AP GOV—1st Unit Terms To Help With Reading Checks

This is a Knowt to help you study for reading checks in AP Gov this year!

Government

The institutions through which combined decisions are made for citizens of an area.

Politics

The process by which people attempt to influence institutions. Figuring out “who gets what, when and where.”

Autocracy

Rule by 1. (Ex. Dictatorship → North Korea)

Oligarchy

Rule by few (wealthy and high-status) Typically for their own interests. (Ex. China)

Democracy

Rule of many. Can be direct or indirect.

What is America?

America is a constitutional republic (a democratic system with elected officials).

Political Culture

The core beliefs, values and traditions which people in the same nation share. *Most of ours come from our key documents and core experiences

Liberty

Social, political and economic freedom. (inalienable rights) *Liberty can mean freedom from the interference of a government or the freedom to pursue one’s dreams

Equality

Everyone has the opportunity to succeed if they work hard ← American Dream. No inherited position! You are treated equally under the law!

Social Contract

The idea that citizens are born free and equal but give consent to be governed for protection from other people. *If the government becomes injust the people have the right to overthrow it and elect new representatives

Equal Access Act

Main intent was to restrict the ability of public high schools to exclude religious extracurricular clubs.

Natural Rights

The right to life, liberty and property/pursuit of happiness which the government cannot take away.

Baron de Montesquieu

A philosopher who proposed the separation of powers between governmental branches because he believed one branch should never get too powerful and violate citizens’ rights.

David Hume

A philosopher who believed in designing governments to avoid having the greedy use it for their own good.

Popular Sovereignty

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

Republicanism

A system in which the government’s authority comes from the people through their representatives.

Inalienable Rights

Rights the government cannot take away.

The American Dream

The belief that individuals should be able to achieve their goals through hard work, sacrifice, and their own talents.

Participatory Democracy

A theory that widespread political participation is essential for a democratic government. *DRIVES IT

Civil Society Groups

Independent associations outside the government’s control.

Pluralist Theory

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process. *NLF/ACLU

Elitist Theory

A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process. *Heavily influenced by wealthy interest groups