1.1 Ideals of Democracy

Government

institutions that make public policy decisions for society

Politics

process of how power and influence are used to make decisions within a group or society

Functions of government

maintain national defense, provide public goods and services, preserve order, socialize the young, collect taxes

Limited government

gov power is limited by rule of law ; gov is not all-powerful

How is limited gov ensured

separation of powers, checks and balances, republicanism, and federalism

Natural rights

basic rights are guaranteed to all people; cannot be denied or restricted by any gov (life, liberty, happiness or property)

Popular sovereignty

gov right to rule comes from consent of the people

Social contract

agreement between people and gov where people give up some freedom to allow their gov to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society