AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

Democracy

A system of government in which political power ultimately comes from the people.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government gets its authority from the people.

Social contract

The idea that people agree to give government certain powers in exchange for protection of their rights and the common good.

John Locke

Philosopher strongly associated with the social contract and consent of the governed.

Consent of the governed

Government is legitimate because the people agree to be governed.

Natural rights

Rights people possess simply because they are human.

Life, liberty, and property

Natural rights emphasized by John Locke.

Equal protection

The constitutional principle that government must provide equal protection of the laws.

Rule of law

The principle that everyone—including government officials—is subject to the law.

Limited government

The idea that government power has constitutional limits.

Due process

The government must follow fair legal procedures when taking away a person's life, liberty, or property.

Equality under the law

People should receive equal treatment under the law.

Separation of powers

Dividing government power among three branches.

Checks and balances

A system where each branch has powers that can limit the other branches.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

Republicanism

A system in which citizens govern through elected representatives.

Majority rule

The principle that decisions are often made according to the preference of more than half of the participants.

Individual liberty

The freedom of individuals to make choices and exercise protected rights without unjust government interference.