Patterson Chapter 1 Key Terms and Major Concepts

political thinking

the careful gathering and sifting of information in the process of forming a knowledgeable view about a political issue

political science

the systematic study of government and politics

politics

the process through which a society settles its conflicts

power

the ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments or through elected representatives

democracy

A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected leaders

majoritarianism

the idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in policy determination

pluralism

a theory of american politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through power exercised by groups

authority

the recognized right of officials to exercised power as a result of the positions they hold

constitutionalism

the idea that there are lawful limits on the power of government

judicial action

the use of courts of law as a means by which individuals protect their rights and settle their conflict

free market system

an economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets.

corporate power

the power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace

elitism

the notion that wealthy and well connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy

public policies

decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action