coalition can form a majority to establish policy.

Political culture

An overall set of values widely shared within a society.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The sum total of the value of all the goods and services produced in a year in a nation.

National defense

The function of government to protect its national sovereignty.

Public goods

Services provided by the government for the benefit of its citizens.

Taxation

The process by which governments collect funds to provide public goods and services.

Political knowledge

The information citizens have about policies, regulations, and political processes.

Civic participation

Engagement by citizens in activities related to governance and political decision-making.

Voting turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Engagement strategies

Methods used to encourage citizens, especially youth, to participate in politics.

Public engagement

The ways in which citizens interact with government decision-making.

Political efficacy

The belief that one's participation can make a difference in politics.

Minimum wage laws

Regulations that set the lowest price an employer can pay for labor.

Social Security

A government program that provides financial assistance to retirees and the disabled.

Environmental policy

Government guidelines and regulations aimed at protecting the environment.

Health care policy

Government decisions regarding the administration and regulation of health care services.

Critical issues

Topics that require government action due to pressing concerns from citizens.

Service programs

Government initiatives designed to improve the well-being of citizens.

Youth vote

The segment of the voting population made up of younger individuals, often engaged in social issues.

Civic virtues

Qualities that promote the active participation of citizens in their community.

Public opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on issues, policies, and leaders.

Interest groups

Organized groups of people that share common objectives and actively seek to influence policymakers.

Campaign finance

The funds raised to promote candidates, parties, and policies in elections.