AP Gov Chapter 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of democracy?

A principle that guarantees rights to those who belong to majorities

A theory that government is weakened by strong groups

A system of selecting policymakers that ignores public preferences

A system of selecting policymakers and organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public's preferences (correct)

What does government refer to?

the institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society

What is hyperpluralism?

a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened

What are Linkage Institutions?

the channels or access points through which issues and people's policy preferences get on the government's policy agenda Signup and view all the answers

Define minority rights.

a principle of traditional democratic theory that guarantees rights to those who do not belong to majorities Signup and view all the answers

What does Policy Agenda refer to?

the issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people involved in politics Signup and view all the answers

What are Policymaking Institutions?

the branches of government charged with taking action on political issues Signup and view all the answers

Define a Political Issue.

an issue that arises when people disagree about a problem and a public policy Signup and view all the answers

What is Politics?

the process by which we select our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue Signup and view all the answers

Define Public Policy.

a choice that government makes in response to a political issue Signup and view all the answers

What is the Policymaking System?

the process by which political problems are communicated by voters and acted upon by government policymakers Signup and view all the answers

What is Policy Gridlock?

a condition that occurs when no coalition is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy Signup and view all the answers

Define Political Participation.

all the activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue Signup and view all the answers

What are Public Goods?

Goods, such as clean air and clean water, that everyone must share Signup and view all the answers

Define Representation in the context of democracy.

a basic principle of traditional democratic theory that describes the relationship between the few leaders and many followers Signup and view all the answers

What are Single-Issue Groups?

groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics Signup and view all the answers

What is Elite/Class Theory?

a theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule Signup and view all the answers

Define Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

the sum total of the value of all the goods and services produced in a nation Signup and view all the answers

What is Individualism in American political thought?

the belief that individuals should be left on their own by the government Signup and view all the answers

Define Majority Rule.

a fundamental principle of traditional democratic theory that requires the majority's desire to be respected Signup and view all the answers

What is Pluralist Theory?

a theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Government and Politics

Democracy: System for selecting policymakers and organizing government to reflect and respond to public preferences.
Government: Institutions and processes that create public policies for society as a whole.
Hyperpluralism: Theory stating that the strength of various groups weakens government effectiveness.

Mechanics of Political Process

Linkage Institutions: Channels through which public issues and preferences are conveyed to the government agenda.
Minority Rights: Principle ensuring protection of rights for non-majority groups, allowing them to potentially persuade the majority.
Policy Agenda: Set of issues gaining significant attention from officials and political participants.

Policymaking Structures

Policymaking Institutions: Branches of government (Congress, presidency, courts) responsible for addressing political issues; bureaucracy considered a fourth institution.
Political Issue: Arises from disagreements about a problem and corresponding public policy.

Foundations of Politics

Politics: The process of electing leaders and shaping their pursued policies, leading to authoritative decisions on public matters.
Public Policy: Government's response to political issues, taking action concerning specific problems.

Dynamics of Policy Formation

Policymaking System: Process where public problems are expressed by voters and addressed by policymakers, starting with public needs and expectations.
Policy Gridlock: Situation where no coalition can form a majority, preventing the establishment of policy and resulting in inaction.

Citizen Engagement and Resources

Political Participation: Activities through which citizens influence political leader selections and policy decisions, primarily through voting.
Public Goods: Resources (e.g., clean air, clean water) that are universally available and must be shared by all.

Principles of Representation and Participation

Representation: Principle highlighting the relationship between a small group of leaders and the larger citizenry.
Single-issue Groups: Organizations focused on specific interests, often resistant to compromise, attracting politically inexperienced members.

Theories of Governance

Elite/Class Theory: Contends society is class-divided, with an upper-class elite holding power, overriding formal governmental structures.
Pluralist Theory: Highlights politics as a competition among groups vying for their preferred policies.

Economic and Ideological Context

Gross Domestic Product: Total value of all goods and services produced within a nation, serving as a measure of economic activity.
Individualism: Belief in limited government intervention in personal affairs, significantly influencing the scope of American governance.
Majority Rule: Core democratic principle asserting that decisions must respect the majority's preferences in elections.

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Description

Prepare for your AP Government exam with these flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1. You'll learn important terms such as democracy and hyperpluralism, along with their definitions. Test your understanding and boost your knowledge effectively!