AP Government - Chapter one

AP GOV- stories of a nation chapter one flashcards

Politics

Process of Influencing the actions & policies of government

ex. Politician gets votes to pass certain legislature

Government

The rules & institutions that make up a system of policy making

ex. Democracy, Communism, Oligarchy, etc.

Democracy

System of government where power is held by the people.

ex. Athens

Natural Rights

rights to life, liberty, & property, cannot be taken by government

ex. Locke’s natural rights

Social Contract

People allow government to rule to ensure a functioning society. People take revoke this right at any time

Ex. Constitution

American Political Culture

The set of beliefs, customs, traditions, & values, that Americans are perceived to share.

Ex. Freedom & Liberty

Popular Sovereignty

The people give the government the right to rule

Ex. Kansas-Nebraska Act

Republicanism

System of government where the people give the government the authority to rule

ex. United States

Inalienable Rights

God given rights which can not be violated by any person

Ex. Dignity

Liberty

Social, Political, & Economic Freedom

ex. Freedom of speech (civil liberty)

Participatory Democracy

Theory of Democracy that democracies can only work with true participation from citizens

ex. Elections

Civil society groups

independent associations outside of governmental control

ex. refugees international

Pluralist theory

theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in policymaking

ex. Democrats & Republicans

Elitist Theory

theory of democracy that elites (top 1%) have much more sway & influence in the policy making process.

Political Institutions

Stricture of Government (executive, legislative, judiciary branches)

Constitutional republic

democratic system with elected representatives where constitution is supreme law

ex. United States