Foundational Ideas, Demographics, and Government Expectations

Flashcards covering foundational political ideas, American political culture, public opinion trends, demographics, geographic political differences, and changing expectations of government.

The Enlightenment

An 18th-century intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individual liberty, natural rights, and limited government power.

Natural Rights

Rights people possess simply because they are human, such as life, liberty, and property.

Limited Government

A principle wherein government power is restricted by laws and constitutional limits.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone—including government officials—is subject to laws that are fairly and equally applied.

Religious Freedom

The principle that individuals should have the freedom to practice their religion or choose not to practice one.

Political Culture

The shared beliefs and values that influence how Americans view government and politics.

The American Dream

The belief that individuals can achieve success and economic opportunity through hard work and opportunity, with home ownership serving as a core economic element.

Confidence in Government Trend

The general long-term decline in Americans' confidence in government institutions over the past several decades.

Congress & Public Trust

Refers to the fact that Congress is generally one of the institutions in which Americans have the lowest levels of confidence.

Demographics

Statistical characteristics of a population, such as age, race, religion, geographic location, and family size.

U.S. Demographic Trends

Key patterns showing the U.S. population is getting older and more diverse, while family size, religious affiliation, and political party identification are declining.

Representation in Congress

The condition where the number of representatives in the House has not kept pace with population growth, meaning each representative represents a larger number of people than in the past.

Urban Areas (Political Profile)

Large cities and metropolitan areas that tend to be more politically liberal and emphasize specific policy priorities.

Rural Areas (Political Profile)

Smaller towns and agricultural areas that tend to be more politically conservative and emphasize specific policy priorities.

Regional Political Differences

Variations in political attitudes across different regions of the country influenced by history, culture, economics, and demographics.

Age & Government Priorities

The concept that population age influences key voter issues; for instance, an older population places greater importance on Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs.

Federal Government Focus (200 Years Ago)

Historical expectations where Americans expected the federal government to focus primarily on national defense, maintaining order, and protecting basic rights.

Federal Government Expectations Today

Modern expectations for government action, including regulating business, providing public services, addressing economic problems, protecting consumers, and supporting public welfare.