PSC 113 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Social Contract, Elite, Proportional Representation
Document Summary
Autocracy: system of government in which the power to govern is concentrated in the hands of an individual ruler. Capitalism: economic system in which business and key industries are privately owned and in which individuals, acting on their own or with others, are free to create business. Checks and balances: government structure that authorizes each branch of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to share powers with the other branches, thereby holding some scrutiny of and control over the other branches. Civic interest: concern for the well-being of society and the nation as a whole. Conservatives: individuals who distrust government, believing that free markets offer better ways than government involvement to improve people"s livelihood. In the social sphere, conservatives have little faith in government"s ability to enforce traditional values. Democracy: system of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them either directly or indirectly through elected representatives.
