AP Government Chapter 1

Elite-Class Theory

A belief that certain groups hold disproportionate power in a political system

Pluralist Theory

A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. Because many groups compete, there is not an elite group that dominates. Compromise is common.

Popular sovereignty

A government in which the people rule by their own consent.

Government

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies

Natural Rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property

Social Contract

An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed

Republicanism

A philosophy of limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people. The government is based on consent of the governed.

participatory democracy

a theory of democracy that holds that citizens should actively and directly control all aspects of their lives

civil society groups

an independent association outside the government's control

Political Institutions

the structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary

constitutional republic

a government in which citizens rule through elected representatives, according to a plan of government

Declaration of Independence

1776 statement, issued by the Second Continental Congress, explaining why the colonies wanted independence from Britain.