AP Gov Chapter 1 Reading Quiz

politics

the process of influencing the actions and policies of government

government

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

democracy

a system of government where power is held by the people

natural rights

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

social contract

people allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

American political culture

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

popular sovereignty

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

republicanism

a system in which the government’s authority comes from the people

inalienable rights

rights the government cannot take away

liberty

social. political, and economic freedoms

participatory democracy

a theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government

civil society groups

independent associations outside the government’s control

pluralist theory

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

elitist theory

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

political institution

the structure of government including the executive legislature, and judiciary

constitutional republic

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

Jefferson

the idea of democracy in which the power is held by the people and the idea of “the pursuit of happiness” or the belief that people should be able to achieve their goals through hard work, sacrifice, and their own talents

Locke

the idea of natural rights including life, liberty, and property and the idea of social contract

Montesquieu

the idea that the power of the government should be divided into different branches to ensure a balance of power

Hume

the idea that a just government should be carefully designed to keep the greedy and ambitious from using political power to their own advantage

Tocqueville’s observations

Americans of all ages, all conditions, all minds consistently unite; an idea of “a nation of joiner” and the foundation of the pluralist theory

Mergens v. Westside Community Schools

A young girl wanted to start a bible study at her public high school, the school struck down the idea on the premise that the club had a religious foundation; Mergens took the case to court, and as a result, the Equal Access Act of 1984 was passed that established if one club was allowed all clubs must be allowed

Deceleration of Independence

made of 5 parts: the preamble which set the stage that the British government is no longer legitimate, the defining of citizens rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, the list of grievances for the King of England, then a statement separating the colonies from England, and lastly a pledge to protect “our lives, out fortunes, and our sacred honor”

The Deceleration's Preamble

indicates that we will exercise soverignty

small groups

rules the U.S. according to pluralist theory

independent associations outside of government control

rules the U.S. according to participatory theory

small minority with the most of the economic power

rules the U.S. according to elitist theory