American Government Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards based on lecture slides covering ancient and modern governments, Enlightenment political thinkers, political economy systems, public/private/common goods, and governance theories.

How do Krutz and Waskiewicz (2025) define government?

The means by which a society organizes itself and how it allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits that the society as a whole needs.

Which ancient Egyptian pharaohs are cited as examples of rulers in ancient queendoms?

Hatshepsut and Cleopatra.

Which regions or countries are listed as examples of ancient princedoms?

Liechtenstein (present day German) and Monaco.

What four tribal groups from around the world are identified as examples of ancient societies?

Navajo nation (U.S.), Māori (New Zealand), Maasai (East Africa), and Bedouin (Middle East).

What three main factors contributed to the fall of large historical empires?

Invasions from rival powers, lack of money, and internal challenges such as social unrest and inequality.

What was the Enlightenment movement of the 18th century?

An 18th century philosophical movement that began in Western Europe focused on the use of reason, rather than tradition, to solve social dilemmas.

According to John Locke, what natural rights are granted by God?

Life, liberty, and property.

What did Thomas Hobbes state would happen if humans were left to their own devices?

Chaos and violence ensue.

What was Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view on government in his 1762 work on the social contract?

That the only good government was the one that was freely formed with the consent of the people.

What series of wars took place between 1618 and 1648 among European powers?

The Thirty Years' War.

What was the historical significance of the Treaty of Westphalia (1648)?

As a peace treaty ending the Thirty Years' War, it recognized the rights of states and their sovereignty, settled religious disputes, and had consequences for the division of power within government settings.

How many countries exist in the world today according to the United Nations (UN)?

195 countries.

How is polity defined in the lecture?

The clarity on the process on how government can and should be organized and run through a systematic approach.

How do Roskin et al. (2024) define politics?

Politics is the ongoing competition between people, usually in groups, to shape policy in their favor.

What are the primary characteristics of a republic or representative democracy?

It is democratic, political power rests in the hands of the people, citizens elect representatives to pass laws on their behalf, and decisions are made by majority rule.

Which countries are cited as having a monarch as head of state with limited or ceremonial powers?

The UK and Japan.

What is an oligarchy, and what modern examples are given?

A non-democratic form of government where a handful of elite members of society hold all the power, such as in China and Cuba where only members of the Communist Party are allowed to vote or hold public office.

What quote did Benjamin Franklin state regarding the American system of government?

"A republic if you can keep it"

What core principles characterize Republicanism in American political thought?

Republicanism espouses individual liberties and rights, believes all governed power is derived from the people, and encourages civic participation in political affairs through representative democracy.

What are the main characteristics of capitalism as a political economy system?

Private individuals/businesses own all production of products and services, anyone can own any legal business, the seller sets prices, and prices are dictated by supply and demand.

What are the cited advantages of a capitalist economic system?

People work hard due to incentives, people are allowed to accumulate wealth, competition encourages innovation, and it yields better quality products and services.

What are the cited disadvantages of capitalism?

Wages may be lower for other workers, possible private monopolies, and food or material waste may be higher due to excessive consumption for some products.

How does a socialist political economy system operate?

The government owns the means of generating wealth and public utilities, accumulates wealth, and redistributes it to citizens primarily through social programs providing free or inexpensive healthcare, education, and childcare.

When and why was the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created?

DHS was created on November 25, 2002, with the Homeland Security Act of 2002, to provide better protection to US citizens following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

How are common goods defined, and what examples are listed?

Goods that all people may use but are limited in supply (non-excludable and rivalrous), such as fisheries, forests, and fresh water or clean drinking water.

How are toll goods categorized in terms of accessibility and usage?

Toll goods are excludable and non-rivalrous, such as cable TV, private school education, and turnpikes.

What voting rights developments in American history are highlighted in the slides?

Lowering the voting age to 18 years of age and above, the 19th Amendment (1920) extending voting rights to women, and the Voting Rights Act (1965) enabling black men and women in the South to exercise their vote.

What is C. Wright Mills' core argument in his book The Power Elite?

He argues that government is controlled by a combination of business, military, and political elites who use their wealth and prestigious education to control the economy and political decisions for their own benefit.

What is the Pluralist Theory of government?

The notion that political power rests with competing interest groups who share influence in government across multiple access points in the political system.

What is the tradeoffs perspective on government action?

The view that government action and public policy are influenced by an ongoing series of tradeoffs or compromises between competing groups.

Why is civic engagement important in a democracy?

It helps representative democracy flourish and allows citizens to influence government

What is civic engagement?

Working to make a difference in the civic life of communities through knowledge, skills, values, and motivation

What did Benjamin Franklin mean by “A republic—if you can keep it”?

The republic is fragile and requires active, informed, and responsible citizens to survive

What three ideas about civic engagement are shared by the presidents discussed?

Active citizen participation, shared responsibility, and an informed citizenry

What did John F. Kennedy emphasize about citizenship?

Citizens should focus on what they can do for their country

What did Barack Obama emphasize about being a citizen?

“Citizen” is the most important title.

What are the three types of democratic engagement?

Political engagement, political participation, and civic engagement

What is political participation?

Involvement in political activities and the decision-making of a nation

What does pluralist theory say about citizen participation?

Government cannot function without active participation by at least some citizens

What are three historical examples of massive political engagement?

The American Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Battle of the Alamo

How did ordinary citizens participate in the American Revolution?

Through protests, boycotts, newspapers, and militia service

Why was the American Civil War considered political engagement?

Citizens became involved in defining the nation's future, including through mass mobilization and volunteer forces

Why is the Battle of the Alamo important in the presentation?

It became a symbol of patriotic sacrifice, Texas resistance, and a path toward Texas independence.

Why should citizens get involved in government?

To make democracy work, keep democracy alive, influence decisions, and improve people's lives

What are the two main types of civic engagement?

Single engagements and group engagements

What are examples of single/individual engagement?

Voting, writing a representative, taking a government class, staying informed, and volunteering

What are examples of group engagement?

Demonstrations, political rallies, and protests

How can average citizens become active in government?

By participating in local organizations, such as city council subcommittees

What did Putnam argue about trends in civic engagement?

Fewer people are active in politics than in the past

What is social capital?

The collective value of social networks

What did Ladd and Clark argue about civic engagement?

Social involvement is stable or increasing, partly because technology has increased connectedness

What are major factors that can affect civic engagement?

Lack of trust, lack of interest, ignorance/illiteracy, age, voter turnout, gender, and ideology

What does the presentation say about age and civic engagement?

Young people can have a major impact; age does not necessarily determine leadership or influence

What is political ideology?

A basic belief system that guides political theory and policy

What are the three general categories on the political ideology spectrum?

Liberal, moderate, and conservative

What is a moderate or centrist?

Someone who generally holds neither extreme left nor extreme right political views and may be issue-based

What is partisanship?

Strong support or even blind allegiance to a particular political party

What is a latent preference?

An answer to a political question about an issue a person has little interest in and has not thought much about

What is the relationship between civic engagement and political participation?

They overlap when community actions directly influence, challenge, or support government, policies, or leaders

What is the biggest takeaway from the presentation?

Participation in government matters because civic engagement allows citizens to influence government, achieve goals, and improve their communities and lives.