MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 9a Government Economy Power

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This deck focuses on 9a Government Economy Power, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the definition of a mixed economy?

Answer: Economy combining market mechanisms with government regulation/services. Balances free market efficiency with social welfare goals.

Flashcard 2: What is the definition of capitalism as an economic system?

Answer: Private ownership of production with market-based allocation of resources. Markets determine prices; profit motive drives economic activity.

Flashcard 3: What is the definition of a theocracy?

Answer: Government in which religious leaders and religious law rule. Religious doctrine serves as the basis for governance.

Flashcard 4: What is the definition of an oligarchy?

Answer: Rule by a small, powerful elite group. Power concentrated in few hands, not necessarily wealthy.

Flashcard 5: What is the definition of bureaucracy in sociology?

Answer: Formal hierarchy with rules, specialization, and impersonality. Bureaucracies organize work through standardized procedures.

Flashcard 6: Which concept describes worker disconnection from product, process, self, or others under capitalism?

Answer: Alienation. Marx argued capitalism separates workers from their humanity.

Flashcard 7: What is a command economy, defined by ownership and allocation of resources?

Answer: Central authority controls production and distribution; limited market pricing. Government planners decide what to produce and who gets it.

Flashcard 8: What is a mixed economy, and what is its defining feature?

Answer: Combines market mechanisms with government regulation and public programs. Balances free enterprise with social welfare and market corrections.

Flashcard 9: What is the definition of legitimacy in political sociology?

Answer: Perceived rightfulness of authority and acceptance of rule. Legitimacy ensures stability in governance by fostering consent, reducing the need for coercion in maintaining order.

Flashcard 10: What is the definition of the power elite in sociological analyses of stratification?

Answer: A small group controlling major institutions and disproportionate power. This concept, coined by C. Wright Mills, highlights how interconnected elites in military, corporate, and political spheres dominate decision-making in stratified societies.

Flashcard 11: What is the definition of legitimacy in government?

Answer: Public belief that a ruler or system has rightful authority. Essential for stable governance without constant coercion.

Flashcard 12: Which concept describes the sale of labor for wages because workers lack ownership of the means of production?

Answer: Wage labor. Workers must sell labor since they don't own factories/tools.

Flashcard 13: What is the definition of power in sociology (as used on the MCAT)?

Answer: Ability to influence others and control resources despite resistance. Power exists even when others resist, unlike authority.

Flashcard 14: What is normative power in social and political institutions?

Answer: Power based on shared norms, values, and social approval. Derives from moral authority and cultural consensus.

Flashcard 15: What is the definition of a bureaucracy in the Weberian sense?

Answer: Hierarchical, rule-based organization with specialized roles. Weber emphasized rationality and impersonal rule application.

Flashcard 16: What is bureaucracy in the Weberian sense?

Answer: Formal organization with hierarchy, specialization, rules, and impersonality. Weber identified these features as defining modern organizations.

Flashcard 17: What is capitalism as an economic system?

Answer: Private ownership of production with market-based allocation. Profit motive drives resource distribution through supply/demand.

Flashcard 18: What is the definition of a state (nation-state) in political sociology?

Answer: Political entity with territory, population, government, and sovereignty. Four criteria distinguish states from other political entities.

Flashcard 19: Which option best describes regressive taxation: tax rate rises, falls, or stays constant as income rises?

Answer: Falls as income rises. Higher earners pay lower percentage, burdening poor more.

Flashcard 20: What is socialism, defined by ownership and the intended distribution of benefits?

Answer: Greater collective/public control of production to promote more equal outcomes. Aims to reduce inequality through democratic or state ownership.

Flashcard 21: What is the definition of authority (as distinct from power) in sociology?

Answer: Legitimated power recognized as rightful by those subject to it. Max Weber distinguished authority from mere power by emphasizing its basis in voluntary compliance due to perceived legitimacy.

Flashcard 22: Which option best describes progressive taxation: tax rate rises, falls, or stays constant as income rises?

Answer: Rises as income rises. Higher earners pay higher percentage to reduce inequality.

Flashcard 23: What is the definition of totalitarianism?

Answer: State control over most aspects of public and private life. Goes beyond authoritarianism to control all societal spheres.

Flashcard 24: What is the definition of legitimacy in political sociology?

Answer: Widespread belief that an authority or rule is proper and should be obeyed. Creates voluntary compliance through perceived rightfulness.

Flashcard 25: What is the definition of a theocracy as a form of government?

Answer: Government ruled by religious leaders or religious law. Religious doctrine serves as basis for civil law and policy.

