Gov Chapter 1 Vocab

Politics

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

Natural Rights

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

Social Contract

People allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

American Political Culture

The set of beliefs, customs, traditions and values that Americans share

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the people

Republicanism

A system in which the government’s authority comes from the people through their representatives.

Inalienable Rights

Rights the government cannot take away.

Liberty

Social, political and economical freedoms

Civil Society Groups

Independent association outside of the government’s control

Pluralist Theory

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the roles of group in the policymaking process.

Participating Democracy

A theory that widespread participation is essential for democratic government

Elitist Theory

A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process.

Political Institutions

The structure of government including the executive, legislative and judicial.

Constitution Republic

A democratic system with elected representatives in which the Constitution is supreme law.