Unit 3 Study Guide: Foundations of Political Behavior

Political Culture

The deep-seated, collective history, values, beliefs, and traditions that influence political behavior within a nation.

Public Opinion

Immediate views on specific leaders or issues that can change rapidly, unlike political culture.

Political Socialization

The lifelong process by which individuals acquire their political attitudes and beliefs.

Agents of Socialization

Institutions or individuals that convey political norms, such as family, schools, and media.

Consensual Political Culture

A political culture where citizens generally agree on decisions and important issues.

Conflictual Political Culture

A political culture where citizens are sharply divided on major problems or the legitimacy of the regime.

Individualism

Belief in individual civil liberties and freedom over governmental restrictions.

Neoliberalism

An economic belief favoring free-market capitalism, privatization, and reduced government intervention.

Communism

Belief in the abolition of private property with the aim of achieving economic equality.

Socialism

Belief that the state should play a strong role in regulating the economy and providing public benefits.

Fascism

Extreme nationalist ideology favoring authoritarian rule and suppression of rights for the sake of the state.

Populism

Political philosophy that supports the rights and power of the 'common people' against a privileged elite.

Post-Materialism

Theory suggesting that wealthier societies prioritize higher-level values once basic needs are met.

Civil Society

Voluntary organizations outside of the state that help people define and advance their own interests.

Social Capital

The level of trust, reciprocity, and cooperation among citizens.

High Social Capital

Leads to democracy; citizens trust each other and the government.

Low Social Capital

Leads to authoritarianism or instability; citizens rely on family or clan ties.

Civil Society in Democratic Regimes

Generally robust and protected, acting as a check on government power.

Civil Society in Authoritarian Regimes

Views independent civil society as a threat, often controlled or restricted by the state.

Co-optation

When the state creates 'fake' civil society groups to control the narrative.

Corporatism

A system where the government controls access to policy-making by sanctioning recognized groups.

Prebendalism

The belief that officials are entitled to government revenues to benefit their own ethnic group.

Theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Statism

The belief that the state should control social or economic policy for the sake of order.

Pragmatism

An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs based on their practical applications.

Clientelism

A political system where goods or services are exchanged for political support.

Gradualism

A policy of gradual reform rather than sudden change.