American Government and Civic Engagement

Vocabulary concepts covering the foundations of government, economic systems, types of democracy, and theories of political power.

Government

The system by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits to that society.

Politics

The process of gaining or exercising control within a government by an association of persons with shared goals or objectives for society.

Civic engagement

The act of participating in government at the federal, state, and local level through means such as voting, demonstrating, or speaking out on important issues.

Democracy

A form of government in which political power—influence over institutions, leaders, and policies—is controlled by the people.

Capitalism

An economic system in which the means of production are controlled by individuals who invest in business and industry.

Socialism

An economic system that advocates for public or government control, whether directly or through regulation, over the means of production.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which a small class of political and economic elites control the government.

Private goods

Consumer goods and services produced and sold by private businesses for a profit.

Public goods

Goods or services, such as public safety and education, provided by the government because they cannot be produced in sufficient quantities or for a profit.

Common goods

Natural resources, such as water, that are used by individuals but must be protected by the government for the benefit of all.

Representative democracy

A form of government where citizens do not govern directly; instead, government institutions and policy are determined by elected representatives.

Direct democracy

A form of government in which people participate directly in government decisions instead of relying on elected representatives.

Absolute monarchy

A form of government where a single, usually hereditary, ruler holds political power.

Totalitarian government

A form of government where the state, usually controlled by a single leader or small group of elites, controls virtually every aspect of citizens’ lives.

Elite theory

The theory of government holding that a small group of elites controls power while other citizens have little or no influence.

Pluralist theory

The theory of government holding that competing interest groups influence the government and hold political power.

Tradeoffs perspective

An outlook that acknowledges competing interests vie for government influence, resulting in actions and policies influenced by a series of compromises.

Social capital

The collective value of all social networks and the willingness of these networks to work together toward a common goal.

Partisan politics

Political action or affiliation based on identifying with a specific political party, such as Democrats or Republicans.