Flashcard 26: What is the definition of socialism (as an economic system) on the MCAT?

Answer: Public or collective ownership to reduce inequality and meet needs. State or community ownership aims to benefit all citizens.

Flashcard 27: What is the primary functionalist view of government in maintaining social order?

Answer: Government enforces norms and coordinates institutions to maintain stability. Functionalists see government as essential for integrating society by enforcing shared norms and resolving conflicts.

Flashcard 28: What is the definition of legitimacy as applied to governments?

Answer: Public belief that a government and its actions are proper and justified. Essential for stable governance; citizens accept the system as valid.

Flashcard 29: What is the definition of a command (centrally planned) economy?

Answer: Allocation primarily determined by governmental planning and directives. Central planning allows governments to direct resources toward collective goals, often prioritizing equity over individual incentives.

Flashcard 30: What is the definition of a meritocracy?

Answer: A system where status is allocated by achievement and ability. Rewards talent and effort rather than birth or connections.

Flashcard 31: What is the definition of power in social science terms?

Answer: The capacity to influence others, even against resistance. Can be exercised through force, persuasion, or resources.

Flashcard 32: What is the definition of power in sociology?

Answer: Ability to influence others, even against their resistance. Power operates regardless of consent or legitimacy.

Flashcard 33: What is the definition of meritocracy in social stratification?

Answer: System where status is allocated by ability, achievement, or effort. Contrasts with systems based on birth, wealth, or connections.

Flashcard 34: What is the definition of capitalism as an economic system?

Answer: Private ownership of production with investment and profit in markets. Capitalism drives economic growth through competition and private incentives, but can exacerbate social inequalities.

Flashcard 35: What is the definition of capitalism in economic sociology?

Answer: Private ownership of production with profit-driven markets. Individuals/corporations own businesses for profit.

Flashcard 36: Which concept describes the belief that societal hierarchies are justified and natural?

Answer: Social dominance orientation. SDO predicts support for inequality and group-based hierarchies.

Flashcard 37: What is a bureaucracy in the Weberian sense?

Answer: A formal organization with hierarchy, rules, specialization, and impersonality. Weber identified these traits as defining modern rational organizations.

Flashcard 38: What is the definition of a mixed economy?

Answer: Market allocation combined with government regulation and services. Balances free market efficiency with social welfare goals.

Flashcard 39: What is Max Weber's legal-rational authority based on?

Answer: Impersonal rules, laws, and formal procedures. Modern states rely on codified systems, not persons.

Flashcard 40: What is a totalitarian regime, and what distinguishes it from authoritarianism?

Answer: State seeks total control over public and private life using ideology and coercion. Goes beyond political control to reshape society and individual thought.

Flashcard 41: What is the definition of communism as a theoretical economic end-state?

Answer: Classless society with communal ownership and no private property. Marx's ideal society without class distinctions or money.

Flashcard 42: What is the key claim of Marxist (conflict) theory about power and economy?

Answer: Economic class conflict drives inequality; owners control institutions. Views power through lens of bourgeoisie vs. proletariat struggle.

Flashcard 43: What is the definition of socialism as an economic system (broadly defined)?

Answer: Collective or state control of key production to promote equality. Socialism aims to reduce class disparities by redistributing control over production to workers or the state.

Flashcard 44: What is bureaucracy in Weber's sense as a form of organization and governance?

Answer: A hierarchical, rule-bound system with specialized roles and offices. Weber viewed bureaucracy as the most rational organizational form for large-scale administration in modern societies.

Flashcard 45: What is the definition of a market economy in terms of allocation of goods and services?

Answer: Allocation primarily via supply, demand, and prices in markets. In market economies, resource distribution responds to consumer choices and competition, encouraging efficiency and innovation.

Flashcard 46: What are the three types of authority in Weber's typology?

Answer: Traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal authority. Weber's typology classifies authority based on the source of legitimacy, influencing how societies organize power structures.

Flashcard 47: What is rational-legal authority in Max Weber's typology?

Answer: Authority derived from laws, formal rules, and offices. Modern societies' dominant form; power comes from position, not person.

Flashcard 48: What is the definition of authority, and what makes it different from power?

Answer: Authority is legitimate power accepted as rightful by those affected. Legitimacy distinguishes authority from raw power or coercion.

Flashcard 49: What is the key claim of elite theory about who holds power in society?

Answer: A small, privileged elite controls major institutions and decision-making. Argues power concentrates in few hands despite democratic appearances.

