Political Culture and Participation

Civil Society

network of independent organizations and groups that represent diverse interests, advocate for social issues, and promote civic engagement, accountability, and social welfare outside of government control.

Political Culture

A set of collectively held attitudes, values, and beliefs about government and politics

Political Socialization

The process through which an individual learns about politics and is taught about society’s common political values and beliefs

Postmaterialism

A set of values in a society in which most citizens are economically secure enough to move beyond immediate economic (materialist) concern to “quality of life” issues like human rights, civil rights, women’s rights, environmentalism, and moral values

Individualism

The belief that people should be free to make their own decisions and that the government should not necessarily regulate individual behavior or restrict civil liberties

Political Ideology

An individual’s set of beliefs and values about government, politics, and policy

Totalitarian

A political ideology that emphasizes domination of the state over citizens. The government has complete control over citizens’ lives.

Coercion

A government’s use of force or threats to pressure individual behavior

Civil Liberties

Fundamental rights and freedoms protected from infringement by the government

Civil Rights

Positive actins taken by the government to prevent people from being discriminated against when engaged in fundamental political actions, such as voting

Neoliberalism

A philosophy favoring economic policies that support the free market and reduce trade barriers

Communism

An ideology that advocates state ownership of all property, with the government exercising complete control over the economy

Socialism

A political ideology in which economic equality is a core value, with the belief that government ownership of the major means of production is a way to reduce income inequality within the state

Fascism

A nationalist political ideology in which nationalism and the primacy of the state are the core beliefs. It emphasizes the rights of the majority, oppresses the minority, and supports strong authoritarian rule

Populism

A political ideology based on the idea that the government should put the rights and interests of the common people above the elites

Formal Political Participation

Voting in elections and referendums, contacting government officials, joining political groups, working on a campaign, and donating money to a cause or candidate

Informal Participation

Protest, civil disobedience, and political violence, including terrorism

Terrorism

Political violence or the threat of violence that deliberately targets civilians to influence the behavior and actions of the government

Social Movements

A large group organized to advocate for political change

Social Cleavage

Division based on ethnicity, race, religion, class, or territory

Political Cleavage

Division based on different ideas about the role of government and policymaking goals

Ethnic Group

A group of people who see themselves as united by one or more cultural attributes or a common history

Race

A group of people socially defined mainly on the basis of one or more perceived common physical characteristics

Social Class

A group fo people who perceive themselves as sharing a social status based on a common level of wealth, income, type of work, or education