Public Goods

other services, such as a college education or medical care, can be restricted to individuals who meet certain criteria, but may be provided by the private sector as well.

Majority rule

in choosing among alternatives, the will of over half the voters should be followed

Elite and Class theory

states that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule

Representation

in a democracy it describes the relationship between the few leaders and the many followers

Policymaking institutions

branches of government charged with taking action on political issues

Minority rights

the majority cannot infringe upon looking after the concerns of the many

political participation

all the activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or policies. Voting, protest, civil disobedience, etc.

Linkage institutions

institutions transmit the preferences of Americans to the policymakers in government.