Flashcard 50: What is the definition of a monarchy as a form of government?

Answer: Rule by a single hereditary sovereign (king or queen). Can be absolute or constitutional with limited powers.

Flashcard 51: What is the definition of a command economy?

Answer: Production and prices are centrally planned by the state. Government decides what to produce and at what price.

Flashcard 52: Which theory states that power is concentrated in a small, unified ruling class?

Answer: Power elite theory. C. Wright Mills argued military, corporate, and political elites dominate.

Flashcard 53: What is the definition of an authoritarian government?

Answer: System with concentrated power and limited political freedoms. Restricts opposition but may allow some private freedoms.

Flashcard 54: Identify the term for a group that seeks to influence policy without seeking elected office.

Answer: Interest group. These groups lobby policymakers to advance specific agendas, influencing legislation without direct governance roles.

Flashcard 55: What is a democracy, defined by how political power is allocated?

Answer: A system where political power rests with the people, directly or via elections. Popular sovereignty through voting distinguishes it from autocracy.

Flashcard 56: What is charismatic authority in Max Weber's typology?

Answer: Authority based on perceived extraordinary traits of a leader. Often unstable; depends on personal magnetism rather than institutions.

Flashcard 57: What is the definition of power in the context of government and social relations?

Answer: The capacity to influence others and control resources or outcomes. Power enables individuals or groups to achieve goals despite resistance, forming the foundation of political and social hierarchies.

Flashcard 58: What is the definition of a welfare state in relation to government and economy?

Answer: Government provides social protections such as health, income, and aid. Welfare states mitigate market failures by ensuring basic needs are met, promoting social stability and equality.

Flashcard 59: What is the difference between absolute poverty and relative poverty?

Answer: Absolute: basic needs unmet; Relative: below societal standard. Absolute is survival; relative is social comparison.

Flashcard 60: What is the definition of a plutocracy?

Answer: Rule by the wealthy; political power concentrated in rich elites. Economic wealth translates directly into political influence.

Flashcard 61: Identify the concept: unequal exchange of labor for wages generating profit for owners.

Answer: Surplus value. Marx's term for profit extracted from workers' unpaid labor time.

Flashcard 62: What is traditional authority in Max Weber's typology?

Answer: Authority based on customs, long-standing practices, and inherited status. Common in monarchies and tribal societies; "we've always done it this way."

Flashcard 63: What is the definition of a totalitarian state in political sociology?

Answer: State seeks total control over public and private life. Totalitarian regimes control all aspects of citizens' lives.

Flashcard 64: What is the definition of a totalitarian government?

Answer: System seeking extensive control over public and private life. Goes beyond authoritarianism to control all aspects of society.

Flashcard 65: What is the conflict theory view of government's role in stratified societies?

Answer: Government often protects the interests of dominant groups and elites. Conflict theorists argue that government reinforces existing power imbalances, serving the ruling class over the marginalized.

Flashcard 66: Which type of authority rests on devotion to an exceptional leader's personal qualities?

Answer: Charismatic authority. Followers attribute extraordinary qualities to the leader, inspiring loyalty that can lead to social change or instability.

Flashcard 67: What is coercive power in government and other power structures?

Answer: Power based on punishment or the threat of force. Relies on fear and negative consequences to ensure compliance.

Flashcard 68: What is the definition of government legitimacy in political sociology?

Answer: Public belief that a government has the right to rule. Legitimacy requires citizens' acceptance, not just force.

Flashcard 69: What is the definition of bureaucracy in modern states?

Answer: Hierarchical administrative system using rules and specialized roles. Weber's ideal type emphasizing efficiency and rationality.

Flashcard 70: What is the definition of authority in sociology (as used on the MCAT)?

Answer: Legitimate power accepted as appropriate by those subject to it. Authority is power that people view as rightful.

Flashcard 71: What is an authoritarian (or autocratic) regime in terms of political power?

Answer: Power is concentrated in a leader or small group with limited political freedoms. Opposition parties and free press are typically suppressed or banned.

Flashcard 72: What is Weber's traditional authority based on?

Answer: Custom and long-standing cultural or religious practices. Traditional authority relies on "how it's always been done."

Flashcard 73: What is the definition of socialism as an economic system?

Answer: Greater collective or state role in ownership and distribution of resources. Aims to reduce inequality through public control of key industries.

Flashcard 74: Identify the concept: using governmental rules to shape behavior through rewards and penalties.

Answer: Social control. Governments use mechanisms like laws and incentives to align individual behaviors with societal goals, maintaining order.

