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Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government.

Government

The rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking.

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people.

Natural rights

The right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away.

Social contract

People allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society.

American political culture

The set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share.

Popular sovereignty

The idea that the government's right to rule comes from the people.

Republicanism

A system in which the government's authority comes from the people.

Inalienable rights

Rights the government cannot take away.

Liberty

Social, political, and economic freedoms.

Participatory democracy

A theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government.

Civil society groups

Independent associations outside the government's control.

Pluralist theory

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process.

Elitist theory

A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process.

Political institutions

The structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Constitutional republic

A democratic system with elected representatives in which the Constitution is the supreme law.