participatory democracy
citizens participate directly and individually in political decisions and policies that affect their lives
pluralist democracy
a democracy where there are multiple groups with equal power, and no one group can have more power than another
elite democracy
a democracy where a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence policy-making.
natural rights
3 rights that are given to you at birth which are: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
limited government
a political system in which the government’s power is restricted by laws or a written constitution
republicanism
citizens choose their representatives and leaders through elections
popular sovereignty
the principle that the government derives its power from the consent of the people, mainly through elected representatives
social contract
an agreement through the people and the government where the government protects the citizens natural rights, as long as the citizens consent to be governed.
john locke
known for the idea of natural rights and believed that people should join into a community for comfortable, peaceful living, and a greater security against any others that might want to hurt or disrespect their natural rights.
thomas hobbes
believed in a strong government based on reason and that strong government was needed to keep the well-being of the nation safe.
jean-jacques rosseau
known for the idea of the social contract and that every single person becomes part of the general will and automatically have the same power.
charles de montesquieu
known for his theory of separation of powers and checks and balances, he also created the idea of the 3 branches of government.
mary wollstonecraft
stood up for womens rights and education. was self taught and helped start 19th century feminism.