AP gov vocab

social contract

an agreement between citizens and their government where individuals willingly give up some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of the common good

natural rights

fundamental human rights that are inherent to all individuals

popular sovereignty

the principle that ultimate political authority and power resides in the people

limited government

the concept that government power should be defined and restrained by the constitution

federalism

contributes to limited government by sharing power between the central government and the regional governments, allowing for a distribution of authority

republicanism

a system of government where the power is held by the people and exercised through elected representatives (civic responsibility)

separation of powers

divides the government into three branches; executive legislative and judicial

checks and balances

guarantees a limited government by establishing a system where each branch has the ability to restrain and oversee the other branches

U.S. constitution

“living document” representing a voluntary agreement between the people and their government, outlines responsibilities

bill of rights

first 10 amendments to the constitution, protections of individual rights

participatory democracy

form of democracy where citizens actively and directly participate in decision making processes

pluralist democracy

democratic system that recognizes and accommodates diverse interests and groups within society to influence policy-making decisions

elite democracy

small, privileged groups, individuals, or institutions hold significant power and political influence

federalists

strong central government to regulate regional governments, supports pluralist and elite democracy models by suggesting that a more diverse republic will stop factions from dominating

anti federalists

concerned about political elites dominating, emphasized the importance of local and direct involvement from the people

articles of confederation

the document that laid out the first form of government in the united states, ineffective due to its inability to tax, lack of national systems, and no regulations between states

great compromise

created a bicameral legislative with the house and senate

3/5 compromise

slaves votes counted as 3/5 of a person

electoral college

process of electing a president through the states, states decide how to choose electors

commerce clause

gave congress the power to regulate trade between states and set tariffs on imports