Political Thinking and Political Culture Flashcards

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering political thinking, political culture, core values, and systems of government in America.

Political thinking

Critical thinking focused on deciding what can reasonably be believed, and then using this information to make political judgments.

Political thinking involves

Careful gathering and sifting of information to form a knowledgeable view about a political issue.

Main barrier to political thinking

Unwillingness of citizens to make the effort to self-inform.

Political science

The systematic study of government and politics.

Political culture

The widely shared and deep-seated beliefs of a country’s people about politics.

Liberty

The principle that individuals should be free to act as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably upon others

Individualism

A commitment to personal initiative and self-sufficiency.

Equality

The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Self-government

The principle that the people are the ultimate source of governing authority and should have a voice in their governing.

Politics

The means by which society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs.

Power

The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments.

Democracy

A system in which the people govern, by direct or representative means.

Majoritarianism

The majority effectively determines what government does.

Pluralism

The preferences of special interests largely determine what government does.

Authority

The recognized right of officials to exercise power.

Constitutionalism

The idea that there are lawful restrictions on government’s power.

Legal action

The use of the courts as a means of asserting rights and interests.

Free-market system

A system that operates mainly on private transactions.

Corporate power

The influence business firms have on public policy.

Elitism

The power exercised by well-positioned and highly influential individuals.