Introduction to Government and Economic Systems

The way a society organizes itself and allocates authority to achieve collective goals and provide benefits.

The process of gaining and exercising control within a government to set and achieve goals, especially related to resource distribution.

Economic prosperity, secure borders, and the safety and well-being of citizens.

Education, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure.

An economic system based on private ownership, free markets, and limited government intervention.

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The idea that people have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property.

The idea that people should consent to being governed and have a say in how they are ruled.

Goods that are available to many people, but only if they are willing and able to pay for them. They are in between public goods that are free and available to all, and private goods that are only available to the person who owns them.

They are provided by the government, are free to all, and are available for everyone to enjoy regardless of paying for them.

They are available only to the person who bought them. They are not available to everyone for free.

All citizens benefit from the educated voters and workers produced by the public school system.

Public schools are free for all children to attend, while private schools require tuition payments.

The government provides many public goods that we all depend on, like public schools, fire departments, and police forces.

They are funded by taxpayers and are available to everyone free of charge, such as fire and police services.

They are essential for a society to function properly and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The idea that government should be involved in regulating businesses to ensure fair competition and public safety.

The process by which governments collect and use funds to provide services and maintain order.

The practice of governments using taxes to allocate funding for different areas, like education, defense, or infrastructure.

The ability of citizens to participate in government and influence decision-making.

The idea that governments should protect the interests of future generations, even if it means limiting the actions of individuals or businesses today.

A system where businesses operate with minimal government intervention.

The use of government power to control how businesses operate and to ensure fairness and safety.

The idea that the government should not only provide goods and services but also create a framework for their efficient distribution.

Resources that everyone can use for free but are in limited supply (like fish in the sea or fresh water).

The government regulates access to common goods to ensure that everyone has access to these resources and that they are not depleted. Examples include fishing regulations to protect fish populations.

The concept of using resources in a way that allows future generations to enjoy them. This is why governments set fishing limits to prevent overfishing.

The process of making sure that common goods remain available for future generations, often through regulations and limits on usage.

A conflict around the regulation of common resources, like fish in the sea. Commercial fishers often resist restrictions because they fear it will limit their income, while environmentalists support limits to protect fish populations.

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These elected officials act as the voice of the people in government.

A system where citizens directly participate in decision-making by voting on laws and policies.

The principle that the opinions of the majority hold more weight in government than those of the minority.

Guarantees that individuals cannot be deprived of certain rights even if a majority disagrees. It safeguards the rights of minorities.

A proposal for a new law that is presented to citizens for a direct vote.

A system where citizens vote on issues and laws directly, instead of relying on elected representatives. This involves things like referendums (a direct vote on a proposed law).

The process of engaging in activities that shape the political landscape, such as voting, protesting, or donating to campaigns.

The ability of citizens to influence their government and make their opinions known, especially through voting.

Adam Smith's idea that individuals should be free to pursue their economic interests without excessive government control. This allows for competition, which keeps prices low and drives out low-quality products.

The idea that in a capitalist system, individuals should be free to acquire property through any means they choose. This is one of the core principles of capitalism.

A system where the government owns and controls major means of production, like factories and farms. Wealth is then redistributed through social programs like healthcare and education.

The potential contradiction where the wealth generated by capitalism could lead to a small group of individuals having disproportionate influence over government, potentially sacrificing democratic principles.

The idea that a democratic government should champion the rights of individuals, allowing them to act freely without excessive government control.

The idea that capitalism thrives on individual ambition and initiative, with entrepreneurs and businesses competing to succeed in the marketplace.

The potential for a capitalist system to create a large gap between the wealthy and the working class, potentially leading to social and economic inequality.

The idea that successful capitalists often seek influence over government systems to protect their interests and ensure their continued freedom to operate.