Questions and Answers
Which of the following concepts did James Madison agree with? (Select all that apply)
Government is often necessary to provide public goods, such as a cleaner environment. This is because the free market tends to __________ such goods.
under provide
What is an example of politics being everywhere?
The food you had for breakfast was likely subject to regulation by the government.
What does it mean when we say politics is conflictual?
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Why does the political process matter?
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Which of the following describes a democratic viewpoint?
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Which of the following describes a Republican viewpoint?
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The ability of people to choose their leaders in free and fair elections is a ______________ while _______________ refers to political freedom and legal rights.
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What does the scenario of friends arguing over lunch choices demonstrate?
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What is known as the process we use to determine what the government is going to do?
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What are conservative, liberal, and libertarian examples of?
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What were groups of citizens concerned about their own interests known as?
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Which of the following best captures the 'melting pot' view of racial and ethnic differences?
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What is an example that signifies politics being everywhere?
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Equality as a political value in the U.S. is primarily about ensuring that everyone has equal resources and wealth.
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The U.S. government is a ____________ separating national power between the executive and legislative branches. The U.S. government is also a __________________ sharing power among different levels of government.
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Which of the following are examples of political factions?
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Match Aristotle's forms of government with the correct order from most rulers to fewest rulers:
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In the U.S., compromise is required to resolve conflict because of our commitment to?
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What value did President Obama emphasize by proposing a plan to expand health insurance coverage for all Americans?
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Which position is someone with a libertarian ideology likely to support?
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How does the government help solve collective action problems such as defense or a clean environment?
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Select all of the following that are identified as being at the core of American values.
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Select the example that best emphasizes the concept that 'political process matters':
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What are the mechanisms that facilitate checks and balances in government?
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Study Notes
Separation of Powers and Checks
- Separation of power, checks and balances, and federalism are key principles supported by James Madison.
Public Goods
- Government intervention is essential for providing public goods due to the free market's tendency to under-provide these services.
Ubiquity of Politics
- Everyday life is influenced by government regulations, demonstrating that politics is pervasive in daily decisions.
Political Conflict
- There is significant division among Americans regarding contentious issues like abortion, reflecting the conflictual nature of politics.
Importance of Political Processes
- The Senate's cloture rule complicates the process of passing new legislation, highlighting the significance of political procedures.
Democratic Ideologies
- Democrats generally advocate for more redistributive tax policies and receive substantial support from African American communities.
Republican Ideologies
- Republicans tend to adopt conservative views, advocating for reduced spending on social programs and stricter regulations related to family values.
Democracy vs. Liberty
- Democracy is defined by the ability of citizens to elect leaders through free elections, while liberty encompasses political freedoms and legal rights.
Political Argument Example
- A dispute over a lunch destination among friends exemplifies the omnipresence of politics, showcasing its conflictual nature and the influence of political processes.
Definition of Politics
- Politics encompasses the processes used to determine governmental actions, including ideologies like conservatism, liberalism, and libertarianism.
Ideological Spectrum
- Conservatism, liberalism, and libertarianism are types of political ideology that shape individual beliefs.
Madison and Factions
- Madison expressed concerns regarding factions, defined as groups pursuing their own interests, potentially at the expense of common good.
Melting Pot Concept
- The "melting pot" view suggests newcomers to the U.S. should predominantly abandon their native customs and languages.
Political Engagement Examples
- Political presence can be noted in various actions like engaging with campaign trends, responses to tuition increases, or identifying as an independent voter.
Value of Equality
- In the U.S., the concept of equality does not equate to the equal distribution of resources and wealth.
U.S. Government Structure
- The U.S. is characterized as a presidential system, dividing national power between executive and legislative branches, and as a federal system, distributing power across different government levels.
Political Factions Examples
- Political factions include organizations like AARP, the Democratic Party, the National Rifle Association, and the National Organization for Women.
Forms of Government by Aristotle
- Aristotle categorized governments as follows: Polity (governance by all), Aristocracy (governance by a few), and Monarchy (governance by one).
Compromise and Democracy
- The necessity for compromise in the U.S. arises from its foundational commitment to democracy.
Health Insurance and Equality
- President Obama’s health insurance proposal emphasized the value of equality by expanding coverage to all Americans.
Libertarian Support Positions
- A libertarian ideology typically supports legalizing drugs, deregulating environmental protections, defunding education, and reducing taxes.
Collective Action and Government Role
- The government addresses collective action challenges, such as defense and environmental protection, by supplying essential public goods that the free market wouldn't provide.
Core American Values
- Core values central to American political thought include democracy, liberty, and equality.
Significance of Political Processes
- Changes in procedural rules, such as voting requirements, demonstrate the critical importance of the political process.
Checks and Balances Mechanism
- The ability of Congress to impeach the president and the president's veto power exemplify checks and balances in the U.S. political system.
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Description
These flashcards cover essential concepts from Unit 1 of American Government, focusing on key principles such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. Great for students looking to reinforce their understanding of foundational government theories and practices.