Government and Democracy Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key democratic concepts, forms of democracy, authority, and public policy definitions.

Authority

The rightful use of power recognized by those who power is exerted on

Direct Democracy

People participate directly in making government decisions.

Elite Democracy

A small group of wealthy people influences political decisions

Legitimacy

Power is gained rightfully through the established processes

Majoritarian Politics

The majority of the population should make decisions for them

Public Policy

All actions taken by a government

Political Power

Where the government power is restricted to prevent tyranny by protecting property and individual rights

Participatory Democracy

Representative democracy that emphasizes broad citizen participation in politics and civil society

Pluralistic Democracy

Where nongovernment interest groups compete to influence political decision making

Representative Democracy

A system of government in which citizens elect officials to make laws and policy decisions on their behalf;