Key Concepts in American Politics and Government

Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government

Government

The rules and institutions that make up a system of policymaking

Gettysburg Address

A speech by Abraham Lincoln that emphasized equality and the purpose of democratic government

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people

Natural Rights

Rights that people are born with and cannot be taken away

Social Contract

The idea that people give government power in exchange for protection of their rights

American Political Culture

The shared beliefs about government, politics, and society in the United States

Popular Sovereignty

The belief that government's authority comes from the people

Republicanism

A system where people elect representatives to make decisions for them

Liberty

Social, political, and economic freedoms

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away by the government

Wealth of Nations

A book by Adam Smith that explains free‑market economics

Adam Smith

Economist who promoted free markets and limited government involvement

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have broad participation in politics

Civil Society Groups

Independent organizations that work to influence public policy

Pluralist Theory

The idea that groups compete to influence government policy

Elitist Theory

The idea that a small group of powerful people influence government decisions

Political Institutions

Structures of government such as Congress, the presidency, and the courts

Constitutional Republic

A government where officials are elected and the government is limited by a constitution

Constitution

A document that outlines the structure, powers, and limits of government

Republic

A representative form of government where citizens elect leaders