hn government chapter two study guide

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