Social Justice and Government Roles Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core social justice concepts, philosophical perspectives, political parties, government structure, budgeting, and legislative processes.

Modern Perspective of Social Justice

The view that distribution of resources is equitable and all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure.

Postmodern Perspective of Social Justice

A subjective (emotional) perspective that shifts focus from the end outcome of justice to the process involved as people strive for justice.

Stewardship

One of the five key institutions of social life, defined as the care of natural and human-created resources.

Membership

A component of justice in process referring to group boundaries used for distinguishing between "us and them".

Voice

A component of justice in process defined as a person's ability to influence decision-making within a group.

Dessert (Miller)

A component of social justice where an outcome is considered just when each person involved gets what they want.

Need (Miller)

A component of social justice where just outcomes take into account each person's individual needs.

Right (Miller)

A component of social justice defining an outcome to which an individual is entitled based on a prior agreement or contract.

Restorative Justice

An approach to justice that aims to heal victims, offenders, and communities impacted by harm.

Social Equality

Equality that exists to the extent that community esteem for individuals is not based on a hierarchy.

Political Equality

A fundamental value in democracy personified by the notion of "one person, one vote".

Economic Equality

The equitable distribution of income and wealth.

Capitalism

An economic system (also called "free enterprise system") based on trade among private individuals and corporations, in which the means of production are privately owned.

Laissez-faire Capitalism

A form of capitalism where markets operate with no government intervention.

Libertarian Philosophy

A philosophical perspective arguing that inequality is acceptable and promotes social well-being.

Liberal Philosophy

A philosophical perspective combining liberty and equality, specifically economic liberty and political equality.

Utilitarian Approach

An ethical approach seeking the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Veil of Ignorance (Rawls)

A hypothetical position in which individuals are unaware of their personal status, leading to rational choices that result in justice.

Electoral College

The system that decides who is the President of the United States, where winning the popular vote alone does not secure the presidency.

Spoiler Effect

An election phenomenon where a third-party candidate takes votes away from a major candidate with similar political views.

Republican Party (GOP)

A major political party originating in opposition to slavery that later embraced libertarian and neoconservative ideals, favoring limited government and business interests.

Democratic Party

A major political party dating back to 1792 that initially supported the common man and over time championed equality and government intervention to address social issues.

Conservative

A political label for those who generally prefer maintaining existing institutions, avoiding change, and supporting traditional values with minimal government economic intervention.

Neoconservative

A faction of conservatism that supports American global dominance.

Liberal

A political label supporting progress, reform, and government intervention to drive social change while prioritizing civil liberties over property rights.

Progressive

A term often used interchangeably with liberal that typically emphasizes new or forward-thinking reforms.

Manifest Destiny

The political concept of extending territorial control from the Atlantic to the Pacific and taking control of other regions.

Tenth Amendment

A constitutional amendment stating that any power not given to the federal government belongs to the states or the people.

Categorical Grants

Federal funding given to states that carries strict rules and restrictions on how the money must be spent.

Block Grants

Federal funding given to states with broader freedom for state governments to decide how to allocate the funds.

Devolution

The transfer of power, control, money, and responsibility for specific programs from the federal government to state governments.

Discretionary Spending

Budgetary spending (making up about 1/3 of the U.S. budget) controlled through annual appropriations bills for programs like public schools and housing.

Mandatory Spending

Budgetary spending (making up about 2/3 of the U.S. budget) required by law for entitlements like Social Security, Medicare, and national debt interest.

Privatization

The transfer of services usually provided by the government to private companies.

Pay for Success / Social Investment Bonding

A funding mechanism where private investors fund public programs and receive payment only if the program successfully meets its intended goals.

Progressive Tax

A tax system where individuals who make more money pay a higher percentage in taxes.

Race to the Bottom

A competitive dynamic where states decrease public assistance benefits to prevent low-income populations from moving there to receive benefits.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government (Congress, consisting of 435 Representatives and 100 Senators) responsible for making laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government (headed by the President or Governor) that enforces laws through regulations and executive orders.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government (the courts) that interprets laws by making legal decisions that set precedents.

Filibuster

A Senate procedure where a senator speaks for an extended time to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Cloture

A vote supported by 60 out of 100 senators required to end a filibuster.

Mark-Up Session

A committee meeting following public hearings where lawmakers review, edit, and revise a bill before deciding whether to send it for a full vote.

Pocket Veto

An automatic veto that occurs when the president ignores a bill for 10 days while Congress has adjourned.