Philosophical Foundations of American Policymaking

Vocabulary flashcards covering the philosophical foundations of American policymaking, including liberal democracy, strains of liberalism, the rule of law, and majoritarian versus anti-majoritarian features.

Representative Democracy

A political system where leaders are selected by the public and decisions are made by officials who are accountable to the people, rather than directly by the people.

Liberal Democracy

A form of democracy featuring free and fair elections, guaranteed individual rights essential to political accountability, a goal of political equality, institutions governed by the rule of law, private property ownership, and a market economy.

Direct Democracy

A system of government contrasted with representative democracy in which citizens make policy decisions directly rather than electing representatives to make decisions for them.

Classical Liberalism

An 18th- and 19th-century political philosophy emphasizing individual flourishing and freedom through a less active government, summarized by the idea to 'get gov't out of the way.'

Modern Liberalism (Progressive Liberalism)

A 20th-century political perspective maintaining that government needs to play a more active role in helping people satisfy their interests and achieve fulfillment.

Rule of Law

A foundational legal principle requiring institutions and decision-makers to be governed by established legal rules to prevent arbitrary or personalist rule.

Constitutionalism

A system of constitutional principles and institutional restraints designed to limit state power and prevent majoritarian tyranny.

Social Contract

A liberal political concept positing a voluntary agreement among individuals in society to create a political authority to ensure order.

Popular Sovereignty (Liberal Perspective)

The political concept that supreme power is vested not in an abstract 'general will' of the collective, but in the distinct individuals who comprise society.

Majoritarian Features

Institutional and procedural elements that empower majority rule, such as the House of Representatives, regular competitive elections, ballot initiatives or referenda, and protections for equal participation.

Anti-majoritarian Features

Systemic institutions and rules that constrain or dilute majority rule, including Senate apportionment, the Senate filibuster, lifetime judicial appointments, the Electoral College, and gerrymandering.

Democratic Backsliding

The gradual decline or erosion in the quality, norms, and institutions of a democracy, such as the rule of law and free, competitive participation.