American National Gov. Test 1
What theological principle underlies the idea of "right of property"?*
According to John Locke, since God created man for the free exercise of body and mind, he properly inferred that the products of an individuals' mind and limbs are sacred; the products of man's labor is to be ultimately for God glory and man's enjoyment. (See e.g. Westminster Catechism, question 1, "What is the chief end of man? Ans: to Glorify God and enjoy him forever")
How do Americans today generally view an individual's ability to determine their own success in life?
According to a 2012 survey (reported in Coleman) most Americans believe individuals have an equal chance for success rather than equal results.
What political policies have mitigated racist attitudes in the U.S.?
After the Civil War there were a number of Constitutional Amendments which mitigated the effects of racism. These were the so-call "Civil War" Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th) legally recognized the equality and citizenship of all native born Americans. Judicial Cases such as Brown v Board of Education (1954) and the Congressional Voter's Right Act of 1964 have led to recognition of the rights of all Americans.
What is the predominant perspective on religion in American life today?
Almost 80% of Americans today profess some belief in God. But the American cultural and political tradition has opposed the idea of an "established" religion.
What is the significance of "property rights" for the American Creed?
American have traditionally identified "rights of property"-or "economic" freedom with "political freedom."
During the early twentieth century there was a well-established program of "Americanization" of immigrants coming to the United States. What was the nature and rationale of that program?
Americanization was the system of orientation of foreign immigrants into the English language and culture of the United States. The reason was to integrate immigrants into a common American culture. "Language, boarders and culture" are commonly seen as the basic necessary elements to maintain a nation's identity. Some have seen unbridled immigration as the "Balkanization" or disintegration of the political unity and social structure of the nation itself (see, for example, Patrick J. Buchannan)
How do Americans and Europeans political views differ in regard to the role of government in producing individual economic equality?
Americans political ethos does not expect the government to provide for the citizens' basis needs, such as housing, health care, and education. Europeans expect these to be minimal expectations from their governments.
What are some of the "natural rights" given by God the Creator?
Among the "natural rights" given to every individual by God the Creator are: a. freedom of worship [and practice!] of religion. b. freedom of association and assembly. c. freedom of speech and its symbolic expression in writing (freedom of the press), and actions (freedom of political participation-including giving of resources!)
Why was property ownership seen as late as the 1830s as a prerequisite for political participation?
As late the 1830s property rights was believed, as from the time of the Founding Fathers, that those who owned property had a "stake" in government.
What groups have been the objects of racist attitudes?
Blacks, Hispanics, Jews and at earlier times in American history, immigrants from Eastern and Western Europe (e.g. Italians, Greeks, Irish, and others) have been the objects of "racism."
What four challenges to the American Creed does Coleman cite?
Challenges to the American Creed -communitarianism -discrimination -multiculturalism -libertarianism
Why does Coleman (p. 39) believe the people of the U.S. "buck the trend" to be less religious than those in other Western countries? What is your evaluation?
He explains: the "diverse scope of religious denominational choices in the United States may be one reason Americans are more religious. . . . This competitive market place draws attention to religion while also providing many niches that can satisfy American's differing spiritual needs." (p. 39)
Why has home ownership traditionally been seen as essential to the "American Dream"?*
Home ownership traditionally been seen as essential to the "American Dream" because such ownership assured the individual was not in perpetual economic servitude-especially for a basic essential of like. Today, indebtedness is to be avoided for the same reason: indebtedness to creditors (e.g. Master card, Visa, etc.) means one's labor and property are encumbered; the debtor is slave to the creditor.
In America how is the "will of the people" expressed in government?
In America the frequency of elections making their representatives responsive to the "will of the people."
What are some means by which individuals citizens may participate indirectly in their government?
Individuals may participate in their government indirectly by such means as: a. hearings, b. contacting representatives, c. petitions, and d. lobbying.
What is "identity politics"?
Political identity is the advocacy and protection of group identity in society; it see to preserves distinctive group identity and its distinctive language, culture and beliefs.
Has the growing ethnic diversity of the United States led to competing sets of basic political values? Why or why not?
Because these issues are not ethnic or racial, but ultimately religious-philosophical.
Coleman cites a recent public opinion poll which says three-fifths of American believe big business fails to strike a balance between making profits and serving the public interest. (p. 50) How does business and industry serve the public interest?
