Unit 1: AP Gov.

Unit 1 of AP Government

Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of the government.

Government

The rules & institutions that make up the system of policymaking.

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people.

Natural Rights

The right to life, liberty, and property which the government cannot take away.

Social Contract

People surrender some rights to the government to allow them to enforce an orderly society. If the government violates the people's natural rights, people have the right to replace the government.

Political Culture

A set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share.

Popular Sovereignty

The government's right to rule comes from the people. (When citizens are unhappy they can change the gov. through regular, free, and fair election)

Republicanism

The governments authority comes from the people.

Inalienable Rights

Rights the government cannot take away.

Liberty

Social, political, and economic freedoms.

Civil Society

Independent associations outside the governments control.

Pluralist Theory

Theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policy making process (e.g. interest groups that advocate for their interests in society & politics)

Elitist Theory

Theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policy-making process.

Political Institutions

The structure of government (e.g. branches of the federal government)

Constitutional Republic

In which the public elects representatives & the constitution acts as the supreme law of the land.