Theories of Democracy and Types of Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the notes on democracy and systems of government.

Democracy

A system of government in which supreme power resides with the people, typically exercised indirectly through representation; key components include competition, accountability, elections, rule of law, equal opportunity, debate, and public participation.

Republic

An indirect democracy in which eligible voters elect representatives to carry out the public will.

Constitutional democracy

A democracy whose legitimacy and authority come from a constitution that limits government powers and protects rights.

Constitutional republic

A constitutional democracy in which the government operates under a constitution and is limited by law, with representatives governing on behalf of the people.

Representative democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct democracy

A system in which citizens vote directly on laws and policies rather than through representatives.

Aristotle's kingship

Positive form: benevolent rule by one aimed at the public good.

Aristotle's tyranny

Negative form: self‑interested rule by one seeking power at any cost.

Aristotle's aristocracy

Positive form: rule by the most capable in society (educated/experienced/enlightened).

Aristotle's oligarchy

Negative form: rule by a power‑hungry few.

Aristotle's polity

Positive form: a representative democracy where citizens elect leaders to carry out their wishes.

Aristotle's democracy

Negative view of democracy as mob rule, chaos, and disorder.

Schattschneider

Democracy defined as a competitive political system where leaders/organizations define policy alternatives so the public can participate.

Schmitter & Karl

Modern political democracy: rulers are held accountable by citizens through competition and cooperation of elected representatives.

Vanhannen

Democracy in which groups are legally entitled to compete for power and power holders are elected by the people and answer to them.

CIA World Fact Book definition

A form of government in which supreme power is retained by the people, usually exercised indirectly through representation and periodically renewed.

Common components of democracy

Competition, accountability, elections, rule of law, equal opportunity, debate, and public involvement.

Political culture

Shared attitudes, values, and norms that shape political behavior; Tocqueville described distinct American traits like individualism and freedom-loving ideals.

Political equality

One person, one vote; equal influence in voting, though practical disparities can exist.

Equality of opportunity

The idea that all individuals have an equal chance to succeed; debated in practice.

Pluralism

Theory that groups compete for power and influence policy; power often distributed among many groups.

Special interests

Organized groups that fund campaigns and lobby policymakers to benefit their aims; protected by the First Amendment.

First Amendment

Protection of religious freedom (establishment and free exercise), speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Separation of powers

Division of government powers among branches to prevent concentration of authority.

Consent of the governed

Legitimacy of government derives from the people’s consent; the people have the right to alter or abolish government if it fails to serve ends.

Social contract

Mutual agreement between people and government outlining rights, duties, and legitimacy.

Natural rights

Inherent rights believed to be granted by God, such as life, liberty, and property.

Unalienable rights

Rights that cannot be taken away; central to the Declaration’s language of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Life, liberty, property

Locke’s natural rights that government is formed to preserve.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Declaration of Independence phrasing for unalienable rights revered by the founding generation.

The Second Treatise of Government

Locke’s work arguing for limited government and protection of natural rights.

Declaration of Independence

Founding document asserting independence and universal rights, influenced by Locke and natural rights philosophy.

Limited government

A government whose powers are restricted by law and constitution.

Means of production

Economic resources used to produce goods; in socialist systems, often state‑controlled.

Public goods

Goods and services provided by the government for the common good (e.g., education, parks, roads, health care).