AP Gov Chapter 1 vocab

politics

the process of influencing the actions and the policies of government

Government

the rules and institutions that make up that systems of policy making

natural rights

the right to life liberty, and property, which government cannot take away

Social contract

people allow their governments to rule over them to ensue an orderly and functioning society

democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people

Popular sovereignty

the idea that the governments right to rule comes from the people

republicanism

A system in which the governments authority comes from the people through their representitives

Inalienable rights

Rights the government cannot take away

liberty

Social, Political and economic freedoms

Participatory Democracy

A theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic governments

Civil Society groups

independent associations outside the government control

Pluralist Theory

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policy making process

Elitist theory

A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policy making process

Political institutions

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

Constitutional Republic

a democratic system with elected representatives in which the constitution is the supreme law