Gov Chapter 1 - Freedom, Order, or Equality?

Globalization

The increasing interdependence of citizens and nations across the world.

Government

The legitimate use of force to control human behavior; also, the organization or agency authorized to exercise that force.

National sovereignty

A political entity’s externally recognized right to exercise final authority over its affairs.

Order

Established ways of social behavior. Maintaining order is the oldest purpose of government

Liberalism

The belief that states should leave individuals free to follow their individual pursuits. Note that this differs from the definition of liberal later in this chapter.

Communism

A political system in which, in theory, ownership of all land and productive facilities is in the hands of the people, and all goods are equally shared. The production and distribution of goods are controlled by an authoritarian government.

Public goods

Benefits and services, such as parks and sanitation, that benefit all citizens but are not likely to be produced voluntarily by individuals.

Freedom of

An absence of constraints on behavior, as in freedom of speech or freedom of religion.

Freedom from

Immunity, as in freedom from want.

Police power

The authority of a government to maintain order and safeguard citizens’ health, morals, safety, and welfare.

Political equality

Equality in political decision making: one vote per person, with all votes counted equally.

Social equality

Equality in wealth, education, and status.

Equality of opportunity

The idea that each person is guaranteed the same chance to succeed in life.

Equality of outcome

The concept that society must ensure that people are equal, and governments must design policies to redistribute wealth and status so that economic and social equality are actually achieved.

Rights

The benefits of government to which every citizen is entitled.

Political ideology

A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government.

Totalitarianism

A political philosophy that advocates unlimited power for the government to enable it to control all sectors of society.

Socialism

A form of rule in which the central government plays a strong role in regulating existing private industry and directing the economy, although it does allow some private ownership of productive capacity.

Democratic socialism

A socialist form of government that guarantees civil liberties such as freedom of speech and religion. Citizens determine the extent of government activity through free elections and competitive political parties.

Capitalism

The system of government that favors free enterprise (privately owned businesses operating without government regulation).

Libertarianism

A political ideology that is opposed to all government action except as necessary to protect life and property.

Libertarians

Those who are opposed to using government to promote either order or equality.

Laissez-faire

An economic doctrine that opposes any form of government intervention in business.

Anarchism

A political philosophy that opposes government in any form.

Conservatives

Those who are willing to use government to promote order but not equality.

Liberals

Those who are willing to use government to promote equality but not order.

Communitarians

Those who are willing to use government to promote both order and equality.