Poliscigovt Vocabulary Set 1

Front 1

Bureaucracy

Back 1

The institutions and people, usually in the Executive Branch, who administer the laws and services of the government.

Front 2

Conservatism

Back 2

A point of view favoring political and social policies that preserve and maintain the existing order. View government as best that governs least - see government as infringement on individual and economic rights.

Front 3

Federalism

Back 3

A dual form of government in which sovereignty ( the power to rule others) is shared between state governments and a national government.

Front 4

Liberalism

Back 4

A point of view favoring political and social policies of non-revolutionary change, progress and reform. Advocate government involvement in the economy and provision of social services. Believe government should take active role in protecting individual rights, women and minorities and the environment.

Front 5

Public Policy

Back 5

A course of action followed by the government in dealing with a problem or issue.

Front 6

Checks and Balances

Back 6

A form of limited government. Each of the three branches of government has some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the other branches.

Front 7

Constituent

Back 7

A person living in a public official’s district.

Front 8

Government

Back 8

The institution or authority that makes and administers public policy.

Front 9

Lobbying

Back 9

The activities of groups and organizations that seek to influence legislative and executive action at the local, state and National level, to the advantage of the group.

Front 10

Republic

Back 10

A representative, or indirect democracy.

Front 11

Consensus

Back 11

When conflicting parties and interests come to an agreement on a common course of action. When there is general agreement, there is consensus.

Front 12

Civil Service

Back 12

Government employees who obtain their jobs through examination rather than political appointment.

Front 13

Constitution

Back 13

The written law that describes the organs of government, their power, limitations, and the relationship between citizens and the government.

Front 14

Culture

Back 14

The totality of socially transmitted institutions, beliefs, arts and behavior patterns of a community. A given group’s common ideas, values, attitudes, beliefs and behavior that are transmitted from one generation to the next. Government and politics shapes and is shaped by the culture of society. American culture is broad and diverse with many subcultures.

Front 15

Incumbent

Back 15

The person currently holding a public office.

Front 16

Interest Group

Back 16

A group that comes together because of a common goal or interest and tries to influence the government.

Front 17

Popular Sovereignty

Back 17

The theory that sovereignty - the power to rule - ultimately rests with the people.

Front 18

Public Opinion

Back 18

What the public thinks about an issue(s) at any point in time.

Front 19

Separation of Powers

Back 19

An example of limited government. Each of the branches of the government have different powers and are selected by and responsible to different constituencies. This works to limit the power of the government.

Front 20

Social Contract

Back 20

The belief that people are free and equal by nature - a natural right - and that in order to live in communities and societies, people give their consent to be governed. This agreement is the basis of the social contract.