Foundations and Core Principles

Popular sovereignty

Government gets its power from the people.

Republicanism

People elect representatives to make government decisions.

Limited government

Government only has the powers the Constitution gives it.

Natural rights

Basic rights people are born with.

Social contract

People give government power in exchange for protection of rights.

Consent of the governed

Government is legitimate only if the people agree to its rule.

Liberty

Freedom from excessive government control.

Equality

The idea that people should be treated fairly and equally under the law.

Individualism

Emphasis on personal freedom and individual rights.

Rule of law

Everyone including leaders must follow the law.

Self-government

People govern themselves directly or through representatives.

Republic

A government in which citizens choose representatives.

Majority rule

The option with more than half the votes wins.

Minority rights

Basic rights of smaller groups must still be protected.

Faction

A group united by a shared interest or opinion.

Pluralism

Many groups compete for influence in government.

Tyranny

Cruel or unjust use of power.

Ratification

Formal approval of the Constitution or an amendment.

Amendment

A formal change to the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments.

Anti-Federalists

People who opposed the Constitution because they feared strong national power.

Federalists

People who supported the Constitution and a stronger national government.

Great Compromise

Agreement creating a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation.

Electoral College

The system used to formally choose the president.

Participatory democracy

Broad participation by citizens in politics.

Pluralist democracy

Groups compete and no one group dominates.

Elite democracy

A small group of leaders makes most important decisions.

Direct democracy

People vote directly on laws or policies.