The system of government in which political authority is vested in the people.
100
What is majoritarianism.
A political theory holding that in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.
100
What is pluralism.
The theory that views politics as a conflict among interest groups. Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise.
100
Who is John Locke.
The philosopher that introduced the concepts of natural rights and social contract theory.
100
What is the Madisonian Model.
A structure of government proposed by James Madison in which the powers of the government are separated into three branches; executive, legislative and judicial.
200
What is popular sovereignty.
The concept that ultimate political authority is based on the will of the people.
200
What is the elite theory.
A persepective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power to further self-interest.
200
What is initiative.
The process/procedure where voters can directly make laws.
200
What is the social contract theory.
A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.
200
What is checks and balances.
A major principle of the American system of government whereby each branch of the government can check the actions of the others.
300
What is a republic.
A form of government in which sovereignty rests with the people, as opposed to a king or monarch.
300
What is majority rule.
A basic principle of democracy asserting that the greatest number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies.
300
What is the competition between groups trying to gain benefits for their members.
The pluralist theory believes that decisions are made in American politics by ______________.
300
What is a confederation.
A political system in which states or regional governments retain ultimate authority except for those powers they expressly delegated to a central government.
300
What are the Federalists.
The name given to one who is in favor of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the creation of a federal union with a strong central government.
400
What is Democratic Republic.
A republic in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies.
400
What is limited government.
The principle that the powers of government should be limited, usually by institutional checks.
400
What is libertarianism.
The ideology that believes the government should exercise the least power.
400
What are reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed.
No power to tax, 9/13 majority to pass laws, all 13 colonies had to agree to amendments, no power to regulate commerce.
400
What are the Anti-Federalists.
The name given to an individual who opposed the ratification of the new Constitution in 1787 and opposed a strong central government.
500
What is Representative Democracy.
A form of government in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies.
500
What is political socialization.
The process through which individuals learn a set of political attitudes and form opinions about social issues.
500
What is direct democracy.
The ancient Greek city-state of Athens is often considered to be the historical model for ______________.
500
What is the Great Compromise.
Agreement allowed for a bicameral legislature; one house based on population, one house based on equal representation.
500
What the central government was unable to protect the American citizens from rebellion and there was a need for a stronger national government.