American Government (Chapter 1)

political efficacy

The belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does.

liberty

Freedom from governmental control.

democracy

A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials

equality

A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential.

pluralism

The theory that all interests are, and should be, free to compete for influence in government.

autocracy

Government by a single, non-elected individual. (Ex: king, queen, dictator)

oligarchy

Government by a small group that is not accountable to citizens. (Ex: military officers, landowners, or wealthy merchants)

Constitutional government

Limited both in what it can do (substantive limits) and methods it can employ (procedural limits)

Authoritarian government

Recognizes no limits on its authority and seeks to eliminate other institutions that might challenge it.

Legislative, Judicial, and Executive

What are the THREE branches of government?