Ap Gov. reading 1 test

Natural Rights

The belief that all individuals possess inherent rights—such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—that governments cannot take away.

Social Contract

An agreement within society where individuals give up certain freedoms to a governing body in exchange for social order and protection of their rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that all governmental power are permitted by the people to have power, contrasting with the belief that monarchs rule by divine right.

Limited Government

The idea that government powers are not absolute and are controlled by the rule of law/constitutional provisions

Separation of Powers

power of government is separated into three branches of government. Legislative, excecutive, judicial to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Checks and Balances

each branch is able to monitor and restrain actions of others to maintain a balance of power and prevent abuse.

Federalism

Sharing of power between state and federal government

Republicanism

The idea of electing representatives to make laws and decisions on behalf of the citizens, rather than direct democracy.

Participatory Democracy

A model emphasizing citizen involvement in political affairs and decision-making through direct participation.

Pluralist Democracy

a model that prioritizes distribution of power between interest groups

Elite Democracy

participation/influence are restricted to certain individuals, groups, or institutions

Federalists

anti-participatory. favored a system that limited direct citizen participation in decision-making, wanted a representative form of democracy

Anti-Federalists

A group that wanted a weaker federal government and a more participatory democracy, fearing that the elites would take away their rights