Political Science 314: Political Theory

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to political theory and democracy as discussed in the lecture notes.

Democracy

A form of government in which the people rule and have a role in decision-making.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often contrasting them against an elite.

Marxism

A socioeconomic theory that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society produced through the abolition of class distinctions.

Elitism

A belief that a select group of individuals, or an elite, should lead and dominate political processes.

Pluralism

A political theory that recognizes the diversity of interests in a society and emphasizes the role of groups in political decision-making.

Authoritarianism

A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not accountable to the people.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which people vote directly on laws and policies rather than through representatives.

Deliberative Democracy

A type of democracy in which deliberation is central to decision-making, prioritizing rational debate and discussion among citizens.

Institutionalization

The process by which certain practices and norms become established and formalized within political systems.

Political Equality

The principle that all individuals have the same rights to participate in politics, including the right to vote and run for office.

Social Contract

A theory or model that addresses the origin of society and the legitimacy of the state's authority over the individual.

Demos

A Greek word meaning 'the people', often used in discussions of democratic governance.

Political Participation

The various ways in which citizens engage in the political process, including voting, protest, and civic activism.

Civil Society

The space for collective action around shared interests, purposes, and values that exists outside the government.

Technocracy

A system of governance in which decision-makers are selected based on their expertise in their respective fields.

Democratic Autonomy

The concept advocating for localized control and decision-making by the constituents of a democratic society.

Disinformation

False information shared deliberately to deceive others, often a challenge to democratic discourse.

Echo Chamber

An environment where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own.