Introduction to American Politics – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture notes on American politics.

Due process

The constitutional guarantee that the government must respect fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property (criminal and administrative contexts, e.g., indictment, right to counsel, notification, opportunity to respond).

Unalienable rights

Rights that are inherent and cannot be taken away; natural, God-given rights often cited as foundational (e.g., life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).

Liberty

The freedom to act within the equal rights of others; concept debated by Jefferson, Calhoun, and Lincoln regarding its limits and relation to security.

Rights vs Privileges

The question of whether freedoms are natural rights or government-granted privileges; governments may grant or limit rights and must justify doing so.

Personal property

Moveable possessions not attached to land (contrast with real property).

Real property

Land and things attached to the land (e.g., houses, fixtures).

Intellectual property

Patents, copyrights, and ideas protected by law across innovation and creative work.

Tangible property

Property with physical form that can be touched (e.g., jewelry, cars, books).

Intangible property

Property with no physical form (e.g., patents, brand names, software).

Money (subjective value)

Money represents subjective value; worth depends on context and scarcity, not intrinsic value. Example: value varies by needs (gas, food, medicine).

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or outcome.

Defunding the police

Policy proposal to reduce or reallocate funding for police departments as part of public safety debates.

Migrant caravans

Groups of migrants traveling together, often discussed in policy and governance contexts.

Press reporting

Media coverage that informs the public and shapes narratives about events and issues.

US Exceptionalism

Belief that the U.S. government is premised on unalienable rights and is unique in world history; government must justify actions via majority support or judicial review.

Crowell’s Basic Reason for American Government

To enable individuals to thrive within a group by protecting rights and resolving conflicts when rights collide.