Political Science Basics

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Questions and Answers

What term describes goods that all people may use but that are of limited supply?

  • Private goods
  • Toll goods
  • Common goods (correct)
  • Public goods

In a direct democracy, people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

False (B)

What is the primary distinction of an oligarchy?

Political power rests in the hands of a small elite group.

A ________ is a government where political power is held by one ruler, often hereditary.

<p>monarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

<p>Majority rule = The principle where the majority makes binding decisions for all Minority rights = Protections for those who are not part of the majority Partisanship = Strong allegiance for a particular political party Totalitarianism = A government where citizens have no rights and the government is all-powerful</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of public goods?

<p>They are available to all without charge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Latent preferences indicate deeply held beliefs that do not change over time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is political power?

<p>Influence over a government’s institutions, leadership, or policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Common goods

Goods that all people may use but are of limited supply, like clean air or national parks.

Representative democracy

A government where people choose representatives to make decisions for them, like electing a president.

Intense preferences

Beliefs and preferences that people hold strongly and are unlikely to change.

Politics

The process where government decides how resources are used and what laws are made.

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Private goods

Goods provided by private businesses that you have to pay for before you can use them, like a movie ticket.

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Public goods

Goods provided by the government that everyone can use for free, like public parks.

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Elite theory

The idea that political power is held by a few wealthy and influential people.

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Social capital

Connections with others and a willingness to help them, like volunteering.

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Oligarchy

A form of government where a small group of people hold political power.

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Pluralist theory

The idea that political power is held by groups of people, not just individuals.

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Monarchy

A form of government where one ruler, often hereditary, holds all political power.

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Latent preferences

Beliefs and preferences that are not strongly held and can change over time.

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Study Notes

Common Goods

  • Goods that many people can use, but supply is limited

Democracy

  • A form of government where power rests with the people
  • Direct democracy: Citizens directly participate in decisions
  • Representatives make decisions on behalf of citizens

Elite Theory

  • Political power held by a small, influential group

Government

  • The system by which a society organizes itself and allocates authority

Ideology

  • Beliefs and ideals that shape political opinions and policies

Intense Preferences

  • Strong feelings about an issue held over time

Latent Preferences

  • Beliefs and feelings that aren't deeply held and might change

Majority Rule

  • Core democratic principle; the majority's decisions bind everyone

Minority Rights

  • Protections for those not part of the majority

Monarchy

  • Government with a single ruler, often hereditary

Oligarchy

  • Government where a small elite group holds power

Partisanship

  • Strong support for a particular political party

Pluralist Theory

  • Power distributed among various groups

Political Power

  • Influence over government institutions, leadership, and policies

Politics

  • The process of allocating resources and deciding on policies

Private Goods

  • Goods available only to those who pay for them

Public Goods

  • Goods available to everyone without charge

Representative Democracy

  • Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on behalf of all
  • Voters elect representatives

Social Capital

  • Connections and interactions between individuals

Toll Good

  • Goods available to many, but use requires payment

Totalitarianism

  • Government with absolute power; no rights for citizens

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