The Citizen and Government

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the roles of citizens and government as discussed in Chapter 1 of the course on political science.

Politics

The process of deciding who benefits in society and who does not.

Government

An institution that creates and implements policies and laws to guide the conduct of a nation and its citizens.

Policy

Any rule, law, or ordinance that must be followed, with consequences for non-compliance.

Social Security

A policy that provides financial assistance to elderly individuals, funded through payroll taxes.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one can achieve something desirable and that the government listens to its citizens.

Anarchy

A state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority.

Autocracy

A system of government in which one person has absolute power.

Oligarchy

A form of power structure in which power resides in the hands of a small number of people.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Democracy

A system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives.

Social Contract Theory

The theory that individuals give up some freedoms to form a government that protects their remaining rights.

Legitimacy

The recognized right to govern, often derived by consent of the governed.

Constitution

A document that outlines the fundamental principles and framework of a government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee certain rights to citizens.

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.