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Politics
the process of influencing the actions and policies of
government.
Government
the rules and institutions that make up the system of
policymaking.
Democracy
a system of government where power is held by the
people.
Natural rights (inalienable 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.
Popular sovereignty
the idea that the government’s right to rule
comes from the people.
Republicanism (representative democracy)
a system in which the government’s authority
comes from the people.
Liberty
social, political, and economic freedoms
Participatory democracy
a theory that widespread 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.
Hyperpluralism theory (not in textbook)
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
Articles of Confederation
