Citizenship & Participation Flashcards

This deck explores civic engagement, civil rights, political ideologies, and the structures of democratic and non-democratic governments. (58 cards)

1
Q

Define:

civil rights

A

Rights guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Examples: right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law, and the right to due process.

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2
Q

Define:

civil liberties

A

Fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals possess.

Examples: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to protest

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3
Q

Describe:

Responsibilities of citizens in the United States

A
  • Obeying the Law: Adhering to federal, state, and local laws.
  • Paying Taxes: Contributing to the funding of government services.
  • Serving on Juries: Participating in the justice system.
  • Voting: Exercising the right to choose elected officials.
  • Staying Informed: Keeping up-to-date on current events and issues.
  • Respecting the Rights of Others: Tolerating diverse viewpoints and treating others with dignity.
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4
Q

Explain:

Significance of the Bill of Rights on development of civil rights and liberties

A
  • Protect fundamental rights such as the freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
  • Serve as a basis for legal challenges to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.
  • Create a framework to evolve over time as the needs of the country changed.
  • Inspire social movements such as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
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5
Q

Define:

direct action

A

Involves taking immediate, visible, and often unconventional actions to achieve specific goals.

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6
Q

Explain:

4 types of direct action

A
  1. Civil Disobedience: involves peacefully breaking unjust laws to protest against them.
  2. Protests and Demonstrations: can draw attention to important issues and mobilize public opinion.
  3. Strikes and Boycotts: Labor unions and other groups have used strikes and boycotts to pressure employers and governments to address workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
  4. Occupations and Sit-ins: involve physically occupying spaces to disrupt business as usual and demand change.
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7
Q

Define:

collective action

A
  • Set of actions taken by a group of people to achieve a common vision.
  • Can be social or political, and can include co-creating and implementing systemic change programs.
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8
Q

Explain:

4 types of collective action

A
  1. Social Movements: Social movements, such as the environmental movement or the LGBTQ+ rights movement, mobilize large numbers of people to advocate for specific causes.
  2. Community Organizing: Community organizing involves building power within local communities to address issues like housing, education, and healthcare.
  3. Voting and Political Engagement: Participating in elections and advocating for specific policies are essential forms of collective action.
  4. Social Media Activism: Social media platforms have become powerful tools for organizing, mobilizing, and raising awareness about social issues.
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9
Q

Explain:

3 examples of groups and individuals who used collective and direct action

A
  • Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat
  • Occupy Wall Street
  • Anti-War protests
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10
Q

Explain:

3 ways conflict can lead to change in society

A
  • Encourages the exchange of ideas, leading to a deeper understanding of issues.
  • Can spark innovative solutions by challenging the status quo
  • Disagreements can expose flaws in systems and institutions, prompting necessary reforms.
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11
Q

Explain:

3 ways cooperation can hold societies together

A
  • By pooling resources and efforts, groups can achieve goals that would be impossible for individuals to accomplish alone.
  • Finding common ground and making concessions are essential for reaching agreements and moving forward.
  • Cooperation fosters a sense of community and trust, which is vital for a healthy democracy.
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12
Q

Explain:

3 characteristics of democratic societies

A
  • Emphasizes individual rights, limited government, and representative democracy.
  • Prioritizes social justice, economic equality, and welfare programs.
  • Generally characterized by tolerance, compromise, and respect for the rule of law.
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13
Q

Identify:

Structures and institutions in democratic societies

A
  • Representative Democracy
  • Separation of Powers
  • Checks and Balances
  • Free and Fair Elections
  • Rule of Law
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14
Q

Identify:

Examples of democratic societies

A
  • United States: A federal republic with a presidential system.
  • Canada: A federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
  • Germany: A federal parliamentary republic.
  • Japan: A constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.
  • Australia: A federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
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15
Q

Explain:

3 characteristics of non-democratic societies

A
  • Authoritarianism: Concentrates power in the hands of a single leader or small group, often suppressing dissent.
  • Totalitarianism: Seeks to control all aspects of citizens’ lives, including their thoughts and beliefs.
  • Political Culture: Often characterized by obedience, conformity, and a strong sense of nationalism.
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16
Q

Identify:

Structures and institutions in non-democratic societies

A
  • One-Party Rule
  • Authoritarian Rule
  • Limited or No Elections
  • Restricted Civil Liberties
  • Weak or Nonexistent Rule of Law
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17
Q

Identify:

Examples of non-democratic societies

A
  • China: A one-party state ruled by the Chinese Communist Party.
  • North Korea: A totalitarian state with a hereditary dictatorship.
  • Saudi Arabia: An absolute monarchy with a theocratic government.
  • Iran: A theocratic authoritarian regime.
  • Belarus: An authoritarian state with a strongman leader.
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18
Q

Define:

ideology

A
  • Set of beliefs that one has about the world and how it should operate.
  • Thinking structures on the way policies should be run.
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19
Q

Identify:

5 political ideologies

A
  1. Liberalism
  2. Conservatism
  3. Fascism
  4. Communism
  5. Socialism
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20
Q

