Government in America, Edwards: Chapter 1

representation

A basic principe of traditional democratic theory that describes the relationship between the few leaders and the many followers

Constitution

A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society. A nation's basic law. Creates political institutions, assigns or divide powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.

pluralist theory (pluralism)

A theory of American democracy emphasizing that the policymaking process is very open to the participation of all groups with shared interests, with no single group usually dominating. Argues that there are many centers of influence in which groups compete with one another for control over public policy through bargaining and compromise, believe that as a result, public interest generally prevails

Collective goods

Goods and services, such as clear air and clean water, that by their nature cannot be denied by anyone

Bureaucratic Policy

Refers to an approach to public policy that emphasizes internal bargaining within the state

Policy impacts

The effects a policy has on people and problems. Impacts are analyzed to see how well a policy has met its goal and at what cost.

policymaking system

The process by which [policy comes into being and evolves. People's interests, problems, and concerns create political issues for government makers. institutions of government designed to respond to each other and to the priorities of the people by governmental action. Issue policy that impacts people.

public policy

a choice that government makes in response to some political issue on its agenda

democracy

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

Political culture

an overall set of values widely shared within a society about the politics in their country

Elite and Class Theory (Elitism)

argues that society is divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite rules on the basis of its wealth. A theory of American democracy contending that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy regardless of the formal governmental organization

hyperpluralism

argues that too many strong influential groups cripple the government's ability to make coherent policy by dividing government and its authority. A theory of American democracy.

single-issue groups

groups so concerned with one matter that their members cast their votes on the basis of that issue only. Narrow interest on which their members tend to take an uncompromising stance.

policymaking institutions

institutions such as Congress, the presidency, and the courts established by the Constitution to make policy. Today, the power of the bureaucracy a is so great that most political scientists consider it a fourth policy-making institution.

linkage institutions

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

Government

institutions that make public policy for a society

minority rights

protecting the rights and freedoms of the minority in choosing among policy alternatives, A principle fo traditional democratic theory that guarantees rights to those who do not belong to majorities.

policy agenda

the list of subjects or problems to which people inside and outside government are paying serious attention at any given time

Politics

determines whom we select as our government leaders and what policies they pursue; in other words, who gets what, when, and how. Politics produces authoritative decision about public issues.

gross domestic product

the total value of all goods and services produced annually by a nation

political participation

the ways in which people get involved in politics. Activities by which citizens attempt to influence the selection of political leaders and the policies they pursue. Voting is the most common, other means include contacting public officials, protest, and civil disobedience

Public Goods

things that everyone can share

political issue

this arises when people disagree about a problem or about public policy choices made to combat a problem

majority rule

weighing the desires of the majority in choosing among policy alternatives. A principle of traditional democratic theory, choosing among alternatives requires that he majority's desire to be respected.

policy gridlock

where each interest uses its influence to thwart policies it opposes so that no coalition forms a majority to establish policy