Big business and industry serve the public interest in a number of ways including: a. providing jobs b. sharing produced wealth with employees and shareholders. c. provide benevolences for community and individuals Private enterprise better serves benevolences than the government since their operational methods are usually more efficient than government bureaucracies.
What does it mean that Americans today are "philosophically conservative, but operationally liberal"?
That Americans are "philosophically conservative, but operationally liberal" means that "Americans may genuinely believe in limited government, while simultaneously supporting specific government programs." (p. 41)
What is meant by "the American Dream"?
The "American Dream" is the idea that individuals pursuing opportunity can make a better life for themselves." (Coleman, p. 25)
What are the twofold aspects of property rights?
The twofold aspects of property rights are freedom to acquire and to use property.
Are there any "other characteristics" which distinguish one group of individuals from another?*
There are some characteristics which do distinguish some groups from others. These may include, for example, 1. biological, 2. physical (e.g handicapped), 3. Social (children and criminals)
casual question
a question regarding the factors responsible for a particular outcome
What are some sources of American acculturation?
a. political speech b. entertainment and media c. family d. church e. social institutions-schools, universities.
liberty
belief that government should leave people free to do as they please and exercise their natural rights to the maximum extent possible
limited government
idea that the scope of government activities should be narrow and that government should act only when the need is great and other sectors of society are unable to meet the need
What was the chief motive for the English settlers to migrate to America?
immigrants from England, the pilgrims and the puritans, migrated to the New World of America not only for economic opportunity, but also to escape religious persecution.
politics
individual and collective efforts to influence the workings of government
sovereign power
individual or institution in a political system whose decisions are binding and cannot be overturned by other individuals or institutions
spurious relationship
relationship between variables that reflects correlation but not causation
natural rights
rights inherent in the essence of people as human beings; government does not provide these rights but can restrict the exercise of them
government
the institutions that have the authority and capacity to create and enforce public policies (rules) for a specific territory and people
discrimination
view that not all groups in society are deserving of equal rights and opportunities
What is "classical communitarianism"?
"Classical communitarianism" is that view characteristic of the colonial and Revolutionary periods of American history that placed emphasis on individual self-sacrifice for the good of the community. (see Gordon S. Wood The Creation of the American Revolution, 1776-1787. New York: Norton, 1969 and Bernard Bailyn The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Cambridge, MA: Harvard, 1992. Cited in Coleman, et. al., p. 653)
What basic sociological principles are confused by those who would advocate that "cultural defenses" are legitimate defenses in the American legal system which is based on the basic value of human rights?
"Cultural defenses" which seek to justify rape, honor killings and murder confuse cultureal "folkways" with cultureal "mores" which are regared as the universal moral standards in all civilized societies.
What are some ways in which the principle of "equal treatment under the law" may be abused?
"Equal treatment under the law," means that all violators should be persecuted regardless of social status, race, and religion. But this principle may be abused by some holding themselves "above the law."
What is meant by "liberty"?
"Liberty" is a political concept. It was inspired by the colonial revolutionaries and means freedom from restriction of the people's political and economic opportunities.
What is the meaning of "political culture"?
"Political culture refers to "the basic values, beliefs, attitudes, predispositions, and expectations of citizens toward their political system and toward themselves as participants in it." (Coleman, p. 27)
What is a lingering danger in the notion of "racism"?
"Racism" is an "ideology"-that is an "ism." Thus, like all belief systems, the notion of racism can be abused. As an "ism" "racism" is not amenable to "scientific" verification. Thus, it becomes mostly a judgment call to determine what is actually and what is not "racism." Some have exploited the notion of "racism" to perpetuate that which is actually a political agenda.
What are some of the basic aspects of the "American Creed"?
-individualism -democracy -liberty -property -religion -freedom -equality
What is the philosophical and psychological basis of a political culture?
A political culture is ultimately grounded in a people's system of values, or that which a people believes to be right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. That is why the Founding Fathers unanimously pronounced that a system of Biblical-religiously inspired values are indispensable to a civil society. (e.g. George Washington and James Madison)
What is the basic political-economic philosophy of capitalism?
Capitalists "argue that the greatest number of individuals thrive best when ownership of industry is private with minimal limitations imposed by government." (Coleman, p. 29) Capitalists emphasize individual opportunities to pursue "life, liberty, and happiness." (Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence) The natural dynamics of the free market system is seen as the "invisible hand" that guides the economy. (Adam Smith, the Wealth of Nations, 1776)
Why has public policy toward racism changed especially during the twentieth century?
