Core Ideas (9th Grade AP Government

Social Contract

Agreement where people give government power to protect their rights

Participatory democracy

System where citizens are directly involved in decision-making

Civil society groups

Organizations outside government that promote people’s interests (like clubs, nonprofits)

Pluralist theory

Power is shared among many competing groups

Elitist theory

A small, wealthy or powerful group holds most political power

Political institutions

Organizations that make, enforce, and interpret laws

Constitutional republic

Government where officials are elected and must follow a constitution

Republic

Government where people elect representatives

Constitution

Written plan that sets up a government and its laws