Topic 1.1: Ideals of Democracy and Second Treatise of Civil Gov.

AP Gov.

Natural Rights

Inherent human right of Life, Liberty, and property (or pursuit of happiness) that exist prior to gov. and cannot be taken away.

John Locke

English Enlightenment philosopher whose theories on natural rights, consent of the governed, and the social contract heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence.

Social Contract Theory

An implicit agreement between citizens and gov. where citizens yield some absolute freedom in exchange for gov. protection of natural rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that ultimate political power and legal authority reside with the people rather than a monarch or ruling elite.

Republicanism

A system of governance where public policy is created by elected representative accountable to the citizens.

Limited Government

A political structure whose powers are restricted by constitutional rules to protect individual liberties.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 foundational document asserting the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain based on natural rights and social contract principles.

Thomas Jefferson

Primary author of the DOI who adapted John Locke’s ideas into foundational American ideals.

State of Nature

A theoretical condition without laws or formal gov. where individuals possess absolute freedom, but natural rights are insecure.

Right to Revolution

The social contract principle stating citizens have the legitimate right to alter or abolish a government that violate natural rights.