Chapter 13 - Government and Politics

Politics

the social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some people and group.

Government

the formal organization that has legal and political authority to regulate the relationships among members of society and between the society and those outside its borders.

Power

the ability of persons of groups to achieve their goals despite opposition from others.

Legitimate Power

power that is voluntarily accepted by those who are subject to it.

Illegitimate Power

a form of authority that relies on force or coercion to generate obedience.

Power Tactics

the specific strategies people use to influence others in everyday life.

Authority

the power that people accept as a legitimate rather than coercive.

Traditional Authority

power that is legitimized based on long-standing custom.

Charismatic Authority

power legitimized based on a leader’s exceptional personal qualities or the demonstration of extraordinary insight and accomplishment that inspire loyalty and obedience from followers.

Rational-Legal Authority

power legitimized by law or written rules and regulations.

Monarchy

a political system in which power resides in one person or family and is passed from generation to generation through lines of inheritance.

Democracy

a political system in which the people hold the ruling power either directly or through elected representatives.

Direct Democracy

when citizens have direct impact on policy and laws

Representative Democracy

a form of democracy whereby citizens elect representatives to serve as bridges between themselves and the government.

Power Elite Model

power in political systems is concentrated in the hands of a small group of elites, and the masses are relatively powerless.

Authoritarianism

a political system controlled by rulers who deny popular participation in government.

The Economy

the social institution that ensures the maintenance of society through production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Primary Sector

the sector of economy that processes raw materials and natural resources from the environment.

Secondary Sector

the sector of the economy that processes raw materials into finished goods.

Tertiary Sector

the sector of the economy that is involved in the provision of services rather than goods.

Capitalism

an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, from which personal profits can be derived through market competition and without government intervention.

Socialism

an economic system characterized by public ownership of the means of production, the pursuit of collective goals, and centralized decision making.

Democratic Socialism

an economic and political system that combines private ownership of some of the means of production, governmental distribution of some essential goods and services, and free elections.

Welfare State

a state in which there is extensive government action to provide support and services to the citizens.

Oligopoly

an industry dominated by just a few companies

Postindustrial Economy

an economy based on computer technology.