Unit 1 Foundations of American Democracy

AP GOV

Participatory democracy/direct democracy

A structure of government in which citizens discuss and decide policy through majority rule.

Pluralist Democracy

Emphasizes group based activism by non-governmental interests trying to impact political decision making

Elite democracy

a small wealthy,educated set of citizens making political decisions

Brutus No.1

Against the ratification of the Constitution. (written by anti-federalists)

Limited Govenment

government that is restricted in what it can do so that the rights of the people are protected

Social contract theory

idea that individuals possess free will, and every individual is equally entitled with their God-given right of self-determination and the ability to consent to be governed

Natural Law

rights possessed by all humans as a gift from nature, or God including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (unalienable rights)

Popular sovereignty

theory that the government is created by the people and depends on the people for the authority to rule.