Changes in attitudes toward racial equality and public policy change has been driven in the twentieth century by the change in public opinion. And the change of public opinion led to a change in cultural values.
In what eras of American history did communitarian ideas flourish?
Communitarianism flourished in the following periods of American history: -Populism (1875-1900) -Progressive (1904-1918) -New Deal (1930s) -Great Society (1960s) During these eras communitarian ideas were successfully infused with the idea that politics or economies needed to be reformed for the greater interest of the society.
What is "communitarianism"?
Communitarianism is a political-cultural view that "the needs of the community are of higher priority in government than the needs of the individual, even if the result is a restriction of individual liberties." (p. 49) Samuel Adams, said: "A citizen owes everything to the commonwealth." "Communitarianism also says that the goal of self-improvement should not focus only on the self, but on how self-improvement serves the community and society more broadly. This way of thinking suggests that it is not an inherently bad thing for an individual to make a lot of money, but it asks whether society is served in the process." (p. 49)
What are some examples of among competing political cultures?
Competing political cultures are seen in such issues as religious verses secular views, one language or another, or one geographical region or another. But be careful! These differences are actually reflections of differing religious-philosophical assumptions. Ultimately, it is a people's basic assumptions from which their moral and political values arise.
How does the idea of "limited government" in the United States compare to that of other countries?
Dedication to the idea of limited government is stronger in the United States that in other industrialized democracies. In general, governments in these countries are larger and have more control over society and the economy than is true in the United States However, it must be remembered that in the United States government "outsources" many of its duties to private enterprises. (p. 42)
What is the difference between "direct" and "indirect" democracy?
Direct democracy is participation in actual law making by every individual without representation. "Indirect" democracy is the people's participation in law making through elected representatives.
How has discrimination been a challenge to the American Creed?
Discrimination is the political-cultural "view that not all groups in society are deserving of equal rights and opportunities." (p. 50)
What is meant by "political equality"?
Equality is "the value that all Americans should be treated the same under the law, be able to influence government, and have equal opportunity to succeed in life." (Coleman, p 31)
What are four "ideals" on the part of the people in expectation of their equal participation in American democracy?
Four "ideal" expectations of the people's participation in democracy in America include: a. the will of the. B. consent of the governed, c. equal opportunity to influence the government, and d. equal treatment under the law.
What is meant by a "limited government"?
Government is usually seen by Americans as the "last resort" for solving people's problems. They turn first to the family, church, the market place, non-profit institutions for help in time of need.
How is "equal opportunity" to influence the government expressed in America?
In America, "equal opportunity" is the right of every eligible citizen to have the right to one equal vote. Thus, the American political tradition rejects "inside connections" of influence in the government.
How is the "consent of the governed" expressed in American government?
In American government is understood that public officials should serve and represent the people. In the American political tradition the people can reclaim power by voting out their representatives, and in the extreme case, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, citizens have an obligation to "abolish" unresponsive governments.
How do socialistic governments (e.g. those in Europe) view "liberty"?
In Europe where most governments are socialistic, "liberty" means "freedom from" lack of common benefits. Thus, political socialists view "liberty" as requiring government to provide for such services as housing, education, health care, etc. "In this view, the freedom to speak or to earn a living is weak unless citizens are given the tools to use these freedoms effectively for example, without a health care system to provide for all citizens, the promise of "life," or the "pursuit of happiness" is empty. Without high quality education for all, "fee speech" quickly becomes the province of a relatively small elite. Without both of these, one's opportunities to pursue success, whether in one's career or elsewhere, are sharply limited." "In the United States, the perspective is different. Many or even most Americans may agree that universal health care and quality education are important goals for government. [Italics added] However, relatively few would say that liberty is absent if government does not provide these services. . . . "(Coleman, p. 36)
In a classic essay of the late nineteenth century, the German scholar, Werner Sombart, dealt with the question, "Why is there no socialism in the United States?" What answers does he give?*
In a classic essay of the late nineteenth century the German scholar Werner Sombart theorized that socialism did not arise in the United States because: a. Laboring men were given the right to vote early in U.S. history. Thus, the socialist movement was not necessary for them to gain political rights. b. Relative prosperity made it difficult for reactionary socialistic vies to take root, and c. In contrast to European culture, America did not have a dynastic or hierarchical social-political economic class.
In addition to "equality and freedom," what other five principles reflect the "American Creed"?
