AP U.S. Government: Key Political Ideologies, Systems, and Theories

Anarchism

A political ideology that opposes government in any form.

Capitalism

An economic system where there is little government regulation of business.

Collectivism

The belief that group welfare is more important than individual rights and that a strong government is necessary for survival. Opposite of individualism.

Communism

An economic system in which the government has complete control of the economy and owns all property; there is no such thing as privately owned property under communism.

Democracy

Any political system in which the people control the government, either directly or indirectly.

Elite Class Theory

The theory that an upper class elite will always control government, regardless of what form the government may take.

Fascism

An authoritarian government with a strong leader, a dominant ethnic group, and little tolerance for opposition.

Government

The institutions that make public policies for society. Ex., Congress, City Council, Supreme Court, etc.

Hyperpluralist Theory

The belief that interest groups have become so strong that they are able to prevent the government from making decisions on important issues.

Individualism

The belief that governments should leave people alone and that people should take care of themselves instead of relying on government assistance. Opposite of collectivism.

Interest Group

An organized group of individuals with shared beliefs that seeks to influence the government. Ex., PETA or the National Rifle Association.

Laissez Faire

An economic doctrine that opposes government regulation of business. Related to capitalism.

Linkage Institution

Institutions such as polls, elections, media, interest groups and political parties that link people and government.

Majoritarianism (Participatory Democracy)

A democracy where the people participate and the majority usually gets what it wants.

Pluralism

A theory of government and politics stressing that politics is mainly a competition among groups. Public policy is the result of this competition.

Police Power

The authority of a government to maintain order and safeguard citizens' health, morals, safety, and welfare.

Political Ideology

A consistent set of views about the policies the government should pursue. Ex., liberalism or conservatism.

Political Socialization

The process by which a person forms his or her political views.

Politics

The way we select our government leaders and the way they make policy OR the methods and tactics used to make policy. (either definition is acceptable).

Policy Gridlock

A condition that occurs when no group is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy. As a result, nothing gets done.

Policy Agenda

The list of issues the government is working on.

Public Good

A benefit or service provided by the government to all citizens. Ex., roads, public schools, libraries. Paid for with taxes.

Public Policy

A course of action taken by the government in response to some problem, issue, or situation.

Referendum

An election where people vote on a policy issue, not a candidate. Ex., should we legalize marijuana?

Republic

A type of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. (Also known as a representative democracy or an indirect democracy).

Socialism

An economic policy where the government plays a strong role in regulating business and the economy, but where private property, private businesses, and personal freedoms still exist.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the government has total control over everything.

Elector

A person chosen by his or her state to cast a vote for president in the Electoral College.

Safe State

A state in which one of the presidential candidates has overwhelming support from the voters. As a result, candidates spend very little time campaigning in these states.

Swing State (Tossup State)

A state where the winner of the upcoming presidential election cannot be safely predicted. As a result, candidates spend a great deal of time and money in these states.