AP GOV UNIT 1

Limited Government

power must be controlled by law, checks and balances, and separation of powers

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population or

all the eligible members of a state

Democratic Ideals

Government behaviors/standards that allow for the continuation of a government by the people

Natural Law

dictates that humans are born free and equal and should not be ruled without consent

Social Contract

People are equal, but ensure freedom/security by giving up rights to a

government

Popular Sovereignty

This gov. should be ruled by the people

Separation of Powers

Government power should be divided among an executive, legislative,

and judicial branch

Republicanism

citizens elect leaders who make and execute laws in public interest

Representative Democracy

A government in which the people entrust elected officials to represent

their concerns.

Elite

a small number of people, usually those who are wealthy and well-educated, influence political decision making.

Participatory

emphasizes broad, direct participation in politics and civil society, in which most or all citizens participate in politics directly.

Pluralist

political power rests with competing interest groups so that no one group dominates political decisions.

Rule of Law

Government and citizens are bound by the same laws, which are applied equally and fairly.

Flexibility

government's ability to adapt

Federalism

Country is controlled by multiple levels of government (federal +state)

National Supremacy

Laws made by federal government are supreme over the states

exclusive powers

powers delegated only to the federal government

police powers

state powers to create and enforce laws on health, safety, morals

concurrent powers

powers held by authorities at both levels, state and federal

fiscal federalism

When the federal government uses money, like grants or funding, to

support and/or influence states