Chapter 1 Government

Open Stax

common goods

goods all people may use but are of limited supply EX: Fish, public parks, timber

Democracy

Form of government where political power rests in the hands of the people

direct democracy

form of government where people participate directly in making government instead of choosing representatives to do this for them

elite theory

claims political power rests in the hands of a small, elite group of people

ideology

the beliefs and ideals that help to shape political opinion and eventually policy

intense preferences

beliefs and preferences based on strong feelings regarding an issue that someone adheres top

majority rule

a fundamental principle of democracy; the majority should have the power to make decisions binding upon the whole

minority rights

protection for those who are not part of the majority

monarchy

form of government where one ruller, usually hereditary, holds political power

oligarchy

form of government where a handful of elite society members hold political power

partisanship

strong support, or even blind allegiance, for a particular political party

pluralist theory

claims political power rests in the hands of groups of people

political power

influence over a government institutions, leadership, or policies

politics

the process by which we decide how resources will be allocated and which policies government will pursue

private goods

goods provided by private businesses that can be used only by those who pay for them

public goods

goods provided by the government that anyone can use that are available to all without charge Ex: street lights

representative democracy

a form of government where voters elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on behalf of all the people instead of allowing people to vote directly on laws

social capital

connections with other and the willingness to interact and aid them

toll goods

a good that is available to many people but is used only by those who can pay the price to dos o

totalitarianism

a form of government where government is all-powerful and citizens have no rights

What is Government?

Government provides services, stability, and a way for citizens to participate in a representative democracy (for the U.S).

Who Governs?

Power is debated between elites and interest groups, and government decision/ politicians usually involve balancing these competing interests.

What is engagement in a democracy like?

Civic participation helps people influence government and improve their communities through actions like voting, protesting, or volunteering.

what is a tradeoff?

Trying to satisfy two different groups with conflicting interests.

Latent preferences

When a person has little interest in or has not thought much about a political issue.

What kinds of people are most likely to become active in politics or community services?

Those with high socioeconomic status by high education, income and age

What political activities can people engage in other than running for office?

Voting, rallies, donating, protesting, interest groups, volunteering, contacting officials ect.