Introduction to American Government

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts discussed in the lecture regarding the fundamentals of American government.

Government

An institution of the state that maintains social order, provides public services, and enforces laws which are binding.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Social Order

A condition of internal peace and stability in a society, which is maintained by government.

Anarchy

A situation where there is an absence of government, often resulting in chaos.

Public Services

Services provided by the government to its citizens, such as education, security, and infrastructure.

Legitimacy

The moral authority of a government to govern, often based on consent of the governed.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of their political system.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the United States Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that are inherent to all individuals, often thought to be protected by government.

Institution

A complex mechanism of rules or practices that fulfill a function in society or government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a confederation of sovereign states.

Consent of the Governed

A principle that a government's legitimacy derives from the consent of the people it governs.

Chaos

A state of complete disorder and confusion, often seen as the opposite of social order.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, rather than from the consent of the governed.

Indoctrination

The process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

Border Control

Measures taken by a government to regulate the entry and exit of people and goods across its borders.

Territory

The defined geographical area owned or controlled by a state.

Sovereignty of a State

The characteristic of a state that denotes independence and the full right to govern itself.

Authority

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Will of the People

The collective wishes or desires of a citizenry within a political system.

Cyclical Elections

Elections held at regular intervals to allow citizens to vote for their leaders.

Human Condition

The characteristics and key events that define human existence, often referenced in discussions on rights.

Conflict Resolution

The methods and processes used to facilitate the peaceful ending of a conflict.

Civil Society

The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Constitution

The fundamental principles or established precedents by which a state or other organization is governed.

Political Scientist

An expert in the study of political systems, government structures, and political behavior.

Non-Legitimate Government

A government that lacks moral authority or recognition from its citizens or the international community.

Community Engagement

The involvement of citizens in the governance process, aimed at improving public participation.

Force in Government

The use of power or coercion to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and benefits.

Government Failure

A situation where government intervention in the economy or society leads to an inefficient allocation of resources.

Freedom of Expression

The right to express one's opinions without censorship or restraint.