Social Studies Vocab

Authority is distributed among different branches some functions are shared with one or more branches.

Separation of Powers

Democracies recognize and protect the people from unfair and unreasonable intrusions by the government

Rule of Law

Individual Rights to life, liberty, and property are protected by a guarantee that proper procedures will be followed to monitor how a person is accused and/or convicted of a crime

Right to privacy

The Transfer of Power is accomplished through orderly and peaceful means. Citizens select government representatives

Elections/Voting

Regulation/procedures in a democratic society must be obeyed by all - even the elected officials who make the regulations and procedures

Due Process of the law

In democratic societies, the rights of the "smaller group" are protected

Rights of the minority

Powers are distributed among the branches of government, but some branches can ensure that others do their jobs.

Checks and Balances

It's the job of the government in a democratic society to protect these basic rights

Natural Rights

Democratic Societies are founded on an agreement. The people agree to give up absolute freedom, and in return, the government's goal is to protect the basic/natural rights of the people.

Social contract

When the bulk of the group wants something to happen, it does

Majority rule

Benefits and burdens are distributed in society fair and proper responses are made to correct wrongs.

Equality

The power of the government are restricted by the Written laws of the government.

Limited Government

The source of the government authority is the people

Popular Sovereignty

"rule by the people" a form of government in which all citizens exercise political, either directly or indirectly through their elected representatives.

Democracy/Democratic

This is what is best for the community as a whole

Common Good

The idea that a citizen needs to put the common good of the community as a whole before his own wants the individuals actions affect the whole community

Civic Virtue

The law does not discriminate on the bases of unreasonable and unfair criteria such as race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.

Justice

A government in which representatives are elected by the people and the elected representatives govern for the people

Republican Government

A form of government in which power is shared between a national central government and a lower level government like state or local

Federalism

The idea that governments should protect fundamental rights and they should not be taken from people without due process of law

Life, Liberty, and Property

The right to choose religion and to engage in worship without interfernce

Freedom of Religion