AP Government Vocab Quiz Words - Week 1

Limited Government

The policy that a government’s power cannot be absolute, ensuring protection of natural rights and individual liberties within a society.

Natural Rights

Fundamental rights that are given by the “creator”; cannot be taken away. Include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Part of the DoI.

Popular Soverignty

The policy that all of the government’s power comes from the consent of the people.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement b/w the government and the people in which they agree to give up some of their rights in order for the government to better protect them. (ex: we give up the right to bear arms in school so students can be safe)

Republic

A political system in which representatives are elected to govern on the people’s behalf. Different than a democracy in that power is limited by the constitution (not the majority vote).

Representative Democracy

Hybrid b/w republic and democracy. Form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. (US is an example).

Participatory Democracy

Emphasizes broad participation in politics and believes that democracy functions best when majority of citizens are involved.

Pluralist Democracy

Numerous interest groups compete w/ each other to influence policy making (no single group dominates). Emphasizes open participation.

Elite Democracy

Wealth is the primary determinant of power. Wealthy exert disproportionate influence on gov. decisions.

US Constitution

The nation’s basic law that establishes the government’s structure and allocates power.

Federalist 10

By James Madison. Argues that a large, diverse republic with representative government is the best way to control the negative effects of factions. (Federalist)

Brutus 1

By Robert Yates. Argues against the ratification of the Constitution w/o the BoR, warning that a large republic would lead to an uncontrollable central government that would infringe on states’ rights. (Anti-federalist)

Articles of Confederation

First Constitution of the US; established a weak central government and strong states (state sovereignty).

Anti-federalist

Faction who fought for the BoR in fear of a large central government. Advocated for states’ rights and stronger state government.

Federalist

Faction who supported the Constitution w/o the BoR and advocated for a stong central government.