Propaganda, Types of Government, and Early U.S. Civics

Vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on propaganda techniques, political philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, Aristotle's classifications of government, power types, and fundamental concepts surrounding the early American government and Constitutional Convention compromises.

Propaganda

Information used to promote a point of view.

Transfer (Propaganda)

A propaganda tool where a certain good image or sound is associated with a product (e.g., Apple, Nike, McDonald's).

Testimonial / Endorsements

A propaganda tool that involves paying someone who is popular with the audience to give public approval or support, influencing people to buy a product.

Glittering Generalities

A propaganda tool using vague words that don't make sense but sound appealing (e.g., "I'm Lovin it").

Just Plain Folks

A propaganda tool that relates to the audience based on a commonality, like age or height.

Bandwagon

A propaganda technique that appeals to the popularity of an action because a lot of people are doing it (e.g., Stanley Cups).

Stacked Cards

A propaganda technique that tries to give the audience a lot of reasons and overwhelms them with information (e.g., medicine ads).

Name Calling

A propaganda tool that involves making fun of oppositions or enemies (e.g., Coke and Pepsi, Trump and "Sleepy Joe").

Pathos

A propaganda tool that appeals directly to emotions (e.g., sad ads).

Three Keys to Effective Propaganda

1. Does it reach the desired audience? 2. Does the audience remember it? 3. Does it persuade the audience?

Hobbes's Idea of Human Nature

The belief that human nature is bad, selfish, and power hungry.

Hobbes's Government Leader

A government leader who is powerful and invokes fear in the people.

Locke's Idea of Human Nature

The belief that human nature is good and capable.

Locke's Government Leader

A government leader who is hands off, supportive, and a listener.

Social Contract

The agreement that government should meet the needs of people (such as religion, education, and property) and in return, people follow the government.

Government

An accepted group of people who make decisions for a community.

Monarchy (Aristotle)

Rule by one good leader who thinks of the people and makes good decisions.

Tyranny (Aristotle)

Rule by one corrupt leader.

Aristocracy (Aristotle)

Rule by a few good leaders.

Oligarchy (Aristotle)

Rule by a few corrupt leaders.

Polity (Aristotle)

Rule of many good leaders.

Democracy (Aristotle's Classification)

Rule of many corrupt leaders.

Direct Democracy

A system where every member of the community directly votes.

Indirect Democracy (Republic)

A system where members elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Legitimate Power

Official power of leadership.

Expert Power

Power held by an individual because they excel in a certain skill or informational knowledge.

Coercion Power

Power derived from a fear factor.

Charter

An official agreement between a colonial government and England (the parent country).

Continental Congress (1774)

A temporary government that oversaw the colonies during the fight for independence, where each state had one vote.

Articles of Confederation

The first national government of the U.S., described as a "league of friendship," which required approval from all 13 states to amend.

Virginia Plan (VA Plan)

A proposal for 3 branches of government featuring a 2-house legislature with representation determined by population.

New Jersey Plan (NJ Plan)

A proposal for 3 branches of government featuring a 1-house legislature determined by equal representation.

Great Compromise

A agreement creating a 2-house legislature combining the Virginia Plan (House of Representatives based on population) and New Jersey Plan (Senate based on equality).

$\frac{3}{5}$ Compromise

An agreement stating that a slave counts as $\frac{3}{5}$ of a person toward determining state populations for taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.

Commerce Compromise

An agreement giving the National Government authority to regulate trade between states and countries.