Describe:

Liberalism

A
  • Political and moral philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, equality, and the protection of civil liberties.
  • Advocates for a political system that ensures the rights of individuals are respected and that government power is limited and accountable.
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21
Q

Describe:

Conservatism

A
  • Political and social philosophy that promotes the preservation of traditional institutions, practices, and values.
  • It emphasizes stability, continuity, and the importance of maintaining the social order
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22
Q

Describe:

Communism

A
  • Aims to create a classless, stateless society where the means of production are owned and controlled collectively by the community.
  • Seeks to abolish private property and promote equality and social justice.
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23
Q

Describe:

Socialism

A
  • Advocates for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.
  • Emphasizes social equality, economic fairness, and the reduction or elimination of class distinctions.
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24
Q

Define:

Feminism

A

A group of social theories, moral philosophies and related political movements that advocates social, political and economic equality between the sexes.

25
# Explain: **3 waves** of the **feminist movement**
* **First Wave**: In the early 1900's, it focused on the major political, social, and economic rights, including the **right to vote**. * **Second Wave**: In the 1960's, **reproductive rights** were added. * **Third Wave**: Incorporating concepts such as intersectionality and being more inclusive of race and gender.
26
# Explain: What is **political socialization** and what **affects** it?
It is the process by which **people form their ideas about politics**. Factors that affect it are: 1. Personal 2. Economic 3. Mass Media 4. World Events
27
# Explain: What are the primary **factors** that **influence voter turnout** in elections, and how do these factors vary across different demographics and regions?
* **Factors**: Socioeconomic status, education level, age, race, and political engagement. * **Higher turnout** typically seen among individuals with greater resources and civic involvement. * **Regional differences**, such as state voting laws, access to polling places, and cultural attitudes toward voting, can significantly affect turnout rates across different demographics.
28
# Explain: What are the key differences between **plurality** and **majority** voting systems, and how do these differences impact electoral outcomes and representation?
* **Plurality** **voting** occurs when the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they achieve a majority of votes, which can lead to outcomes where a **candidate wins without broad support**. * **Majority** **voting** requires a candidate to receive more than 50% of the votes to win, often leading to runoff elections if no candidate meets this threshold, thereby **promoting broader consensus among voters**.
29
# Explain: Significance of **political parties**.
* Evolved to make it easier to **select qualified candidates** to help make policy decisions. * The members work together to develop a set of **ideals and positions** called the party's **political platform**. * Act as the **organized opposition** to the party in power.
30
# Identify: 3 types of **political parties**.
1. **Mass Parties**: The most recognizable, catch-all parties, which seek to gain as many members as possible even if that degrades their platform. 2. **Niche Parties**: Form around a specific issue, such as environmentalism. 3. **Cadre Parties**: Seek to allow elites to retain power.
31
# Explain: What are the key distinctions between **political pluralism** and **cultural pluralism**?
* **Political pluralism**: system where **multiple political parties** and interest groups **coexist** and **compete for power**, allowing for diverse representation and the incorporation of various viewpoints in governance. * **Cultural pluralism**: emphasizes the coexistence of **diverse cultural groups** within a society, advocating for the recognition and respect of different cultural identities and practices while promoting social harmony and inclusion.
32
# Describe: **3 types** of government
1. **Autocracy**: It has 1 leader who controls all decision making. There is no Constitution to limit their power, and they are often called a dictator. 2. **Aristocracy**: It is ruled by leaders who inherit through their family's bloodline. They can function with or without a Constitution. 3. **Democracy**: Citizens are involved in either voting for leaders to represent them or directly participating in decision making themselves.
33
# Identify: International organizations
* **United Nations (UN)**: The primary international organization aimed at maintaining international peace and security. * **North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)**: A military alliance between North American and European countries. * **European Union (EU)**: A political and economic union of 27 member states, primarily in Europe. * **World Trade Organization (WTO)**: An intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade. * **International Monetary Fund (IMF)**: An international organization that oversees the global financial system. * **World Bank**: An international financial institution that provides loans and grants to developing countries.
34
What role do **international organizations** play in promoting cooperation and addressing global challenges?
International organizations, such as the **United Nations** and the **World Trade Organization**, play a crucial role in promoting cooperation, facilitating dialogue, and addressing global challenges, including security threats, climate change, and humanitarian crises.
35
# Explain: How do **shifting geopolitical alliances** impact global economic stability and international security?
* Altered trade routes, investment flows, and economic policies can lead to **uncertainties in markets**. * Changes can also impact **international security**, as new alliances may shift power balances, potentially increasing the risk of conflicts or fostering new areas of cooperation.
36
# Define: globalization
* Process of **increased interconnectedness and interdependence** among countries, economies, and cultures, driven by advancements in technology, trade, communication, and transportation. * Involves the **movement of goods, services, information, and people across borders**, leading to a more integrated global economy and facilitating cultural exchanges and the spread of ideas.
37
# Explain: How does **globalization** influence **cultural identity** and the preservation of local traditions in various societies?
* **Local** traditions and **identities** may be **overshadowed** by dominant global influences, potentially resulting in the loss of unique cultural practices. * Can **foster cultural exchange and awareness**, allowing societies to preserve and even rejuvenate their traditions by sharing them on a global stage.
