APGOVPO 25-26 Notes - Daniel Jackson

John Locke's Social Contract Theory

A political theory that argues individuals surrender extreme rights to preserve their natural rights within a commonwealth.

Natural Rights

Rights that are believed to be granted by the Creator to all humanity, including life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Republicanism

A form of government in which the consent of the governed is expressed through elected representatives.

Dissolve (in political context)

To formally terminate a relationship or agreement.

Grievances (in Declaration context)

Complaints listed in the Declaration of Independence outlining the wrongs committed by the British against the colonies.

Unalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence.

Participatory Democracy

A model of democracy where citizens have direct influence on policymaking.

Pluralist Democracy

A model of democracy where policy is influenced by non-governmental groups.

Elitist Democracy

A model of democracy where a small minority, usually the wealthy and powerful, influences policy decisions.

Federalists

Individuals who support the ratification of the Constitution and a strong central government.

Antifederalists

Individuals who oppose the ratification of the Constitution, fearing it grants too much power to the central government.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Civic Engagement

The involvement of individuals in collective actions intended to identify and address issues of public concern.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.

Judicial Activism

The judicial philosophy that the courts should take an active role in policy-making, often by interpreting the Constitution in a way that addresses social issues.

Judicial Restraint

The judicial philosophy that advocates for limited court involvement in policy-making, respecting the decisions of elected officials.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Individual Rights

The liberties and entitlements that belong to each person as guaranteed by law.

Political Socialization

The process by which people acquire their political beliefs and values.

Demographics

Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it, often used to analyze voting behavior.

Incumbent

An individual currently holding a political office.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election.

Electoral College

A body of representatives established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Ballot Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments for direct vote.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation makes a difference.

Swing State

A state where both major political parties have similar levels of support among voters, making it a key target for election campaigns.