| authoritarian government | A form of government in which leaders, though they admit to no limits on their powers, are effectively limited by other centers of power in the society.
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| authority | The recognized right of an individual or institution to exercise power. (See also power.)
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| autocracy | A form of government in which absolute control rests with a single person.
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| bureaucratic rule | The tendency of large-scale organizations to develop into the bureaucratic form, with the effect that administrators make key policy decisions.
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| capitalism | An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin capitalism.
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| communism | An economic system in which government owns most or all major industries and also takes responsibility for overall management of the economy.
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| constitutionalism | The idea that there are definable limits on the rightful power of a government over its citizens.
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| democracy | A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.
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| elitism | The view that the United States is essentially run by a tiny elite (composed of wealthy or well-connected individuals) who control public policy through both direct and indirect means.
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| equality | The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and are thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law.
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| individualism | The idea that people should take the initiative, be self-sufficient, and accumulate the material advantages necessary for their well-being.
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| liberty | The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the rights and freedoms of others.
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| majoritarianism | The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in determining policy.
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| oligarchy | Government in which control rests with a few persons.
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| pluralism | A theory of American politics that holds that society's interests are substantially represented through the activities of groups.
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| political culture | The characteristic and deep- seated beliefs of a particular people.
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| political system | The various components of American government. The parts are separate, but they connect with each other, affecting how each performs.
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| politics | The process through which society settles its conflicts and decides the policies by which it will be governed.
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| power | The ability of persons or institutions to control policy. (See also authority.)
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| public policy | A decision of government to pursue a course of action designed to produce an intended outcome.
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| self-government | The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authority; in practice, a government based on majority rule.
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| social contract | A voluntary agreement by individuals to form a government, which is then obligated to work within the confines of that agreement.
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| socialism | An economic system in which government owns and controls many of the major industries.
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| totalitarian government | A form of government in which the leaders claim complete dominance of all individuals and institutions.
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