WTP14 ESS CH01 OUTLINE: Introduction to Americans and Their Political Values (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on forms of government, citizenship, political knowledge, efficacy, values, and attitudes toward government.

Autocracy

Rule by a single individual; concentrated power with little or no democratic constraint.

Oligarchy

Rule by a small group of elites who hold power.

Democracy

A system where citizens have a significant role, often by electing leaders to govern.

Constitutional government

A government bound by formal rules and limits in a constitution.

Authoritarian government

A regime with fewer formal limits on power and limited political freedoms.

Totalitarian government

A regime with no effective checks on power and seeks to control all aspects of life.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that ultimate political authority rests with the people.

Majority rule, minority rights

Democratic principle where the majority governs while protecting minority rights.

Representative democracy

Citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct democracy

Citizens vote directly on laws and policies rather than through representatives.

Pluralism

Idea that many groups and ideas compete for influence in government.

Citizenship

Informed and active membership in a political community; based on participation, knowledge, and efficacy.

Political knowledge

Awareness of issues, how government works, and appropriate expectations of politicians.

Political efficacy

Belief that individual citizens can influence government.

Disinformation

Deliberately false information that misleads the public.

Liberty

Personal and economic freedom; linked to limited government.

Equality (of opportunity; before the law)

Belief in a fair chance to develop talents; political equality before the law.

Laissez-faire capitalism

Economic system with minimal government regulation of commerce and property.

Naturalization restrictions (1870)

Before 1870, nonwhites could not become naturalized citizens.

Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)

Law banning Chinese laborers from entry; repealed in 1943.

Diversity of the American population

Growing racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic variety in the U.S.

Public trust in government

Public confidence in government; declined since the 1960s, low by 2015.

American political culture

Shared values and attitudes toward government dating back to the founding.

Liberty, equality, and democracy (foundational values)

Core values shaping the U.S. system: liberty (freedom with limited government), equality (opportunity and legal equality), and democracy (rule by the people).