DE American Gov. Chapter 1 Flashcard

American exceptionalism

The view that the United States is uniquely characterized by a distinct set of ideas, such as equality, slef-rule, and limited government.

Birthright Citizenship

Every child born in the United States is a citizen.

Conservatives

American who believe in reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, secure borders, and a strong national defense. also known as right or right-wing.

Democracy

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and make governing decisions for themselves.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which all laws and rules are made directly by the citizens, rather than through elected representatives.

Economic equality

A situation in which there are only small difference in wealth among citizens.

Equality

All citizens enjoy the same privileges, status, and right before the law.

Equal opportunity

The idea that every American has the same chance to influence politics and achieve economic success.

Equal Outcome

The idea that citizens should have roughly equal economic circumstances.

Freedom

The ability to pursue one's own desires without interference from other.

Individualism

The idea that individuals, not the society, are responsible for their own well-being.

Initiative

A process in which citizens propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution.

Institutions

The organizations, norms, and rules that structure government and public action.

Legislative Referral

The state legislature puts a proposal up for a popular vote.

Liberal or Liberalism

A doctrine that views nation-states as benefiting most from mutual cooperation, aided by international organizations.

Libertarians

Americans who are strong proponents of negative liberty and aim to reduce all government to a minimum.

median

A statistical term for the number in the middle or the case that has an equal number of examples above and below it.

Negative Liberty

Freedom from constraints or the interference of others.

Political Culture

The orientation of citizens of a state toward politics.

Political Equality

All citizens have the same political rights and opportunities.

Populists

Americans who believe the rich and powerful have captured the government and seek to win back government to help the common people.

Positive Liberty

The ability to pursue one's goals, which requires basic resources and power.

Rational Choice Theory

An approach to political behavior that views individuals as rational, decisive actors who know their political interests and seek to act on them.

referendums

An election in which citizens vote directly on an issue.

Republic

A government in which citizens rule indirectly and make government decisions through their elected representatives.

Self-Rule

The idea that legitimate government flows from the people.

Social Democracies

The idea that government policy should ensure that all are comfortably cared for within the context of a capitalist economy.

Social Equality

All individuals enjoy the same status in society.

Sunshine Laws

Laws that permit the public to watch policymakers in action and to access records of the proceedings.