AP Gov Unit 1 Vocabulary Terms

Authoritarianism

A system of government characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms; the state demands submission to authority rather than individual liberty.

Ideology (Political Ideology)

A coherent set of beliefs, values, and opinions about politics, society, economics, and government; ideology shapes how individuals or groups view the world and influences their political behavior.

Initiative

A process in which citizens can propose laws or constitutional amendments directly — typically via petition and then popular vote — bypassing or supplementing the legislature.

Institution

An established organization, structure, or system (formal or informal) in a society that shapes political, social, or economic behavior — e.g., government bodies, legal systems, cultural practices.

Legislature

The branch or body of government responsible for making laws; usually composed of elected representatives.

Liberalism

A political ideology emphasizing individual rights, civil liberties, equality, and often supportive of government intervention in the economy and society to promote justice and opportunity.

Libertarianism

A political philosophy that prioritizes individual liberty (personal and economic), advocating for minimal government intervention and maximum personal freedom.

Liberty

The state of being free — politically, socially, and personally — to act, speak, and think without undue coercion or restriction by the government or others.

Anarchy

A situation or philosophy in which there is no government, central authority, or formal structure of rule.

Aristocracy

A system of government where power is held by a privileged few — typically a small class distinguished by birth, wealth, or status.

Capitalism

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned, and economic activity is largely driven by market forces, competition, and profit.

Conservatism

A political ideology favoring preservation of established traditions, institutions, and social norms; generally cautious about rapid change and supportive of order, stability, and continuity.

Democracy

A form of government in which power is vested in the people — either directly or through elected representatives — and decisions are made by majority rule or popular participation.

Democratic Republic

A type of government combining a republic (no monarchy, rule of law) with democratic principles where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct Democracy

A political system where citizens directly participate in decision-making and lawmaking rather than delegating those functions to representatives.

Divine Right of Kings

The doctrine or belief that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, not from the consent of the people, and thus are not subject to earthly authority or accountability.

Elite Democracy (Elitism)

The theory or notion that a small, privileged group (the elite) holds the real power and makes decisions, even within a democratic framework — often implying that ordinary citizens have limited influence.

Eminent Domain

The power of the government to take private property for public use — usually with compensation to the owner — even without the owner's consent.

Equality

The principle that all individuals should have the same status, rights, and opportunities — regardless of race, gender, wealth, or other distinguishing characteristics.

Government

The formal organization that makes and enforces rules for a society — including institutions and individuals exercising authority over a territory or people.

Hyperpluralism

A theory or condition in a democracy where too many competing interest groups or factions hinder effective government action — resulting in gridlock or inefficient policymaking.

Limited Government

The principle that a government's power should be restricted by law (often via a constitution) to protect individual rights and prevent abuse of power.

Linkage Institutions

Structures or mechanisms (like political parties, media, elections, interest groups) that connect citizens to their government and help translate public preferences into policy decisions.

Majority

The larger portion or greater number of a population or group — typically more than half.

Majority Rule

The principle that decisions in a democracy should reflect the desires of more than half the members of a group or society.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

A democratic principle that while majority decisions prevail, the rights of minority groups must be protected to prevent tyranny by the majority.

Minority

A smaller segment of a population distinguished by race, religion, opinions, or other characteristics — often underrepresented in power or decision-making.

Oligarchy

A form of government where a small group of people — often wealthy or powerful — hold most of the political power, rather than the people as a whole.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have direct involvement in decision-making — beyond just voting — including participation in public discussion, civic engagement, and community decision processes.

Pluralist Democracy

A democratic system in which many diverse interest groups compete to influence public policy — the competition among these groups helps shape government decisions.

Political Culture

The shared beliefs, values, norms, and attitudes toward government and politics that characterize a society and influence political behavior.

Political Participation

The various ways citizens engage in politics and government — such as voting, campaigning, protesting, contacting officials, or joining interest groups.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals gain their political values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors — often influenced by family, education, media, and life experiences.

Politics

The activities, processes, and debates through which power and resources are distributed within a society — including conflict, cooperation, policy-making, and governance.

Recall

A procedure that allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term, typically via a petition and special election.

Referendum

A process by which citizens vote directly on a proposed law or public policy — giving the electorate direct decision-making power.

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