AP Gov Vocab for Chapter 1

politics

the process of influencing the actions and policies of the government

government

the institutions that make up the system of policymaking

democracy

a system of government where power is held by the people, including free and fair elections and civil rights and liberties

natuarl rights

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

popular sovereignty

the idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the consent of the people

limited government

a system in which the authority of the government is not absolute

republican government

a system in which the people elect representatives to carry out their wishes

inalienable rights

rights the government cannot take away

liberty

social, political, and economic freedoms

participatory democracy

a theory that widespread participation in politics and civil society is essential to democratic government

civil society groups

independent associations outside the government’s control

pluralist theory

a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of nongovernmental group-based activism in an effort to impact the policymaking process

elite theory

a theory of democracy based on the premise that participation in politics and civil society is limited because elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process

political institutions

the structure of government, including the executive branch, the legislature, and the judiciary

social contract

an agreement between the people and the government where the people give up some freedom and allow their government to rule over them to ensure and orderly and functioning society