In addition to "equality and freedom," the American Creed is characterized by five expectations which apply equality to each of its citizens. There are: individualism, democracy, liberty, property, and religion.
In industrialized democratic countries what is the most basic issues which cause conflict of political cultural views?
In industrialized democratic countries the most basic issues which cause political conflict are grounded in economic-philosophical views. There is always an in extricable relationship between politics and economics.
What are some assumptions underlying Coleman's definition of "equality"? In your textbook is a picture of two women engaged in public display of affection. What does this picture seem to imply about the author's assumptions about "equality"?
In today's contemporary political culture the notion of "equality" is often falls into confusion of categories. "Equality" as a political idea is too often confused with "equality" as a biological or sociological category. Thus, as human being, both women and men possess "political" equality, but does that mean they must have "biological equality"?
What is meant by "individualism"?
Individualism is "a belief that all individuals should be able to succeed to the maximum extent possible given their talents and abilities, regardless of race, religion, or other group distinctions." (p. 33)
What is the basis of "libertarianism" as a political philosophy?
Libertarianism is the view "that emphasizes the importance of individual choice and responsibility the private sector, and the free market, in whcinh government's primary obligations are to defend the contry militarily, protect individuals from crime, and ensure that people fulfill contracts entered into freely." (p. 56)
What were the colonial views on religious toleration?
Many of the colonies were established on strict sectarian (religious) profession. All citizens participating in government were required to profess the "official" religion of their colonial government. That is, many of the colonies had "established" religions which were supported by the colonial governments.
How does Christian religious profession in the U.S. compare to that in European countries today?
More than half in the U.S. profess some sort of Christian religion, while less than 25% does so in such European countries as Germany, France, Spain and England.
What are the defining characteristics of "multiculturalism"?
Multiculturalism is the view "that group identity influences political beliefs and that because groups are naturally diverse in their beliefs, the idea of a shared or dominant political culture merely reflects the imposition of a dominant group's beliefs on subordinate groups." (p. 54)
Should "cultural defenses" be a legitimate basis to justify violence or violate the ethos of the American Creed?
One multiculturalist contend that national political culture is highly diverse, so the idea of national unity should be diminished. Since each individual is a "culture within themselves" a common political unity is not justified. In some court cases "cultural defenses" have been used to legitimize rape, "honor killings," and murder to justify particular cultural beliefs (e.g. Islamic Sharia law). Coleman states: "Advocates of the American Creed would ask whether equality is better served by emphasizing the equal and free status of each individual or by emphasizing the equal status of different cultural beliefs, which might differentiate between he rights accorded to men and women. Advocates of multiculturalism would ask whether these defenses are any different from those offered earlier in American history by individuals with a European cultural heritage. For a long time in the United States, they note, legal rights were sharply different for men and women, largely because of Western cultural understanding about gender relations. [!] (p. 56)
What is "public opinion"? How does it differ from "political culture"?
Political opinion focuses more on the issues or candidates of the day and is thus susceptible to change over short periods. Political culture is a broader set of generally accepted public or civic beliefs. Political culture is pervasive and present in many subtle ways - such as patriotic symbols and speech. (for example, "It's a free country," or "Honesty is the best policy.") Political culture, like other aspects of culture are ultimately grounded in the beliefs or assumptions a people make about God, the world and man's place in the world before God.
How does political participation in the United States compare to that in other countries?
Political participation in the United States is much greater than that in other countries.
What is an underlying danger in the political statement of the American Creed?
Political speech is all too often too general, rather than specific; statements of the American Creed may thus carry an emotional appeal rather than a philosophical grounding in specific moral prescriptions. Further, such emotional statements may diminish or mask rather than evaluation of political policies. "Words have specific meanings."
How did the "eugenics" movement of the early 20th century contribute to the perpetuation of racist attitudes?
Researchers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries by using such methods as measuring brain sizes, leant an air of "scientific objectivity" racial discrimination. Eugenicists perpetuated the notion of ethnic inferiority and the "improvement of society" by advocating laws for the sterilization of such targeted groups as the mentally retarder and ethnic and racial groups such as blacks. (p 53)
What is the basic political-economic philosophy of socialism?
Socialism believes in a strong role of the "visible hand" of government in regulating industry, business and free enterprise. It advocates redistribution programs to offset presumed inequalities that result from economic competition.
What are some contemporary views dissenting from those of Sombart's thesis?
