Study guide 27Making sense of American
government and politics
Describe the basic functions of government.
(Pages 4–8)Summary
Forms of government can be characterized by the number of people
who hold power (many versus few) and the number of levels over which
power is distributed (national versus state versus local). Government
exists primarily to provide order, although it must do so while avoiding
oppression by the rulers. Government also needs to provide public
goods because they will be under-provided by the free market.Key terms
government (p. 5)
factions (p. 6)
separation of
powers (p. 6)
checks and
balances (p. 6)federalism (p. 6)
public goods (p. 7)
collective action
problems (p. 7)
free rider problem (p. 7)Practice Quiz Questions
- What did Aristotle call a government ruled by the many?
a monarchy
b aristocracy
c polity
d unitary system
e democracy - Which term describes giving each branch of government power
over the other two?
a separation of powers
b checks and balances
c federalism
d plutocracy
e unitary system
3. Which term describes the inability to get individuals to
cooperate to achieve a common goal?
a positive externality
b the Samaritan’s dilemma
c collective action problem
d principal-agent problem
e public goods
What is politics?
Define politics and identify three key ideas that help
explain politics. (Pages 8–14)Summary
Conflict in politics cannot be avoided: the American people disagree
on nearly every issue on which politicians make policy decisions.
Compromise and bargaining are essential to enacting policy, but
this means that it is almost impossible to get exactly what you want
from the political process. Policy outcomes are also influenced by the
policy process itself—different procedures of making policy can lead
to different outcomes. Whether it is on the news or influencing most
aspects of your life, politics is all around us.Key term
politics (p. 8)Practice Quiz Questions
- What is the main reason why politicians have a hard time
resolving the issue of abortion?
a Politicians don’t listen to the people.
b The parties are divided on what abortion policy should look like.
c Politicians don’t know what their constituents’ views are.
d The country is closely divided on what abortion policy should
look like.
e Abortion is a relatively new issue. - Which concept describes the idea that actions by the govern-
ment touch most aspects of your life?
a Politics is understandable.
b Politics is conflictual.
c Political process matters.
d Politics is everywhere.
e People have different interests. - Rules, such as those regulating debate in the Senate or
limiting who can vote in elections, serve as evidence that
a politics is understandable
b politics is conflictual
c political process matters
d politics is everywhere
e people have different interestsStudy Guide
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