PSC 101: Exam # 1 Questions and Answers 100% Correct

PSC 101: Exam # 1 Questions and Answers 100% Correct Government institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled Politics Conflict over the leadership, structure and policies of governments Political Efficacy The ability to influence government and politics Citizenship Informed and active membership in a political community Autocracy A form of government in which a single individual - a king, queen, or dictator - rules Oligarchy A form of government in which a small group - landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants - controls most of the governing decisions Democracy A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials Constitutional government a system of rule on which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government. Authoritarian government a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions Totalitarian Government a system of rule in which the government recognizes no limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it Power Influence over a government's leadership, organization, or policies Representative Democracy (Republic) A system of government in which the populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision making Direct Democracy A system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies Pluralism 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 Political Culture Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function. American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality and democracy. Liberty Freedom from governmental control Limited Government A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution Laissez-faire capitalism An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no governmental interference. Equality of Opportunity A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talent and wealth they have to reach their full potential Political Equality the right to participate in politics equally, based on the principle of "one person, one vote" Popular Sovereignty A principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people. Majority Rule, Minority Rights The democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests o the minority Articles of Confederation America's first written constitution; served as the basis for America's national government until 1789 Confederation A system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government. Virginia Plan A framework for Constitution, introduced by Edmund Randolph, that called for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state New Jersey Plan A framework for the constitution, introduced by William Paterson, that called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population Great Compromise The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that gave each state an equal number of senators regardless of its population, but linked representation in the House of Representatives. Three-Fifths Comprimise The agreement reached at the Constitutional convention of 1787 that stipulated that for purposes of the apportionment of congressional seats, every slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person Checks and Balances Mechanisms through which each branch of the government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the other branches; major examples include the presidential veto power over congressional legislation, the power of the Senate to approve presidential appointments, and judicial review of congressional enactments. Electoral college The electors from each state who meet after the popular election to cast ballots for president and vice president. Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution, ratified in 1791: they ensure certain tights and liberties to the people Separation of Powers the division of governmental power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making Federalism A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments Expressed Powers Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and to the president Elastic Clause Enumerates the powers of Congress with the authority to make all laws "necessary and proper" to carry them out Bicameral Having legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses; distinguished from unicameral