AP US Gov Unit 1 - Vocabulary Terms (Section 1)

Politics

the process of influencing the actions and policies of government

Government

the rules and institutions that make up that system of policy making

Natural rights

the rights to life, liberty, and property which government cannot take away

Democracy

a system of government where the power is held by the people

Social contract

an agreement between the citizens and their government in which the people allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society while still protecting the rights and freedoms of the citizens

Popular sovereignty

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

American political culture

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

Republicanism

a system in which the government’s right to rule comes from the people

Inalienable Rights

rights the government cannot take away

Participatory (direct) democracy

a theory that widespread direct political participation by the citizens is essential for democratic government

Liberty

social, political, and economic freedoms

Pluralistic democracy theory

a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policy making process

Civil society groups

independent associations outside the control of the government

Elitist democracy theory

a theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policy making process

Constitutional republic

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

Political institutions

the structure of government, including the legislature, executive, and judicial branches

Constitution

a document that sets out the fundamental principles of governance and establishes the institutions of government

Republic

a system where the people rule by way of representatives in their government

Articles of Confederation

the first U.S. federal government, created a union of 13 states that retained supreme power and a central government with very little powers

Unicameral

a one-house legislature

Shay's Rebellion

a popular uprising against the state government of Massachusetts, led to widespread fear and doubt about the federal government’s ability to maintain order