Gov Chapter 1: Political Thinking and Political Culture
Democracy
A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.
Pluralism
A theory of American politics that holds that society's interests are substantially represented through power exercised by groups.
Authoritarian Government
A type of government that openly represses its political opponents, mostly through intimidation and prohibitions on free expression, but sometimes by brutalizing or imprisoning opposition leaders.
Free-Market System
An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible—free enterprise and self-reliance being the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets.
Public Policies
Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action.
Power
The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments.
Political Thinking
The careful gathering and sifting of information in the process of forming a knowledgeable view about a political issue.
Party Polarization
The condition in which opinions and actions in response to political issues and situations divides substantially along political party lines.
Individualism
The idea that people should take the initiative, be self-sufficient, and accumulate the material advantages necessary for their well-being.
Majoritarianism
The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in policy determination.
Constitutionalism
The idea that there are lawful limits on the power of government.
Equality
The notion that individuals are equal in their moral worth and thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law.
Elitism
The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy.
Corporate Power
The power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace.
Liberty
The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the freedom and well-being of others.
Self-government
The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authority; in practice, a government based on majority rule.
Politics
The process through which a society settles its conflicts.
Authority
The recognized right of officials to exercise power as a result of the positions they hold.
Political Science
The systematic study of government and politics.
Legal Action
The use of courts of law as a means by which individuals protect their rights and settle their conflicts.
Political Culture
The widely shared and deep-seated political beliefs of a particular people.
