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Chapter 1 gov-polit
N/A
31
Civics
12th Grade
08/22/2012

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Term
Politics
Definition
The study of who gets what, when, and who, or how policy decisions are made.
Term
Government
Definition
The formal vehicle through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted.
Term
American Dream
Definition
An American ideal of a happy successful life, which often includes wealth, a house, a better life for one's children, and for some, the ability to grow up to be president.
Term
Conservative
Definition
One who believes that a government is best that governs least and that the big government should not infringe on individuality personal and economic rights.
Term
Social Conservative
Definition
One who believes that traditional moral teachings should be supported and furthered by the government.
Term
Liberal
Definition
One who favors government involvement in the economy and in the provision of social services and who takes an activist role in protecting the rights of women, the elderly, minorities, and the environmental.
Term
Libertarian
Definition
One who believes in limited government and no governmental interference in personal liberties.
Term
Moderate
Definition
A person who takes a relatively centrist or middle of the road view on political issues.
Term
Democracy
Definition
A system of government that gives power to the ppl whether directly or through elected representatives.
Term
Direct Democracy
Definition
A system of government in which members of the policy meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule.
Term
Indirect Democracy
Definition
A system of government that gives citizens the opportunity to vote for representatives who work on their behalf.
Term
Monarchy
Definition
A form of government in which power is vested in heredity kings and queens who govern the interests of all.
Term
Totalitarianism
Definition
A form of government in which power resides in a leader who rules according to self interest and without regard for individual rights and liberties.
Term
Oligarchy
Definition
A form of government in which the right to participate is conditioned on the possession of wealth, social statues, military position, or achievement.
Term
Republic
Definition
A government rooted in the consent of the governed; a representative or indirect democracy.
Term
May-flower Compact
Definition
Document written by the Pilgrims while at sea enumerating the scope of their government and its expectations of citizens.
Term
Majority Rule
Definition
The central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law.
Term
Natural Law
Definition
A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and, as such, can be understood by reason.
Term
Personal Liberty
Definition
A key characteristic of US democracy Initially meaning freedom from government interference, today it includes demands for freedom to engage in a variety of practices without government interference or discrimination.
Term
Political Culture
Definition
Commonly shared attitudes beliefs, and core values about how government should operate.
Term
Political Equality
Definition
The principle that all citizens are the same in the eyes of the law.
Term
Political Ideology
Definition
The coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals.
Term
Popular Consent
Definition
The principle that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed.
Term
Popular Sovereignty
Definition
The nation that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people.
Term
Social Contract
Definition
Agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed.
Term
Social Contract Theory
Definition
The belief that people are free and equal by natural right, and that this in turn requires that all people give their consent to be governed; Espoused by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke and influential in the writing of the declaration of independence.
Term
Public Policy
Definition
Policy that government makes, laws and legislation.
Term
Single-Issue Groups
Definition
Political campaigning or political support based on one essential policy area or idea. ex: abortion, same sex marriage...
Term
Policy Agenda
Definition
consists of issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actively involved in politics at a given time. Determined by public at large.
Term
Policy Making Institutions
Definition
The branches of government charged with taking action on political issues.
Term
Linkage Institutions
Definition
a structure within a society that connects the people to the government or centralized authority.
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