Basic Concepts in Political Science

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to political science, focusing on political culture, socialization, participation, efficacy, and ideology.

Political Culture

The whole range of beliefs, norms, traditions, practices, ideas, and ideologies that a people share.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and internalize their political culture.

Political Participation

Various ways in which individuals engage in the political sphere of society.

Political Efficacy

The belief that government responds to an individual's needs and concerns.

Liberty

A fundamental concept often associated with freedom and individual rights.

Collective Culture

A culture that emphasizes group goals and social harmony over individualism.

Individualism

The principle of valuing personal independence and self-reliance.

Cohesive Culture

A culture where group consent and unity are prioritized.

Consensus

General agreement among a group.

Political Ideology

A coherent set of beliefs and ideals that shape a person's views on policy and government.

Mass Involvement

Collective public action that influences governmental decision-making.

Disillusionment

A feeling of disappointment arising from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.

Legitimacy

The recognition that a government has the moral right to govern its citizens.

American Dream

The belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination.

Policy-Making Agenda

The set of issues that policymakers prioritize and address.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government policy based on shared concerns.

Campaign Contributions

Donations made to political candidates or parties to support their campaigns.

Juries

Citizen panels that are responsible for making legal decisions in court cases.

Media Influence

The impact that media has on shaping public opinion and political beliefs.

Civic Organizations

Groups that aim to improve community and influence civic policy.

Religious Organizations

Groups that provide spiritual guidance and may influence political beliefs and behaviors.

Voting

The process by which citizens elect their representatives or decide on policy matters.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership and free market principles.

Taxation

The system by which a government collects financial contributions from its citizens.

Healthcare Policy

Strategies and decisions made regarding the administration and financing of healthcare.

Tax Policy

The regulations and laws governing how taxes are imposed and collected.

School Policy

Rules and standards set for educational institutions.

Criminal Policy

Laws and regulations regarding crime and punishment.

Social Media Engagement

The act of participating in discussions and sharing information via social media platforms.

Protests

Public demonstrations expressing opinions about political issues.

Efficacy Measurement

Evaluating the extent of one's belief that their actions can influence government.

False Beliefs

Misconceptions that affect how individuals perceive their influence in politics.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

An expectation that causes itself to become true.

Ideology Direction

The gradient of political beliefs ranging from more liberal to more conservative.

Participation Willingness

The readiness of individuals to engage in political processes.

Political Parties

Organizations that seek to gain power through electoral competition.

Political Spectrum

A system for classifying different political ideologies based on their views.

Margaret Mead

An anthropologist known for her quotes on social change and activism.

Legitimacy Crisis

A situation where there is widespread belief that a government lacks legitimacy.

Diversity in Ideology

The variety of political beliefs within a political party or society.

Direction over Endpoint

The idea that ideologies can shift rather than being fixed positions.