Chapter One: American Government & Civic Engagement

A set of QUESTION_AND_ANSWER style flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter One: American Government & Civic Engagement, including politics, political science, theories of power, government structure, ideologies, civic participation, political efficacy, and American political culture.

What is politics?

The process of gaining and exercising control with a government to set and achieve goals, especially regarding the division of resources within a nation.

What is political science?

A field that builds on other disciplines to study government, politics, and public policy.

What does Elite theory claim about who controls government?

A small, wealthy, powerful elite controls government to benefit its members and perpetuate their power.

What does Pluralist theory claim about power in politics?

Groups representing the people’s interests attract politicians’ attention and can influence government policy.

How is government policy often formed?

As a result of trade-offs among groups and elites balancing competing interests, including those of constituents who elected them.

What is government?

The means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits.

What are the three purposes of government?

Maintain order; provide public goods; promote equality.

Who are the social contract theorists listed?

Hobbes, Rousseau, John Locke, and The Iroquois (Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca).

What are the forms of government, and who governs?

Autocracy (single ruler), Oligarchy (elite small group), Democracy (power to the people; direct or representative).

What is Direct Democracy?

A form of democracy where people participate directly in making government decisions.

What is Representative Democracy?

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.

What is Constitutional government?

Formal and effective limits the government has to contend with.

What is Authoritarian government?

No formal limits on government power, but informal political and social constraints exist.

What is Totalitarian government?

Seeks to eliminate or absorb any group that challenges authority, using violence and coercion.

Define Conservatism.

A set of beliefs favoring a limited role for the national government, traditional values, and cautious change.

Define Liberalism.

Advocacy of positive government action to improve welfare, emphasizing equality and social programs.

Define Socialism (Democratic Socialism in the U.S.).

A political ideology strong on economic and social equality; government aims to ensure equal opportunities and outcomes.

Define Libertarianism.

A political ideology based on skepticism or opposition toward most government activities, emphasizing individual rights and limited intervention.

What is Political Socialization?

The process by which individuals form their political beliefs and values.

What is the Reciprocal Nature of Democracy?

Civic participation reinforces democratic legitimacy and governance in a mutual relationship.

What is Civic Engagement?

Participation that connects citizens to government.

What is Political Efficacy?

The belief that one’s actions can influence politics and government.

How can political efficacy be improved?

Through political knowledge: understanding the rules, politics, and democratic principles.

What activities are associated with Improved Political Participation?

Voting, party activity, public opinion, interest groups, direct action.

What is American political culture?

A system of shared beliefs and values about liberty, equality, and democracy in the United States.

What does Liberty include?

Personal freedom and economic freedom.

What kinds of Equality are distinguished in American political culture?

Political equality, social equality, and economic equality.

What is Democracy?

A system in which political power rests in the hands of the people.

What is the main focus of the Conclusion: Problems with American Democracy?

Identifying and understanding the challenges facing American democracy.