AP United States Government & Politics Vocabulary

.# = pg number the word is defined in relative to the David Wolfford-written AMSCO AP Edition review book. Also lock in🔏

Natural Rights .4

Rights given by God at birth to a person: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (Property J.L.).

Natural Law .4

“Law of God,” which is understood to be universal, protected by and given by God, and inherently observed in expression of morality.

Social Contract .4

The agreement of free and equal people to abandon certain natural rights in order to find secure protections, and to find freedom in a single body politic committed to the general good.

Republicanism .5

Political ideology where citizens elect leaders for a limited period of time (the leader’s job is to make and execute laws in the public interest).

Popular Sovereignty .4

The people are the ultimate ruling authority; alongside, a government of officials carry out the laws.

Limited Government .5

Government kept under control by law, checks and balances, and separation of powers.