AP American Government and Politics

Chapter 1 Reading Notes Vocabulary

Politics

The process by which groups of people make collective decisions, often involving the distribution of power and resources in society.

Government

The system or organization through which a community or nation is governed, encompassing the mechanisms for creating and enforcing laws and policies.

Democracy

A form of government in which the power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights inherent to all individuals, often considered universal and inalienable, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Social Contracts

Theoretical agreements among individuals to form a society, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the governed and the government.

American Political Culture

A set of shared beliefs, values, and norms that characterize the political life of a nation, shaping how citizens view their government and politics.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through voting.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on the idea of a government in which representatives are elected to represent the interests of the citizens, emphasizing liberty and civic virtue.