American Government and Politics

Government

The rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking

Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of the government

Natural rights

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

Social contract

People allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

Popular sovereignty

The idea that the government's right to rule comes from the people

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people

American political culture

The set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share

Republicanism

A system in which the government's authority comes from the people

Unalienable rights

Rights the government cannot take away

Liberty

Social, political, and economical freedoms