Chapter 1
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term used to describe the formal institutions through which a territory and its people are ruled
Government
conflicts and struggles over leadership, structure, and policies of government.
Politics
Why is government needed?
Provide “public goods”, defense against foreign aggression, maintenance of public order, a stable currency, enforcement of contractual obligations and property rights, and some measure of economic security.
small group, such as landowners, military officers, or the wealthy –controls most of the governing decisions, that government is an
oligarchy
Nations are governed by a single individual ,king or dictator
autocracy
the power to rule themselves-citizens or the general adult population have a popular sovereignty
democracy
Constitutions and other laws limit what governments can do and how they do it.
Liberal or Constitutional governments.
Government kept in check by other political and social institutions that it cannot control such as self-governing territories, organized religions, business organizations, or labor unions.
Authoritarian
Governments not only lack legal limits but also try to eliminate institutions that might challenge their authority. These governments typically attempt to control all of a nation’s political, economic, and social life (Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, Nazi Germany, North Korea today)
Totalitarian
The Founders of America focused on creating a democracy based on the principle of
majority rule with minority rights
Today, the U.S. government is a
representative democracy, or a republic which citizens elect top officials.
At the national level,
citizens select government officials but do not vote directly on legislation.
influence over a governments leadership, organization, and policies
Political power
the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation
pluralism, or group politics
How does democracy differ from an autocracy or oligarchy?
In a democracy, citizens rule themselves, while a single individual or small group controls most governing decisions in an oligarchy or autocracy.
What is the difference between direct democracy and representative democracy?
In a representative democracy, voters select individuals to act on their behalf, while direct democracy involves citizens voting directly on legislation, such as through initiatives and referenda in some states.
can be defined as a membership in political community that provides legal rights and carries participation responsibilities.
Citizenship
Civil liberties and rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and trial by jury are identified in
the Constitution, Bill of Rights
A citizens responsibilities
upholding the Constitution, obeying federal, state and local laws; paying taxes; serving and juries when called; be informed about issues and take part in the democratic process.
One key ingredient for political participation is
political knowledge
false information shared intentionally to reach a political goal-complicates the process of acquiring valid political information
Disinformation
The belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does
political efficacy
Why are political knowledge and political efficacy important ingredients for democracy?
An informed and engaged public that participates and serves as a check on government is vital for ensuring that government is responsive to the public
How is Americans’ knowledge and involvement in politics and government?
Americans’ level of efficacy has declined over time, and political involvement and knowledge is generally low among the public.