38
# Identify: **3 polarities** of power
1. Unipolar system 2. Bipolar System 3. Multipolar system ## Footnote **Unipolar system**: There is only one center of power where one state pretty much can influence and dominate all other international actors. **Bipolar System**: There are two centers of power and all states align with either one or the other center of power, like in the Cold War with the Soviet Union and the United States. **Multipolar system**: Power is diffused among many different states where all players have fairly equal influence and can act independently.
39
How has the **Universal Declaration of Human Rights** influenced international law and the promotion of human rights globally since its adoption in 1948?
* Established a **foundational framework for international human rights law**, guiding the development of treaties, conventions, and national legislation aimed at protecting individual rights. * Inspired **global movements for justice and equality**, encouraging countries to uphold human rights standards and hold violators accountable.
40
# Define: What are the **elements** of power in international relations?
1. **Tangible factors**: such as the size, population, technology and wealth of a state. 2. **Intangible factors**: such as nationalism, political culture and ideology.
41
What is the primary purpose of **political parties** in the United States?
To organize and mobilize voters, facilitate policy-making, and provide a platform for political candidates. ## Footnote Political parties help structure political debate and provide choices for voters, influencing both elections and government policy.
42
# Fill in the blanks: The process by which citizens propose legislation or constitutional amendments through a petition followed by a popular vote is called a \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
ballot initiative ## Footnote Ballot initiatives allow citizens to bypass the legislature and directly propose new laws or amendments, often requiring a specific number of signatures to qualify for the ballot.
43
List **three ways** citizens can participate in the political process besides voting.
* Attending town hall meetings * Engaging in political campaigns * Contacting elected representatives ## Footnote Civic engagement can take many forms, including activism, volunteering for political causes, and participating in community organizing.
44
What is the role of **interest groups** in the policy-making process?
To influence public policy by lobbying government officials and advocating for specific issues. ## Footnote Interest groups represent a wide range of interests, from business and labor to environmental and social issues, and they often provide expertise and resources to policymakers.
45
# Fill in the blanks: A \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_ is a formal statement of a political party's principles and policy objectives.
party platform ## Footnote Party platforms are typically adopted at national conventions and outline the party's stance on key issues, guiding candidates and elected officials.
46
What is the significance of the **Electoral College** in U.S. presidential elections?
It is the body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States. ## Footnote Each state has a number of electors equal to its congressional representation, and most states use a winner-takes-all system to allocate their electoral votes.
47
List **two factors** that can influence voter turnout in elections.
* Voter registration laws * Socioeconomic status ## Footnote Other factors include the competitiveness of the election, voter education, and the perceived importance of the election.
48
What is a **primary election**?
An election in which voters select candidates to run for public office in the general election. ## Footnote Primaries can be open, allowing any registered voter to participate, or closed, limited to registered party members.
49
# Fill in the blank: \_\_\_\_\_\_ refers to the redrawing of electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party.
Gerrymandering ## Footnote Gerrymandering can affect electoral outcomes by concentrating or dispersing voters of certain demographics, impacting the balance of political power.
50
What is the function of a **political action committee** (PAC)?
To raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates. ## Footnote PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission and can contribute directly to candidates or engage in independent political activities.
51
What was the primary goal of the **LGBTQ+ rights movement** post-1960s?
To achieve equal rights and social acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals. ## Footnote The movement gained momentum after the Stonewall Riots in 1969, leading to increased visibility and advocacy for legal protections and marriage equality.
52
# Fill in the blank: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination against individuals with \_\_\_\_\_\_.
disabilities ## Footnote The ADA ensures equal opportunities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and government services for people with disabilities.
53
Which **landmark legislation** is considered a major victory for women's rights in the workplace?
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 ## Footnote This act aimed to abolish wage disparity based on sex, mandating equal pay for equal work.
54
List the **key achievements** of the women's rights movement post-1960s.
* Legalization of abortion (Roe v. Wade) * Passage of Title IX * Increased political representation ## Footnote Title IX, passed in 1972, prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, significantly impacting women's participation in sports and academics.
55
What was the significance of the **Stonewall Riots** in 1969?
They marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. ## Footnote The riots were a response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, sparking activism and the formation of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
56
# Fill in the blanks: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in \_\_\_\_\_\_ \_\_\_\_\_\_.
education programs ## Footnote Title IX has been instrumental in increasing opportunities for women in sports and academics, leading to greater gender equality in educational institutions.
57
What was the **impact** of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015?
It legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in the United States. ## Footnote The Supreme Court ruled that the right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Fourteenth Amendment, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.
58
List some **key figures** in the disability rights movement.
* Ed Roberts * Judy Heumann * Justin Dart ## Footnote Ed Roberts is known as the father of the independent living movement, while Judy Heumann played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of the ADA.