AP Government Congress: Powers, Elections, and Legislative Process

Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government.

Government

The rules and 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.

Natural Rights

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

Social Contract

An agreement between the people and government where people give up some freedoms and allow government to rule to ensure an orderly and functioning society.

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 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 for 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 that participation in politics and civil society is limited because elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in policymaking.

Political Institutions

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