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Pols 021 Chapter 1

Terms in this set (16)

Basic Function of Government
To provide order
to promote general welfare
Three truths about politics
ideas that help explain politics
1. Political process matters
2. Politics are conflictual
3. Politics are everywhere
Factions
Groups of like minded people who try to influence the government. American government i set up to avoid domination by any of these groups
Separation of powers
The division of government power across the judicial, executive and legislative branches
Checks and balances
A system in which each branch of government has some power over the others
Federalism
The division of power across local, state and national levels of government
Collective actions problems
Situations in which the members of a group would benefit by working together to produce some outcome, but each individual is better off refusing to co-operate and reaping benefits from those who do the work
Free rider problems
The incentive to benefit from others work without making a contribution, which leads individuals in a collective action situation to refuse to work together
Major sources of conflict in American politics.
1. Economic interests
2. Cultural values
3. Racial, Gender and Ethnic differences
4. Ideology
Ideology
A cohesive set of ideas and beliefs used to organize and evaluate the political world
Conservative
One side of the political spectrum defined by support for lower taxes, a free market, and a more limited government; generally associated with republicans
Liberal
One side of the political spectrum defined by support for stronger government programs and more market regulation; generally associated with democrats
Libertarians
Those who prefer very limited government and therefor tend to be conservative on issues such as welfare policy, environmental policy, and public support for education, but liberal on issues of personal liberty such as free speech, abortion, and the legalization of drugs.
Liberty
Political Freedom, such as the freedom of speech, press, assembly and religion. These and other legal and due process rights protecting individuals from government control are outlined in the Bills of Rights in the Constitution.
Democracy
Government by the people. In most contexts, this means representative democracy in which the people elect leaders to enact policies. Democracies must have a fair election with at least two alternatives.
Equality
In context of American politics, equality means equality before the law, political equality (one person one vote) and the equality of opportunity (the equal chance for everyone to realize their potential) but not material equality (equal income or wealth)
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