Chapter 1-7: Government, Democracy, and Participatory Democracy Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts from the notes on government purposes, democracy (including direct vs. representative), key Enlightenment thinkers and their ideas, and participatory democracy mechanisms like recall, referendum, and initiative.

Government

An institution that makes decisions for a country, creates order, protects rights, distributes resources, conducts foreign affairs, provides public goods/services, socializes the young, and collects taxes.

Preamble

The introductory part of a constitution that states who has the authority to make decisions and why the government is formed.

Socialization of the Young

Processes (like schooling) that teach citizens norms, respect, and civic behavior to create desired citizens.

Tax

A mandatory levy by the government to fund its activities and public services.

Five Purposes of Government

Make decisions, create order, protect rights, distribute resources (public goods/services), and manage foreign affairs (plus defense and socializing the young).

Democracy

A system where power derives from the people and meets certain criteria (peaceful transfer of power, free elections, representation, free press, equality before the law, and limits on government).

Free Elections

Elections in which voters can choose among multiple candidates without fear of government reprisals.

Free Press

A press capable of criticizing the government and not wholly controlled by the state or parties.

Representation

People elect leaders to make decisions on behalf of the public.

Direct Democracy

A system in which all eligible citizens vote on every issue; impractical at large scales.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make policy and law decisions.

Electoral College

A body that elects the president in the United States, rather than a direct nationwide popular vote.

Caucus

A meeting of party members to select delegates or decide on candidates, rather than a direct all-citizen vote.

Two-Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties, with limited formal options for third parties.

Separation of Powers

A Montesquieu concept dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to balance power.

Montesquieu

Enlightenment thinker who proposed checks and balances and the separation of powers.

Hobbes

Enlightenment thinker who articulated the social contract and argued against rebellion when the government protects rights.

Locke

Enlightenment thinker who argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the right to overthrow a government that fails the social contract.

Second Treatise of Government

Locke’s work outlining the social contract and the right of rebellion; influential to the American founders.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence; influenced by Locke; linked to the pursuit of happiness and debates on slavery.

Declaration of Independence

Foundational document asserting natural rights and the justification for American independence, influenced by Locke.

Sally Hemmings

Jefferson’s enslaved partner with whom he had children; highlights the paradox of slavery in the founding era.

George Washington

First U.S. president who freed his enslaved people in his will; contrasts with Jefferson’s approach to slavery.

Arlington National Cemetery

Cemetery established on land that originated from the Washington estate.

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy emphasizing broad, direct participation by citizens in politics beyond voting.

Recall

A process to remove an elected official before the end of their term via a special election.

Referendum

Legislation or a law proposed by the government put to a vote of the people for approval.

Initiative

A process by which citizens can place a measure on the ballot through petition to become law.

Propositions (Texas context)

Citizen-driven ballot items used to signal public opinion to legislators, often handled via propositions rather than a full initiative.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between national and state governments, allowing different practices in different states.