AP Government and Politics: 1.1-1.2 Quiz

Alexis de Tocqueville

A French political thinker known for analyzing the effects of democracy on 19th-century American society and political institutions in his work Democracy in America.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

Equality

The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities, which is a fundamental principle in democratic societies.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that all individuals should have the same chances in life, particularly in education and employment, regardless of their background or identity.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Rugged Individualism

The belief that individuals should be self-reliant and responsible for their own economic success, with minimal government intervention.

Rule of Law

The principle that law should govern a nation, as opposed to being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials, applying equally to all citizens.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often placing it above other nations or groups.

Free Enterprise

An economic system in which private businesses operate in competition with each other, largely free of government control.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit.

American Dream

The social ideal that every individual can achieve prosperity and success through hard work, determination, and initiative.

Civic duty

The responsibilities and obligations that citizens are expected to fulfill within their society, such as voting, paying taxes, and serving on a jury.

Democracy in America

A classic political analysis written in the 1830s by Alexis de Tocqueville examining the strengths and potential pitfalls of egalitarian society in the United States.

Political Culture

The shared set of fundamental beliefs, values, and norms that structure how citizens perceive and interact with their government.

Political Efficacy

An individual's belief that their participation in government matters and can influence policy decisions.

Political Tolerance

The willingness to extend civil rights and liberties to groups or individuals whose viewpoints one opposes.

Individualism

A moral and social philosophy that stresses the priority, self-reliance, and personal freedom of the individual over the collective group.

Conservatism

A political philosophy emphasizing tradition, social stability, limited government intervention, and free enterprise.

Political ideology

A comprehensive set of beliefs and values about the purpose and role of government in society.

Liberal Ideology

A political belief system favoring government action to promote social justice, protect civil rights, and address economic inequality.

Conservative Ideology

A political belief system favoring reduced government regulation, free-market solutions, lower taxes, and traditional social values.

Libertarian

A political viewpoint advocating for maximum personal autonomy and minimal government intervention in both social and economic affairs.

Moderate

A political position that avoids extreme positions and seeks compromise between liberal and conservative viewpoints.

Political socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political attitudes, values, and orientations.

Political spectrum

A system for classifying different political positions along a continuum, such as left-wing versus right-wing.

Political values

Basic principles and standards that guide a person's or society's judgments about government policies and governance.

Progressive

A political philosophy advocating for social reform and government action to address modern social and economic problems.

Populists

Political movements or leaders claiming to represent the interests of ordinary citizens against a corrupt or privileged elite.

Democrats

Members or supporters of one of the two major U.S. political parties, generally associated with modern American liberalism and social welfare programs.

Republicans

Members or supporters of one of the two major U.S. political parties, generally associated with modern American conservatism and free-market policies.