Vocab - AP GOV/Politics

Politics

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government

Pluralist Theory

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

Natural Rights

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

American Political Culture

The Set of Beliefs, Customs, Values, and Traditions that Americans share.

Participatory Democracy

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

Elitist theory

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

Civil Society Groups

Independent Associations outside of the government’s control

Inalienable Rights

Rights the government cannot take away

Government

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

Liberty

social, political, and economic freedoms

Social Contract

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

Popular Soverignty

the idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the people

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people

Political Institutions

The structure of government, including the executive, legislative, and Judiciary

Constitutional Republic

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

Republicanism

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