AP GOV chapter 1

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Linkage institutions -

institutions such as parties, elections, interest groups, and the media, which provide a linkage between the preferences of citizens and the government’s policy agenda.

Democracy

 a means of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public’s preferences.

Majority Rule

weighing the desires of the majority in choosing among policy alternatives.

Minority rights

protecting the rights and freedoms of the minority in choosing among policy alternatives.

Representation

the relationship between the leaders and the followers.

Hyperpluralism

argues that too many strong influential groups cripple the government’s ability to make coherent policy by dividing government and its authority.

List the five functions that all national governments perform.

1. Maintain a national defense

2. Provide Public goods and services

3. Preserve order

4. Socialize the young

5. Collect Taxes

List four key linkage institutions in a democratic society.

1. Parties

2. Elections

3. Interest groups

4. The Media

1. List the four major policymaking institutions in the United States.

1. The Congress

2. The Presidency

3. The Courts

4. The Bureaucracy 

Explain the principles of majority rule

Majority Rule - An elected legislature or council proposes a policy. To become a rule, it must win a majority vote. This ensures the policy reflects the will of the broader public.

Explain the principles of Minority right

Minority Rights - Even if 99% of the population votes for a policy, it cannot become a valid rule if it violates the fundamental constitutional rights of the remaining 1%.

Who holds power

and is how is the policy is made

Pluralist

Many different interest groups compete for power and influence.

Policy is made through competition and compromise among different interest groups.

Who holds power

How policy is made

Elite and Class

The Highest in class hold power (Richest)

Policies tend to reflect the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

Who holds power

How policy is made

Hyperpluralist

Many interest groups have significant influence over government.

Policy is often made through excessive group demands and compromise, which can lead to gridlock or contradictory policies.

1. List the major challenges facing American democracy.

1. Increased Complexity of Issues

2. Limited Participation in Government

3. Escalating Campaign Costs

4. Diverse Political Interests

1. List and give an example of the five elements of the American creed according to Seymour Martin Lipset.

1. Liberty - Freedom from government interference and protection of basic rights.

   1. The U.S. Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech and religion, preventing the government from silencing citizens.

2. Egalitarianism - The belief in equal opportunity and equal rights for everyone, regardless of social class.

   1. Public school systems are built on the idea that every child deserves an equal chance at an education. 

3. Individualism - A strong focus on self-reliance, independence, and personal responsibility.

   1. The cultural expectation that adults should work hard, find their own jobs, and support themselves

4. Populism - The idea that ordinary people should hold the power and control public affairs.

   1.  Grassroots political movements or campaigns that claim to represent "the common man" against elite institutions. 

5. Laissez-Faire - A preference for a hands-off government approach to the economy.

   1. Support for free markets with low taxes and minimal business regulations