AP Gov Chapter 1&2 Vocab

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issue of public concern

Constitutionalism

The idea that there are definable limits on the rightful power of a government over its citizens.

Elitism

The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy.

Democracy

A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.

Indirect democracy (representative democracy)

Citizens elect representatives who decide policies on behalf of their constituents

Inalienable (Natural) Rights

Those rights that persons theoretically possessed in the state of nature, prior to the formation of governments. These rights, including those of life, liberty, and property, are considered inherent and, as such, are inalienable. Since government is established by people, government has the responsibility to preserve these rights.

Republic

A form of government in which the people’s representatives decide policy through institutions structured in ways that foster deliberation, slow the progress of decision making, and operate within restraints that protect individual liberty.

Limited Government

A government that is subject to strict limits on its lawful uses of power, and hence on its ability to deprive people of their liberty.

Majoritarianism

The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in policy determination.

Naturalization

The process of becoming a citizen by means other than birth.

Pluralsim

A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through power exercised by groups.

Social Contract

A voluntary agreement by individuals to form government, which is then obliged to act within the confines of the agreement.

Checks & Balances

The elaborate system of divided spheres of authority provided by the U.S. Constitution as a means of controlling the power of government. The separation of powers among the branches of the national government, federalism, and the different methods of selecting national officers are all part of this system.

Judicial Review

The power of courts todecide whether a governmental institution hasacted within its constitutional powers and, if not, to declare its action null and void.

Delegates

Elected representatives whose obligation is to act in accordance with the expressed wishes of the people they represent.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution, which makes national law supreme over state law when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.

Tyranny of the Majority

The potential of a majority to monopolize power for its own gain to the detriment of minority rights and interests

Self-Government

The principle that the people are the ultimate source and should have a voice in their governing. (In practice, self-government has come to mean a government based on majority rule.) supremacy clause Article VI of the Constitution, which makes national law supreme over state law when the national government is acting within its constitutional limits.

Separation of Powers

The division of the powers of government among separate institutions or branches

trustees

Elected representatives whose obligation is to act in accordance with their own consciences as to what policies are in the best interests of the public.