American Government and Political Culture Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, theories, political philosophies, and demographic changes from the lecture notes.

Government

Institutions that make and enforce public policy.

Politics

The study of who gets what, when, where, and how.

Securing the Blessings of Liberty

Protecting people's freedoms and individual rights; America gives the impression that you are free to do whatever you want.

Citizen

Have rights and responsibilities in society (birth, marriage, naturalization).

Establishing Justice

The government has to show the appearance of being fair; giving equal rights, punishment, etc.

Ensuring Domestic Tranquility

Maintaining peace, order, and safety within the country.

Providing for the Common Defense

Protecting the country from foreign threats and attacks (military).

Promoting the General Welfare

Supporting the well-being and quality of life of the people (American Dream).

Monarchy

Rule by one; appointed by divine right; rules in the interest of the people/kingdom.

Totalitarianism

One supreme leader; makes rules with little regard for his/her state (has no citizens).

Oligarchy

Ruled by the few; privileged class or group rules (regulations can be based on merit).

Democracy

Ruled by the many; sovereignty of power rests ultimately with the people.

Direct Democracy

Gives everyone an opportunity to vote, and the most votes win (local and state).

Indirect Democracy (Representative Democracy)

Asking representatives to make decisions rather than everybody (national).

Republic

A government that consists of both direct and indirect democracy.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Divine Right of Kings

Theory that monarchs get power directly from God (first theory to be challenged).

Mayflower Compact

Early agreement among the Pilgrims established to maintain order (no stealing, killing, etc.).

Social Contract

An agreement between people and the government; a behavior contract where you give up something to get something.

Social Contract Theory

People give consent to the government to rule in exchange for the government protecting their natural rights.

Leviathan (1651)

Written by Thomas Hobbes; states that people are naturally selfish and need a strong government to keep society peaceful and orderly.

Thomas Hobbes

Pessimist who believed man's basic state was one of war, requiring a strong government to control human nature.

John Locke

Optimist who believed men formed governments to preserve property and justice; believed people were born with natural rights.

Natural Rights

Rights people are born with that cannot be taken away by the government.

Life, Liberty, and Property

The three inherent human rights that must be protected by the government (according to Locke).

Thomas Jefferson and the Original Draft of the Declaration of Independence

Argued all people had natural rights ("life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness") and that the British government violated colonists' rights; inspired by John Locke.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Theorist who advocated for a balanced political structure (micro government for local matters, macro government for national matters).

Natural Law

Ethical principles or ideas that society inherently agrees are wrong.

Civil Society

Operates independently of both the government and businesses; the "third sector" of society.

Political Culture

The distinctive way Americans think about politics and government.

The Change from "Freedom From" to "Freedom To"

Shift from freedom from British oppression to freedom to exercise personal rights.

Personal Liberty

Freedom to be whoever you want to be.

Political Equality

Every citizen holds an equal right to participate and be represented in government.

Popular Consent

Government is only legitimate and lawful when it has the approval of the people it rules.

Majority Rule

System where if more than half of the voters agree, their choice is approved.

Popular Sovereignty

The power of the government is legitimized by the people who choose to be governed.

Individualism

Personal responsibility; individuals take responsibility for themselves and their decisions.

Political Ideology

A consistent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government.

Conservative

Favors traditional American values, respect for authority, law and order, and national defense.

Liberal

Favors an active government role in the economy and promotes equality.

Libertarian

Favors very limited government, promoting individual freedom that should only be limited when it infringes on another's rights.

Problems with Political Labels

They reduce complex human beliefs into simplistic, divisive terms that discourage critical thinking.

U.S. Population Today vs. Adoption of Constitution

Expanded from under 4 million people in 13 states to roughly 300 million people across 50 states and territories.

Population and Representation in Congress

As the population grows, the scope and scale of representation in Congress expands.

Changes in Racial and Ethnic Composition

Shifted from primarily Anglo-Saxon Northern European origins to greater diversity (with Hispanic Americans becoming a significant demographic shift).

Changes in Age Cohort Composition

Average historical lifespan increased from ~35 years to men living to ~74 and women to ~80.

"Graying" of America

America is getting older due to living longer with better healthcare, leading government policies to lean toward older demographics.

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)

Shaped by the Vietnam War, Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, counterculture, and the moon landing.

Generation X (1965–1979)

First generation with both parents in the workforce; key influences include early internet, video games, hip-hop/grunge, and entrepreneurship.

Generation Y / Millennials (1980–1995)

Global connectivity through technology; strong social progressiveness and left-leaning (liberal) political tendencies.

Changes in Family and Family Size

Average family sizes have gotten smaller, and single-parent families are on the rise.

High Expectations

Americans' expectations of the government are increasing, often demanding instant fixes to complex problems.

American Dream

Ideology that anyone can achieve success, prosperity, and upward social mobility through hard work.

Missing Appreciation of the Good

Systems have become complex, and traditional educational socialization roles have shifted.

Mistrust of Politicians

Widespread skepticism toward politics amplified by media coverage of scandals.

Voter Apathy

Lack of interest or engagement in voting due to complex choices, lack of information, or feeling that a single vote doesn't matter.

Redefining Our Expectations

Acknowledges that politics inherently involves conflict, making it difficult to please all voters or solve every societal issue instantly.