Topic 1.1:

Define Government:

The institution that society makes and enforces its public policies

Define Public Policies:

Everything government wants to do and how they do it

What are the 5 Enlightenment Ideas?

1. Natural Rights

2. Popular Sovereignty

3. Social Contract Theory

4. Republicanism

5. Limited Government

Define Natural Rights:

Basic rights for all people that can’t be taken away by government

Ex: Life, Liberty, Property, & Happiness

Define Popular Sovereignty:

The people are the ones in power

Define Social Contract Theory:

People choose for the government to rule over them/ Government power is granted and limited by the people/ The people can change or abolish that government

Constitution =

Social Contract

Define Republicanism:

A system of representation where people elect representatives to carry out the will of the people (Indirect / Representative Democracy)

Define Limited Government:

The government is not all powerful

Ex: Separation of powers, Checks and balances, Federalism, & Republicanism