Introduction to American National Government

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on American National Government.

Government

The means by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals.

Politics

The process of gaining and exercising control within a government for the purpose of setting and achieving goals.

Collective Goals

Shared objectives that a society seeks to achieve through its governance.

Capitalist Economic System

An economic system where private businesses produce and sell most consumer goods and services, earning profit.

Public Goods

Goods or services provided by the government that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities or for profit, such as education and public safety.

Excludable Goods

Goods that can be restricted from individuals to access.

Non-Excludable Goods

Goods that cannot easily be restricted from individuals accessing them.

Rivalrous Goods

Goods that cannot be consumed by multiple people at the same time.

Non-Rivalrous Goods

Goods that can be consumed by multiple people simultaneously.

Republican Democracy

A type of government in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

Elite Theory

The theory that a small group of elites controls power in government while most citizens have little or no influence.

Pluralism

The theory that competing interest groups influence the government and hold political power.

Tradeoffs Perspective

Acknowledges that competing interests vie for government influence, resulting in policies that reflect compromises.

Civic Engagement

The participation of citizens in the political process, which may be individual or through group involvement.

Factors of Engagement

Elements that influence political participation, such as age, wealth, and education.

Representative Democracy

A form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.