ap gov flaschards

Government

Systems that set policy for and serve society

Politics

Process of determining allocation of resources - who decides, for whom, how much, why

US political participation

activities that shape political decisions, directly or indirectly(voting, debate watching, attending town hall)

Policymaking

all actions that result in official society rules

Linkage Institutions

Any group that participates in politics and shape public policy, includes media and interest groups

Policy Agenda

A group’s or leader’s list of public policy goals

Democracy

System of selecting policymakers and organizing government so that policy reflects citizens preferences

Policymaking system

Process by which policy comes into being

Public Policy and Impact

any government rule and laws and who’s affected

democratic republic

public elects people to make public policy decisions

direct democracy

instances when the people make policy directly

Majority rule

More than 50 percent and still restricted

Minority Protection

Bill of rights and civil liberties

Pluralism

A view of the government that it works well when many groups have access and influence government institutions

Elitism

a view of the government that those individuals and groups with most money and public support have the most influence on public policy and makers

Hyperpluralism

Multiple groups influencing the governemnt is almost always negative because it leads to nothing being done

Single Issue Groups

People who vote on the basis of one issue

Traditional Democratic Theory

Equality in voting, effective participation, enlightened understanding, citizens control of the agenda, inclusion

Weakening of Democratic Norms

Rejection of established rules

denial of legitimacy of rules

tolerating political violence

curtailment of civil liberties

Increased complexity

Policies and problems so complex it is hard for citizens to be well informed and make decisions

limited participation in government

less voter turnout

diverse political interests

no policy moves forward due to gridlock

Gross Domestic Product

total value of goods and services

Liberty

Freedom

Individualism

Belief that people can and should get ahead on their own

Laissez Faire

Free markets and limited government

Populism

Puts people first and opposes elite

Egalitarianism

Opportunity and respect in absence of monarchy and artistocracy