Some have suggested repressive governmental tactics and judicial decisions have repressed popular dissent to the American Creed. (see, for example Herman and Chomsky, 2002)
What elements are a part of the United States "Political Creed?
The "American Creed" is marked by a set of five beliefs including individualism, democracy, liberty, property, and religion. These re based in a philosophy of "equality," and "freedom."
What is meant by the "American Creed"?
The "American Creed" is the dominant political culture of Americans in the United States.
What is meant by the expression that the "American Creed"?
The "American Creed" provides a frame of reference" by which people evaluate political issues and the candidates espousing those issues. Thus, it is the "standard" by which political issues are evaluated as true or false, right or wrong, good or bad. Thus too, the American Creed is always value laden and assumes an underlying moral framework or set of moral standards.
What has compelled and sustained the idea of the ""American Creed" through our national history?
The American Creed has been sustained through the history of our country by the impetus of public opinion and citizen participation in self-govern
What did the Founding Fathers most fear about a democratic government?
The Founding Fathers most feared that a "democratic" government would take away property rights, or the wealth of others. They believed private property needed to be protected from the "passion" of the people. (p. 30)
How did our Founding Fathers see the role of government?
The Founding Fathers saw the role of government as that of protecting rather than granting political and economic freedoms as human rights
What is the basic debate about the American Dream?
The basic debate about the "American Dream" requires the assumption that American's promise of individual opportunity must lead to equality of income equality; that is, must equal opportunity require equality of personal outcomes? Those who hold the later view see government as a positive instrument to assure equality of outcomes
What are the chief assets and chief liabilities of libertarianism as a political philosophy?
The chief asset of libertarianism is that it recognizes the danger of an over reaching and overbearing government which impose on the freedoms of the individual. The chief liability of libertarianism as a political philosophy is that it recognizes no universal standard of moral behavior and civil order than "do no harm to others." This does not recognize that there are "social ills," such as gaming, prostitution, addictive behaviors, etc. all of which lower the general moral standards of the society, and which causes others to tolerate such moral degradation and financial costs to society.
What are five consequences of the American Creed?
The consequences of the American Creed are the peoples' belief in: -limited government -skepticism about the effectiveness of government -sovereignty of the people, thus no "final" authority in the American government. -ideas competing with the assumptions of the American Creed are viewed with suspicion.
From where do the ideas of the "American Creed" arise?
The elements of the American creed arise from "The overarching value of equality." (p. 39) The basis notion of individual equality arises before our Creator, before the law, and in participation in government. As stated by Abraham Lincoln in his memorable Gettysburg Address: Our's is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
What was the reaction to communitarianism during the 1970s and 1990s?
The expansionism of government programs led to a huge growth in the federal beau racy. This led to a conservative reaction to the growth of special interests, entitlement and welfare programs.
What is meant by the idea of "natural rights"?
The idea of "natural rights" is the belief that the government does not grant political and economic freedom, but rather these are rights which are inherently human. We are given these rights by God our Creator, not the government. As stated in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." (Thomas Jefferson)
How would you evaluate the statement that big business "exploit" certain situations (e.g. the spike in oil prices) in order to increase their profits?
The idea that big business "exploits" its patrons is an assumption and generalization. There may indeed, be instances of malpractice in business and industry. But that should not be the basis of a general indictment against all big business and industry all the time. Further, it should be noted that": a. radical changes in prices of products is usually a phenomena of supply and demand. b. government itself has established safeguards to check business abuses. c. some movements against big business are organized and funded by big business owners and entrenapurs to promote a liberal political agenda. (e.g. the "Occupy Wall Street" movement)
What are the only restraints on the exercise of property rights?
The only restraint on the exercise of property rights is that their use does not interfere with the rights of others.
What are some ways equal opportunity of influence in government may be abused? "
The principle of equal opportunity to influence the government is abused by such practices as "crony capitalism," and "voter fraud.
How would you evaluate the idea that "sobriety checkpoints" to stop drivers at random to screen them for drunk driving is a good example of communitarianism superseding individual interests?
This is a "negative" law (what one should not do in order to protect public safety) rather than a "positive regulation or benefit" from government.
How would you evaluate the idea that some would say "business corporations make too much profit"? (p. 50)
This statement goes against the fundamental assumption of the American Creed that we can (in the words of John Locke) "heap up" the products of our labors.
What potential danger is there in advocating a "refinement" of the ideas of the American Creed?
