Politics Exam 1

Politics Exam 1

What are political ideologies?

Frameworks of beliefs and goals that shape political decisions. They explain how society should be organized, what values matter, and how power should be used.

Karl Marx’s main influence?

Critiqued capitalism, inspired socialist/communist movements, introduced class struggle theory, and highlighted false class consciousness (workers misperceiving their real interests).

What is false class consciousness and why is it important?

t’s when subordinate classes adopt the ideology of ruling classes, failing to recognize their own exploitation. It sustains inequality and prevents revolutionary change.

Liberalism

freedom, rights, limited government

Conservatism

tradition, order, stability

Fascism

nationalism, authority, exclusionary politics

Focuses of Classical Liberalism

free markets, limited government, individual rights.

Focuses of Modern Liberalism

government should intervene to reduce inequality and ensure welfare.

What is Utilitarianism

Belief in maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number (aggregate welfare).

What is Social Darwinism

The idea that social/economic competition is natural—“survival of the fittest.”

What historical context shaped FDR’s Four Freedoms Speech?

WWII, rise of fascism, and the aftermath of the Great Depression.

What were FDR’s Four Freedoms?

Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from fear, freedom from want.

How does Obama represent Modern Liberalism?

Through support of government intervention in healthcare (Obamacare), emphasis on globalization challenges, and navigating crises like 9/11 aftermath, Iraq War, and Hurricane Katrina.

What is “Dark Money” and Citizens United?

Political fundraising from undisclosed sources that allows outside groups to influence candidates through money tied to specific causes.

Core of Conservatism as stated by Heywood

Tradition, order, stability, hierarchy, limited government.

Russell Kirk’s Ten Conservative Principles?

Emphasis on tradition, natural hierarchy (leaders/followers), no big government, paternalistic leadership, moral order.

What is Neo-Conservatism?

Belief in limited government intervention, low taxes, and skepticism of welfare expansion. Often supports assertive foreign policy.

What is Egalitarianism?

The doctrine that people are equal and deserve equal opportunities and rights.

Historical context of Reagan’s A Time for Choosing speech?

Cold War tensions, post-Kennedy assassination, LBJ’s welfare state expansion, farm subsidies, and national debt concerns.

Reagan’s main message?

Government should serve, not control; welfare state leads to dependency; choice between freedom and creeping government control.

What shift did the New Deal cause for Republicans?

Made them feel marginalized; shifted them toward defending limited government and laissez-faire economics.

What is populism?

Political strategy appealing to “ordinary people” who feel ignored by elites.

What is the “attention economy”?

The internet and media amplifying voices of groups/individuals often excluded from traditional politics.

How did frustration with the system fuel Trump’s rise?

Many Americans saw him as the “voice of the voiceless” against political elites.

How did Trump reshape the presidency?

Reduced checks on executive power by removing internal limits and reframing the role as a direct voice for his supporters.

What is Executive Authority Theory?

It argues that the president controls the entire executive branch and has broad powers, especially in areas like national security.

How has Executive Authority Theory influenced modern U.S. politics?

It has justified expansions of presidential power (Bush after 9/11, Obama’s executive orders, Trump removing internal checks). Critics argue it threatens checks and balances by concentrating too much authority in one branch.

Neo-Liberalism

revival of free-market economics in the 1980s (Reagan, Thatcher), emphasizing privatization, deregulation, and globalization.

What are Think Tanks

idea factories that research, debate, and push policies into the political mainstream.

Example of a Think Tank

Heritage Foundation (conservative)

What is a positive liberty

Freedom to realize your potential, act on your own will, and have the capacity to do things. (Give me the ability!)

What is a negative liberty

Freedom from external interference, coercion, or restraint. (Leave me alone).

What is the difference between Modern and Classical Liberalism?

• Classical liberalism = “freedom from government.”

• Modern liberalism = “freedom through government support.”

What is the difference between Modern and Classical Conservatism

• Classical conservatism = protect tradition and hierarchy against rapid change.

• Modern conservatism = protect tradition, but also champion free markets and smaller government.

what are free markets

• prices are set by competition, not by the government.

What are criticisms of free markets

create inequality, monopolies, or exploitation if there’s no regulation.