Flashcard 75: What is the definition of totalitarianism?

Answer: State seeks total control of public and private life, often via ideology. Goes beyond authoritarianism to control thoughts and beliefs.

Flashcard 76: What is the definition of an authoritarian government?

Answer: Centralized power with limited political freedoms and participation. Restricts opposition parties and civil liberties.

Flashcard 77: Which theory argues that power is dispersed among competing groups and interests?

Answer: Pluralist theory. No single group dominates; policy emerges from group competition.

Flashcard 78: Which term describes a political system in which power is concentrated in a single ruler or small elite with limited political freedoms?

Answer: Authoritarianism. Authoritarian regimes restrict opposition and civil liberties.

Flashcard 79: Which type of authority is based on rules, offices, and formal procedures?

Answer: Rational-legal authority. This form relies on impersonal, bureaucratic systems to ensure efficiency and predictability in modern states.

Flashcard 80: What is the definition of a nation (as distinct from a state)?

Answer: Group with shared identity (culture, history, language) and solidarity. Cultural unity distinct from political boundaries of states.

Flashcard 81: What is the "iron law of oligarchy" (Michels) in organizations and politics?

Answer: Large organizations tend to become dominated by a small elite leadership. Democratic intentions often yield to concentrated decision-making power.

Flashcard 82: Which social theory argues that society is shaped by class conflict over control of the means of production?

Answer: Marxist conflict theory. Marx saw history as struggle between bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Flashcard 83: What is the definition of authority (as distinct from coercion) in sociology?

Answer: Power viewed as legitimate by those subject to it. Authority is power accepted as rightful, unlike coercion.

Flashcard 84: What is the definition of authority in sociology and political science?

Answer: Legitimate power recognized as rightful by those who are governed. Distinguishes authority from raw power by emphasizing acceptance.

Flashcard 85: What is the definition of a welfare state?

Answer: Government provides social services and income supports. Protects citizens from market failures and life risks.

Flashcard 86: What is the definition of a nation-state?

Answer: Sovereign state whose citizens share a national identity. Combines political sovereignty with cultural unity.

Flashcard 87: What is the key idea of pluralism as a theory of power distribution?

Answer: Power is spread across competing interest groups; no single elite dominates. Contrasts with elite theory by emphasizing multiple power centers.

Flashcard 88: What is sovereignty in the context of a state?

Answer: Supreme authority to govern without external interference. Core principle allowing states to self-govern their territory.

Flashcard 89: What is the interactionist focus when studying government and power in daily life?

Answer: How power and authority are constructed through micro-level interactions. Symbolic interactionism examines how everyday exchanges and symbols shape perceptions of authority and power dynamics.

Flashcard 90: What is the difference between socialism and communism in economic organization?

Answer: Socialism: state role with private property; communism: classless common ownership. Key difference is degree of state control and property rights.

Flashcard 91: What is the conflict theory view of economic stratification?

Answer: Inequality is maintained to benefit elites controlling resources. Views inequality as deliberate, not natural or functional.

Flashcard 92: What is a bureaucracy in Weberian terms?

Answer: Hierarchical organization governed by formal rules. Weber saw bureaucracy as the purest rational-legal form.

Flashcard 93: What is the definition of an oligarchy?

Answer: Rule by a small group that holds concentrated power. Few individuals control political and economic power.

Flashcard 94: What is a market economy, defined by ownership and allocation of resources?

Answer: Private ownership with resource allocation largely determined by supply and demand. Prices emerge from competition rather than government planning.

Flashcard 95: What is the definition of legitimacy as it relates to government and authority?

Answer: Perceived rightfulness of authority that promotes voluntary compliance. Key factor that distinguishes accepted authority from coercion.

Flashcard 96: What is the definition of an oligarchy as a power structure?

Answer: Rule by a small group that holds disproportionate political power. Oligarchies concentrate power among elites, often limiting democratic participation and perpetuating inequality.

Flashcard 97: What is capitalism, defined by ownership, profit, and labor relations?

Answer: Private ownership of capital; production for profit; wage labor predominates. Workers sell labor to owners who control means of production.

Flashcard 98: What is the definition of a market economy?

Answer: Supply and demand largely determine production and prices. Prices emerge from competition, not central planning.

Flashcard 99: Which term describes the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion?

Answer: Soft power. Coined by Nye; contrasts with hard power (military/economic force).

Flashcard 100: What is the definition of a democracy in terms of political structure?

Answer: Political system where power is vested in the people via participation. Can be direct (voting) or representative (elected officials).