AP Gov Unit 1

Natural Rights

Rights that are guaranteed to all citizens and which no government may take away (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)

Social Contract

An agreement between people and the government in which citizens agree to give up some power in exchange for security so long as the government protects their natural rights

Limited Government

A political system in which the government’s power is restricted by laws/a written constitution; the government only has those powers given to it

Popular Sovereignty

The power and authority of government belongs to the people

Republicanism/Representative Democracy

A system of government in which the people elect officials to represent them and make decisions

Participatory Democracy

Policy making institutions are influenced by citizens directly

Pluralist Democracy

Policy making institutions are influenced by non-governmental groups/formal interest groups

Elite Democracy

Policy-making institutions are influenced by the wealthy and powerful (select group of advantaged citizens)

Separation of Powers

Power is separated among the 3 branches of government, each with its own powers and duties that are independent of and equal to the other branches

Checks and Balances

Each branch is subject to restraints by the other 2 branches

Federalism

The division of governmental powers between the national government and the states

Confederation

A group of states united under a weak central government

Virginia Plan

Called for representation in Congress by population

New Jersey Plan

Called for equal representation in Congress so the interests of small states would be protected

Great/Connecticut Compromise

Called for a bicameral Congress with a Senate (equal representation) and House of Representatives (representation by population)

Three-Fifths Compromise

Each state would count 3/5 of its slave population for purposes of determining both representation and taxation

Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

Congress was prohibited from taxing exports from the states and banning the slave trade for 20 years

Electoral College Compromise

Each state receives electoral votes equal to the number of seats they have in Congress; electors will pick the president and vice president

Federalists

Favored the Constitution and believed liberty was safest in a large republic where the national