common good
the good of a community
classic republicanism
The emphasis on participation in civic duties while ensuring the common good is paramount
civic virtue
The citizens’ dedication to common good even if it’s at the cost of individual liberties
pursuit of happiness
It is an American’s right to work toward self-improvement if they do not infringe on others’
consent of the governed
The agreement that citizens will obey the laws that the government creates
divine right
the doctrine that kings derive their right to rule directly from God and are not accountable to their subjects
natural rights
The idea that ensures that citizens have basic rights, and that the government should ideally protect them
state of nature
The hypothetical condition that a group of people live without a government for philosophical purposes
social contract
an implicit agreement among people that results in the organization of society; individual surrenders liberty in return for protection
inalienable rights
Rights of every citizen that cannot be taken away by the government
popular sovereignty
Political power ultimately belongs to the citizens
Rights of revolution
The right that people can host a revolution when the government does not serve its interests
Political legitimacy
The people who are governed accept that the claim to authority by those who govern is justified