OpenStax Ch. 1

what are the goals of american government?

to accomplish economic prosperity, secure national borders, the safety and well-being of citizens

what economic system is often times equated with democracy and why?

capitalism because they both developed around the same time

who was john locke and what were his core beliefs?

john locke was an english political philosopher of the 17th century and believed that all people have natural rights to life, liberty, and propert. HE BELIEVED IN THE PEOPLE!

what idea did john locke create? what theory did it lead to?

that people should be free to consent to being governed, which led to the creation of the social contract theory

what idea did adam smith create and what did he argue?

that all people should acquire property in any way that they desired and argued that people should be allowed to operate as they wish and keep the proceeds of their work

what does adam smith argue in his book, wealth of nations?

that competition between people would ensure that consumers could have their needs met, businesses would reap profits, and society would become successful

what is socialism?

is an alternative economic system that supports the idea of factories, large farms, and banks being owned by the government and not by private individuals

who was c. wright mills? did he believe that American government was controlled by pluralists and elitists?

he was an American sociologist and supports the idea that the government is controlled by elitists

list at least 3 means of evidence that proves our government is run by elites

1. the 6 most recent presidents of the U.S. have graduated from Ivy League schools and have earned a bachelor’s degree at a heavier % than most adults

2. current members of Congress are filled with a majority of white males who have studied in the field of law

3. the wealthy are able to pay their flat rate taxes and still have money to live off of, while lower-income and even poor citizens have barely enough

what are tradeoffs? what causes them?

the idea of favoring one group of people with political views that contradicts the beliefs of another group. they occur as a result of the conflict between groups that represent the competing interests of citizens

which amendments passed provide protection of freedom of speech in America?

the 1st and fourth amendment

list 3 ways that American citizens can become civically engaged

1. participating in organizations, protests, or boycotts

2. contacting political representatives

3. voting

what are the dangers of capitalism in America?

it allows too much control over the market and economy to rest in the hands of individuals. not everyone is able to responsibly handle power and some could abuse it by ridiculously raising the prices of goods

what was c. wright mills’ primary argument in his book, the power elite?

that the government is controlled by a combination of business, military, and political elites

what is civil disobedience?

the refusal to comply with certain laws or to pay taxes and fines, as a peaceful form of political protest

describe some examples of civil disobedience

• lunch counter sit-ins from Black civil rights activists

• movements like Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street

• boycotts against companies.

why are younger americans less likely to become involved in politics?

because they do not support partisan politics. they are discouraged that most elected representatives are less concerned about voting in support of the interests and values of American citizens and more on voting in the way their particular party wants them to

define partisanship

the tendency to identify with and to support a particular political party

why are young voters likely to become less partisan?

because they want their representatives to vote for leaders that value their interests and concern

young voters are more likely to identify as ______________, rather than with a particular political party

independents

which philosophers helped shape our American government? how?

john locke and adam smith did by the spreading of their ideals of natural rights to life, liberty, and property (Locke) and rights to acquire property (Smith) have influenced our political system into a democracy where the people have a say in who their leaders are, as well as have an opportunity at upholding freedoms

what was the reformation?

a religious movement to reform the doctrine and institutions of the Roman Catholic Church that promoted the belief that people could talk directly to God without the intervention of a priest

what was the enlightenment period? how has it affected american political culture?

when philosophers and scientists (such as Sir Isaac Newton) worked to persuade peoples’ views of the government by convincing them that the world could be improved through science, human reason, and religious toleration. it challenged the idea of the divine right of kings and would further change who was in charge

who defined the idea of natural law?

aristotle

what is the idea of “natural law?”

the idea that society should be governed by ethical principles that are a part of nature

who expanded on the idea of “natural law?”

thomas aquinas. he believed that God created natural law to establish individual rights

what government ideals did thomas hobbes believe and spread?

that a strong government is needed to protect the weak and monarchies are needed to restrain man’s “bestial tendencies.” HE BELIEVED IN ONE RULER!

what is a monarchy?

a form of government where there is one ruler, usually a hereditary ruler holding the political power

what is an oligarchy?

a power system that only includes a certain political party or ruling elite that can participate in government

what is an aristocracy?

a form of government where a small group of individuals are deemed “best fit” or “elite” to rule

what is a direct democracy?

a system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule

does our American government practice socialism or capitalism?

both are practiced. socialist programs provide free and inexpensive public utilities, while capitalist programs provide other public goods through private businesses and receive a profit in return

define politics

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

define government

the means by which a society organizes itself and how it allocates authority in order to accomplish collective goals and provide benefits that the society as a whole needs

define democracy

a political system in which people govern themselves

what are private goods?

food, clothing, and housing provided in ample supply by private businesses that earn a profit in return

what are public goods?

goods provided to all that are free of charge that are funded by citizens paying into the general tax base

what are common goods?

goods that all people can use free of charge, but are limited in supply (fish or filtered water)

what are the responsibilities of local a government?

funding education, the police + fire departments, and maintenance of public parks

what are the responsibilities of a state government?

funding colleges + universities, state roads + bridges, and wildlife management

what are the responsibilities of national government?

funding defense, Social Security, veterans, federal courts + prisons, and national parks

what is a representative democracy?

where the people elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on behalf of all the people

what is the concept of “majority rule?”

the opinions of the majority of the people that have more influence with government than those of the minority

define the elite theory

a belief that elite citizens are exclusively in charge of government in the United States and that they use their power to control the economy so that those with lower means cannot advance

define the pluralist theory

a belief that political power rests with competing interest groups who share influence in government

what does political scientist, robert putnam, argue?

that people’s willingness to become civically involved is waning and that they are more interested in activities that require little opportunity to interact with others

what is an ideology?

established beliefs and ideals that help shape political policy

define latent preferences

beliefs that aren’t deeply held and do not remain the same over time

define intense preferences

beliefs based on strong feelings regarding an issue that someone adheres to over time

define egalitarianism

an ideal that calls for equal treatment for all and the destruction of socioeconomic inequalities

define totalitarianism

a form of government that favors the government over the citizens and controls all aspects of their lives