Poli Sci 2051 Connect Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does individualism emphasize?

Supports personal commitment and self-sufficiency

There should be formal limits on the power of citizens

All individuals are equal in their moral worth

People are the ultimate source of governing authority

Individuals should be free to act and think as they choose (correct)

What is the process by which a society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs called?

Government

Politics (correct)

Socialism

Communism

Elitism

In a constitutional system, what is true?

Officials govern according to the traditions established by their predecessors

All citizens have absolute free speech rights

There are lawful restrictions on a government's power (correct)

The economy is based on the free enterprise system

There are no restrictions on the lawful uses of power, as long as this power is obtained by majority rule

Which one of the following is NOT true of cultural or political beliefs in America?

America's origins as a wilderness society led to the belief that government is responsible for providing material assistance to its citizens Signup and view all the answers

The United States' economy primarily operates as a?

Free-market system Signup and view all the answers

According to the Declaration of Independence, governments get their 'just powers' from?

'The consent of the governed.' Signup and view all the answers

What do the Greek words demos and kratis together mean?

The people rule Signup and view all the answers

How many lawyers does the United States have in comparison to Britain, Germany, and Italy?

The U.S. has twice as many lawyers on a per capita basis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes socialism as practiced today in Sweden?

The government does not attempt to manage the overall economy, but owns a number of major industries and provides for people’s basic economic needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a major barrier to political thinking?

Unwillingness of citizens to make the effort Signup and view all the answers

Enormous concentrations of wealth and power exist in the U.S. private sector, primarily in the hands of?

Large corporations Signup and view all the answers

The average incomes of minimum-wage workers in the United States and Europe reflect a greater influence of which of the following in the United States?

Corporate power Signup and view all the answers

Who was the chief architect of the United States Constitution?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Individualism and Governance

Individualism emphasizes personal freedom in thought and action, prioritizing self-sufficiency and personal commitment.
In a constitutional system, government power is legally restricted to protect individual rights and liberties.

Political Processes and Systems

Politics is the mechanism through which societies resolve conflicts and distribute resources.
The U.S. operates primarily as a free-market economy, underscoring the value of individual enterprise.

Cultural Perspectives in America

Americans often attribute government responsibility for material assistance as less significant, stemming from a wilderness society origin.
There exists a cultural inclination toward personal advancement through education and a preference for a free-market economy.

Foundational Principles

The Declaration of Independence establishes that legitimate government powers derive from the consent of the governed.
The concept of democracy is encapsulated in the Greek roots "demos" (people) and "kratis" (rule).

Legal Profession in the U.S.

The U.S. has a markedly higher number of lawyers per capita compared to Britain, Germany, and Italy, illustrating a unique emphasis on legal representation.

Contemporary Socialism

Sweden's model of socialism includes government ownership of essential industries while generally allowing market freedom, addressing citizens' basic economic needs.

Barriers to Political Engagement

A primary obstacle to effective political thinking among citizens is their unwillingness to engage and make the necessary efforts.

Wealth and Power Dynamics

Significant concentrations of wealth and power in the U.S. private sector are held predominantly by large corporations, highlighting corporate influence in politics.

Income Comparisons

Minimum-wage earnings in the U.S. reveal a stronger impact of corporate power compared to European standards, affecting income distribution and worker benefits.

Constitutional Contributions

James Madison played a pivotal role as the chief architect of the U.S. Constitution, regarded as one of the nation's leading political scientists.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in political science with these flashcards from Chapter 1 of Poli Sci 2051. Focus on important terms like individualism and the societal conflict resolution process. Perfect for students preparing for exams or wishing to reinforce their understanding of foundational political theories.