Politics
social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some people and groups
Government
formal organization thats has the legal and political authority to regulate relationships among members of the society and between the society and those outside its borders
State
political entity that possesses a legitimate monopoly over the use of force within its territory to achieve its goals
POlitical sociology
examines the nature and consequences of power within or between societies, as well as the social and political conflicts that lead to changes in the allocation of power
Power
ability of persons or groups to achieve their goals despite opposition from others
Authority
power that people accept as legitimate rather than coercive
Traditional authority
legitimized on the basis of long-standing tradition; ex. King, Queen
Charismatic authority
based on a leader's exceptional qualities; ex. Politicians, soldiers
Rational-legal authority
legitimized by law or written rules or regulations; ex. Elected officials
Monarchy, Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism, Democracy
4 types of political systems
Monarchy
political system in which power resides in one person or family and is passed form generation to generation through lines of inheritance
Authoritarianism
political system controlled by rulers who deny popular participation in government
Totalitarianism
political system in which the state seeks to regulate all aspects of people's public and private lives
Democracy
political system in which people hold the ruling power either directly or through elected representatives
Special Interest groups
political coalitions made up of individuals or groups that share a specific interest
Political Action Committees (PACs)
organizations of special interest groups that solicit contributions and fund campaigns
Power elite
made up of leaders at the top of businesses, the executive branch of the federal government, and the military
Political Party
organization whose purpose is to gain and hold legitimate control of government
Political Socialization
process by which people learn political attitudes, values, and behavior
Conservative approach
people are satisfied with the status que, are uninformed, and lack an understanding of government processes
Liberal argument
people feel alienated from politics due to corruption and influence peddling by special interests and large corporations
iron triangle
revolving door of money, influence, and jobs among military contractors, the defense departments, and congress
Military-industrial complex
mutual interdependence of the military establishment and private military contractors
Militarism
societal focus on military ideals and an aggressive preparedness for war
Terrorism
calculated, unlawful physical force or threats of violence against a government, organization, or individual to gain some political, religious, economic, or social objective
Political Terrorism
uses intimidation, coercion, threats of harm, and other violence that attempts to bring about a significant change in or overthrow an existing government
Recolutionary terrorism
violence against civilians carried out by enemies od the government who want to bring about change
State-sponsored terrorism
when a government provides money, weapons, and training for terrorists who conduct their activities
War
organized, armed conflict between nations or distinct political factions
Declared wars
between nations or parties
Undeclared wars
cicil and guerrilla wars, covert operations, and terrorism