Hiemler History ApGov Unit 1 (copy)

Enlightenment

A European intellectual movement in the 18th century that influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution with ideas about government and individual rights.

Natural Rights

The concept that individuals are born with certain rights granted by their creator, which cannot be taken away by a government or monarch.

State of Nature

A theoretical condition before any government where humans are free and equal, influencing Enlightenment thought.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the power to govern resides with the people, who consent to be governed.

Social Contract

The agreement among individuals to form a government that protects their natural rights, with the understanding that they can overthrow it if it fails to do so.

Republicanism

A form of government in which representatives are elected to create laws and govern in the public interest, emphasizing the separation of powers.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent tyranny.

Declaration of Independence

A foundational document asserting natural rights and the principles of popular sovereignty and social contract.

United States Constitution

The document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government, establishing republicanism and separation of powers.

Participatory Democracy

A model emphasizing broad participation in the political process by all members of society.

Pluralist Democracy

A model where various interest groups compete to influence public policy, providing a collective voice for the people.

Elite Democracy

A model that suggests limited participation in policy-making, with governance by the most educated individuals.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and represent specific interests, such as the NAACP and the National Rifle Association.

Federalist No

An essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic can mitigate the dangers of factions and protect minority rights.

Brutus No

An Anti-Federalist essay advocating for a participatory democracy and warning against the potential tyranny of a large republic.

Federalists

Supporters of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution who favored a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution who feared the loss of individual liberties and the concentration of power.

Majority Rule

The principle that the majority's decision should prevail in a democratic system.

Minority Rights

The protections and rights afforded to individuals or groups that are not part of the majority, ensuring they are not oppressed.