Chapter 1 Review AP Key Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 1 AP Government.

politics

The process of determining who gets what, when, and how, and how political decisions are made within a society.

government

The system or organization of people and institutions with the authority to make and enforce laws for a political community.

democracy

A system of government where power is vested in the people, who govern either directly or through elected representatives.

natural rights

Fundamental rights that belong to all humans by nature, typically defined as life, liberty, and property.

social contract

An agreement among citizens to form a society and government, surrendering some freedom in exchange for security and protection of rights.

popular sovereignty

The principle that political power resides with the people, who give their consent to be governed.

limited government

A political system in which the powers of government are restricted by law, often through a written constitution, to safeguard individual freedoms.

republican government

A representative form of government where voters elect officials to make laws and govern on their behalf.

inalienable rights

Rights inherent to all individuals that cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken away by a government.

liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

participatory democracy

A theory of democracy that emphasizes wide citizen participation in politics and civic life.

civil society groups

Non-governmental groups and voluntary associations that enable citizens to organize and advocate for public interests outside of state control.

pluralist theory

A theory of government emphasizing that political power is distributed among various competing interest groups, preventing any single group from dominating.

elite theory

A theory of government holding that a small, wealthy, and powerful minority holds real power and controls political decision-making.