Chapter 10. Politics, Power, Government

What are social institutions?

Systems and structures within society that shape the activities of groups and individuals in specific areas of social life.

What does persistence and continuity mean in social institutions?

Social institutions continue across generations and outlast the individual people who participate in them.

Why do social institutions exist?

To address recurring problems and needs in society.

How do social institutions demonstrate interdependence?

They are connected and influence one another.

What role do structured rules play in social institutions?

They provide order through rules, expectations, and norms.

How do social institutions relate to everyday life?

They shape people's everyday lives, while interactions and participation help construct these institutions.

How can politics influence education?

Through school funding and policies.

What is politics?

Methods and tactics intended to influence government policy, policy-related attitudes, and activities.

What is political participation?

Activities people engage in to influence politics, such as voting, protesting, or joining social movements.

What is government?

The formal, organized agency that exercises power and control in modern society, especially through creating and enforcing laws.

What are the levels of government in the United States?

Federal, state, county, and local government.

What is the difference between power and authority?

Power is the ability to control the actions of others; authority is the legitimate right to wield power.

Give an example of power without formal authority.

Convincing a friend to help you move by using your friendship to influence their actions.

What is authoritarianism?

A system of government by and for a small number of elites that does not include representation of ordinary citizens.

What is totalitarianism?

The most extreme form of authoritarianism, where the government seeks to control every aspect of citizens' lives.

What is propaganda?

Messaging used by totalitarian governments to shape the thoughts, values, and attitudes of the population.

What is a constitutional monarchy?

A monarchy in which the ruler's powers are defined by a political charter and limited by a parliament or another governing body.

What is gerrymandering?

Redrawing the boundaries of voting districts to give one political party an advantage over another.

What is voter suppression?

Barriers or efforts that make it more difficult for people to participate in elections.

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

Organizations that raise money to support the interests of a select group or organization.

What was the significance of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

A 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allowed unlimited independent spending by corporations, unions, and other noncampaign entities.

What is civic engagement?

Participation in the political life of a community, including working with community organizations and addressing local issues.

What are barriers to voting mentioned in the study guide?

Felony disenfranchisement, voter registration requirements, and elections held on workdays.

What does political representation refer to?

The extent to which people's interests and views are represented in government decisions.

How do citizens participate politically through voting?

Citizens use their votes to help select representatives and influence government decisions.

What are social movements?

Organized collective efforts to bring attention to issues or create social or political change.

What is meant by a free press?

A media environment that allows the press to report and investigate public issues without improper government control.

What is an educated polity?

A population of citizens who have the education and knowledge needed to participate in democratic processes.

What does the micro-macro link in politics refer to?

Political institutions shape everyday life, but people also help build these institutions through participation in the democratic process.

Give an example of politics affecting everyday life.

A change in government education funding can affect school resources and the opportunities available to students.

What is an example of civic engagement?

Residents attend a local government meeting to ask elected officials to improve neighborhood safety.

What is structural functionalism?

A sociological perspective that examines how social institutions contribute to the functioning and stability of society.

What does conflict theory emphasize?

It emphasizes conflict, power relations, and unequal access to important resources.

What is symbolic interactionism?

A sociological perspective that focuses on social interaction and the meanings people develop through it.

What is power elite theory?

The theory that power in the United States is concentrated in the hands of a small group of decision-makers.

How does conflict theory relate to social institutions?

It examines how institutions may represent the interests of people in power.

What is the impact of government decisions on education?

Can shape educational opportunities, funding, and school rules.

How can government influence religion?

Government laws and policies can affect religious institutions and practices.

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative, executive, and judicial.

How many senators are there in the U.S. Senate?

100 senators total.

How are representatives allocated in the House of Representatives?

Each state receives representatives based on its population.

What is the total number of voting members in Congress?

535: 100 senators + 435 representatives.

What is the term length for senators?

6 years.

What is the term length for representatives?

2 years.

What are the four key characteristics of social institutions?

Persistence and continuity, purposeful and functional, interdependence, and structured rules.

What is the connection between social institutions and everyday life?

Institutions shape everyday activities, and people's interactions and participation also help construct those institutions.

Define power in a political context.

The ability to control the actions of others.

What is authority?

The legitimate right to use power.

What is a dictatorship?

A type of authoritarian government where a leader or group holds power, often gained through illegitimate means.

Define totalitarianism.

The most extreme form of authoritarianism, where the government seeks to control nearly every aspect of people's lives.

What is a monarchy?

A government ruled by a king or queen, with succession usually within the same family.

Differentiate between absolute and constitutional monarchy.

Absolute monarchy gives extensive governing power to the monarch, while constitutional monarchy limits powers by a constitution.

What is an oligarchy?

A small group of people holds most or all political or social control.

Define democracy.

A political system in which citizens have the right to participate in government.

What is disenfranchisement?

Losing the right to vote, temporarily or permanently.

What is voter participation?

The extent to which people take part in elections, especially by voting.

Define Super PACs.

Groups that can raise and spend unlimited amounts independently to support or oppose political candidates.

What is conflict theory in politics?

The perspective that society involves competition over power and resources, with powerful groups having advantages.

What is pluralist theory?

The theory that power is spread among multiple groups that compete to influence political decisions.

How does the media relate to politics?

The media helps people learn about political issues, government decisions, and facilitates public debate.

What is the role of the legislative branch?

To make laws.

What does the executive branch do?

Carries out and enforces laws.

What is the function of the judicial branch?

Interprets laws and determines their application in legal cases.

What is the significance of the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling?

It opened the door to Super PACs by allowing unlimited independent political spending.