Key Terms
RULES
What constraints and opportunities exist? REALITY: What are the actual facts on the ground?
De jure rules
Written, formal rules (the posted speed limit) De facto rules: rules as actually practiced and enforced (the speed at wh
CONSTITUTION
The most important set of rules for any institution. It establishes the basic legal principles of a country: government
PUBLIC POLICY
All decisions governments make to influence behavior. Laws, executive orders, court rulings — all public policy.
PUBLIC INTEREST (also
Common good, general welfare): The well-being of the public. Amorphous by nature — no one can measure it directly.
POWER
The ability to compel someone to do something they would not otherwise choose to do.
SOVEREIGN POWER
The highest form. A state with sovereignty has no authority above it.
AUTHORITY
Power that is recognized as legitimate by those subject to it. Authority is jurisdiction-specific — your professor has a
LEGITIMATE AUTHORITY
Authority used in ways consistent with the rules of the institution. A police officer pulling you over for speeding = le
POLICE STATE
Government uses force — often military or secret police — to repress dissent and maintain order. North Korea is the text
WELFARE STATE
Government provides extensive social benefits — child care, housing, education, pensions. Nordic countries (Denmark, Fin
Two permanent sources of political conflict
1. Scarcity — people want things they do not have 2.
POLITICAL POLARIZATION
When groups become internally cohesive AND externally distrustful. Increases conflict, reduces compromise.
STATUS QUO
The existing state of affairs. A key point: those who benefit from the current situation will actively work to prevent c
BARGAINING
Negotiation over whether and how to change the status quo. Three outcomes: