Vocabulary List

Popular Sovereignty

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

Republicanism

The authority of the government comes from the people through their representatives.

Social Contract

People give their government the right to rule over them in an orderly society but oftentimes people have to give up some of their rights.

Constitutional Republic

Representatives can be elected to make laws and policies of the nation rather than having the people vote directly.

Political Institutions

Formed by the United States Constitution includes legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Democracy

Power is held by the people.

Liberty

Social, political, and economic freedoms.

Pluralist Theory

Emphasizes the role of groups in policymaking processes.

Elitist Theory

A small minority with most of the economic power controls government and politics, and elected officials are too easily influenced by wealthy interest groups.

American Political Culture

The ideas of liberty, equality, and rights shape the shared set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship of Americans to their government.

Civil Society Groups

Independent associations outside of the governments control.

Participatory Democracy

________- when widespread participation is essential to the democracy in place.

Natural Rights 

Locke argued that these are rights that a king cannot give or take away