To advocate a refinement of the American Creed moves its ideas from that of restrictions of government on individual freedoms, to that of assigning government a more positive role in granting individuals benefits which would be under the supervision, restrictions, limitations, and regulations of the government which actually would have the opposite effect: it would inhibit individual freedoms to pursue opportunities.
Does the American Creed need to be "refined"? Why or why not?
To what extent does the American Creed "harshly advocate" the notion that individuals in American society "either sink or swim," or succeed or fail with little compassion for those who fall behind."? Actually, the American Creed is a positive statement about the opportunities for the individual; it does not "promote" the notion that individual should not be supported in times of need. The American Creed makes no statement about benevolence-either publically or privately. Thus, it is a false dilemma to say the American Creed many need to be "refined" to accommodate those who are needy in society. The Americana Creed merely describes traditional beliefs about the benefits of American's promise of freedom; it says nothing of diminishing or restraining individuals, or overlooking the need for benevolence to those most needy in society.
How has the growth of media reflected the differing views of communitarianism?
With the rise of cable and satellite T.V., the media has become quite partisan. For example, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow has espoused extreme communitarian views, while the more conservative Fox News's Sean Hannity has been a reaction to political and social liberalism.
authoritarian (or totalitarian) system
a political system in which one person or group has absolute control over the apparatus of government and in which popular input in government is minimal or nonexistent
Coleman et. al. (pp. 38-39) make the following comments about the place of religion in the lives of many in the modern world: "The general pattern around the globe is that citizens in countries that are wealthier, more developed and industrialized tend to place less emphasis on the importance of religious beliefs in their lives." How would you evaluate their interpretations of these phenomena?:
a. "One possible explanation is hat scientific and rationalistic reasoning move people away from faith based beliefs." b. "A second is that the vast entertainment industry and leisure options of the modern world draw away from spiritual matters."
Why has socialism not taken root in the United States?
a. Historically it grounded in the motive of the early colonial settles in seek economic opportunity as well as religious freedom, b. philosophically it is free economic capitalism is a necessary correlate to political freedom.
social contract
an agreement among members of a society to form and recognize the authority of a centralized governement that is empowered to make and enforce laws governing the members of that society
individualism
belief that all individuals should be able to succeed to the maximum extent possible given their talents and abilities, regardless of race, religion, or other group characteristics
religious freedom
belief that individuals should be free to choose and practice their religious faith and that government should not establish any particular religion as the official or preferred religion
property rights
belief that people should be able to acquire, own, and use goods and assets free from government constraints, as long as their acquisition and use does not interfere with the rights of other individuals
American creed
dominant political culture in the United States, marked by a set of beliefs in individualism, democracy, liberty, property, and religion, tied together by the value of equality
direct democracy
form of democracy in which the people themselves make the laws and set the policies adopted by the government
representative democracy
form of democracy in which the people, through free elections, select representatives to make laws on their behalf and set policies adopted by the government
constitutional democracy
form of democracy in which there is a foundational document (such as the U.S. Constitution) that describes the structure, powers, and limits of government
autocracy
form of government in which a single person rules with effectively unlimited power
democracy
form of government in which the people rule; this can take place directly, through participation by the people in actual lawmaking, or indirectly, through free elections in which the people choose representatives to make laws on their behalf
public goods
goods (and services) that are enjoyed by all citizens and unlikely to be provided by any organization other than government
presidential system
political system I. which the head of the executive branch is selected by some form of popular vote and serves a fixed term of office; the United States has a presidential system
parliamentary system
political system in which the head of the executive branch is selected by members of the legislature rather than by popular vote
correlation
relationship between factors such that change in one is accompanied by change in another
causation
relationship between variables such that change in the value of one U.S. directly responsible for change in the value of the other
equality
value that all Americans should be treated the same under the law, be able to influence government, and have equal opportunity to succeed in life
political culture
values and beliefs of citizens toward the political system and toward themselves as actors in it
libertarianism
view that emphasizes the importance of individual choice and responsibility, the private sector, and the free market, in which government's primary obligations are to defend the country militarily, protect individuals from crime, and ensure that people fulfill contracts entered into freely
multiculturalism
view that group identity influences political beliefs and that because groups are naturally diverse in their beliefs, the idea of a shared or dominant group's beliefs on subordinate groups
communitarianism
view that the needs of the community are of higher priority in government than the needs of the individual, even if the result is a restriction of individual liberties