TextbookCh1

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; the idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed.

Constitution

The fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Checks and Balances

A principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power.

Ratification

The official confirmation or approval of a proposed law or constitutional amendment.

Equal Access Act

A law that prohibits public secondary schools from denying students equal access to extracurricular activities on the basis of religion, political beliefs, etc.

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, often associated with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered on the belief in a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed, primarily through elected representatives.

Participatory Democracy

A theory of democracy that emphasizes broad participation in political decision-making.

Pluralist Theory

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process, suggesting that power is distributed among various interest groups.

Elitist Theory

A theory that a small minority, typically composed of the wealthy and powerful, holds most of the political power.

Political Culture

The collection of attitudes, values, and beliefs that shape how individuals view and participate in politics.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often in exchange for some individual rights.

Constitutional Republic

A form of government in which representatives are elected to make laws, and the Constitution is the supreme law.

American Dream

The national ethos of the United States, which asserts that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.

Civil Society Groups

Independent associations outside the government's control that promote citizen involvement in the political process.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

Fundamental Rights

Basic human rights that are considered essential to the protection of individuals and society.