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government

The set of institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society.

collective goods

Goods and services, such as clean air and national defense, that by their nature cannot be denied to any individual in a society.

politics

The process that determines whom we select as governmental leaders and what these leaders pursue.

political participation

Any activity that citizens engage in to influence the structure of government, selection of officials, or public policies.

single-issue groups

An interest group that focuses on one narrow, specific policy area, often taking an uncompromising stance on that single topic.

policymaking system

The continuous process by which public policy comes into being, evolves, and impacts society.

linkage institutions

A channel or structure that connects citizens to the government and policy makers.

policy agenda

The list of problems that get priority attention of public officials and decision-makers at any specific time.

political issue

A problem or disagreement when people disagree about a societal issue and how the government should fix it.

policymaking institutions

The branches of government charged with taking action on political issues and creating public policy.

public policy

An official course of action taken by government in response to a political issue.

policy impacts

The overall consequences and effects that a government policy has on people and societal problems.

democracy

A system of government where the power to rule belongs to the people, who exercise it directly or through elections.

majority rule

Policies, laws, or candidates backed by more than half of voters will win and govern.

minority rights

Constitutional protection of underrepresented groups from oppression of their liberties by popular vote.

representation

How elected officials act on behalf of the citizens, interests, and opinions of their home district or state.

pluralism

A theory of democracy where power is distributed among many competing interest groups, ensuring no single group dominates policy.

elitism

A political theory stating that a small, wealthy, and privileged group holds the most political power and controls public policy.

hyperpluralism

A political theory stating that when too many interest groups compete for power, the government becomes weakened, fragmented, and unable to act.

policy gridlock

A state in which government cannot pass new laws or take action because political groups lack a consensus to agree.

political culture

The widely shared and sustained set of beliefs, values, and norms about how citizens relate to their government and to one another.

gross domestic product

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a given year.

Constitution

The supreme law of the land and the foundational legal blueprint for the American political system.

Declaration of Independence

Historical founding document, the 13 colonies officially announced their separation from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776.

natural rights

The inherent, universal rights that all people are born with, such as life, liberty, and property—which no government can justly take away.

consent of the governed

Enlightenment principle that a government derives its legitimacy and moral right to use power only from the approval of the people.

limited government

Power of government is restricted by law to prevent tyranny and protect individual natural rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first written Constitution and governing framework of the U.S. from 1781 to 1789.