Ideas That Shape American Politics – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering political theories, definitions of politics, types of liberty, forms of government, ideological categories, and concepts of the American Dream and equality discussed in the lecture.

Pluralist Theory

The view that people influence government primarily through competing interest groups.

Elite Theory

The perspective that wealthy and powerful individuals dominate and control governmental decisions.

Bureaucratic Theory

The idea that unelected government officials shape policy through their daily administrative actions.

Social Movement Theory

The concept that ordinary citizens can wield power by organizing, protesting, and pressuring leaders.

Politics (Definition #1)

Harold Lasswell’s description: "Who gets what, when, and how."

Politics (Definition #2)

The process by which a society makes its collective decisions.

Rational Choice Theory

An approach that assumes individuals are rational actors who make decisions based on self-interest.

Freedom

The ability to pursue one’s own desires without interference from others.

Liberty

A broad term for freedom that includes both negative and positive aspects.

Negative Liberty

Freedom FROM external constraints or interference by others.

Positive Liberty

Freedom TO pursue one’s goals, requiring basic resources such as food, shelter, health care, and education.

Democracy

A form of government in which citizens rule directly and make governmental decisions themselves.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens rule indirectly through elected representatives.

Democratic Republic (U.S. system)

A political system that blends direct democratic elements with republican representation and checks and balances.

Checks and Balances

A constitutional mechanism that distributes power among branches (House, Senate, President, Supreme Court) to protect individual rights and prevent abuse.

Conservatives

Those who favor reduced government spending, personal responsibility, traditional moral values, and a strong national defense.

Liberals

Those who favor cultural diversity, government social programs, regulation of the economy, and individual social freedoms.

Libertarians

Proponents of negative liberty who seek to minimize all forms of government intervention.

Populists

People who believe government is run by and for the rich and advocate for common citizens to reclaim power.

American Dream

The belief that talent and hard work lead to personal and financial success.

Equality

The condition in which all citizens enjoy the same privileges, status, and rights before the law.

Social Equality

Equal social status among citizens.

Political Equality

Equal political rights and opportunities for participation.

Economic Equality

A situation in which wealth differences among citizens are small or inconsequential.

Equal Opportunity

The principle that everyone should have the same chance to influence politics and achieve economic success.

Equal Outcome

The notion that society should ensure similar results or circumstances for everyone.