Participating in Government

The official actions and decisions of government, made and/or shaped by officials in all three branches.

• Politics

• Public policy

• Political ideology

• Public agenda

The struggle for power to control the government and control the making of public policy.

• Political process

• Public policy process

• Politics

• Political socialization

A set of beliefs or ideas about how government and society should function, including who should have power, and how that power should be used.

• Political ideology

• Platform

• Interest group

• Propaganda

The end of the political spectrum that generally views government as a force for good, and is open to expanding its power and influence in people's lives. Associated with the 'liberal' ideology in the USA.

• The 'Right'

• The 'Left'

• Libertarian

• Authoritarian

The end of the political spectrum that generally views government as a necessary evil, which should be limited in power to protect individual rights. Associated with the 'conservative' ideology in the USA.

• The 'Left'

• The 'Right'

• Liberal

• Conservative

Describes someone closer to the political 'left' in the USA, generally favoring a larger, more active government - especially at the national level.

• Conservative

• Libertarian

• Liberal

• Authoritarian

Describes someone closer to the political 'right' in the USA, generally favoring smaller, less involved government - especially at the national level.

• Liberal

• Conservative

• Libertarian

• Authoritarian

Describes someone who believes that the government should be as small as possible, and allow people to live and behave as they please - both socially and economically.

• Authoritarian

• Liberal

• Conservative

• Libertarian

Describes someone who believes that the government should be large and heavily controlling in all issues - both socially and economically.

• Libertarian

• Authoritarian

• Liberal

• Conservative

The process by which we develop our political attitudes, values, and beliefs. Family - especially parents - are an especially influential part of this, though not the only one.

• Political socialization

• Political process

• Public policy process

• Campaign finance