AP Unit 1: Types and Ideals of Democracy

Aristocracy

A government in which power is in the hands of a hereditary ruling class or nobility

Republic/Republicanism

A philosophy of limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people. The government is based on consent of the governed. Emphasizes the participation of citizens for the common good of the community.

Participatory Democracy (direct democracy)

A system of government where rank and file citizens rule themselves rather than electing representatives to govern on their behalf. All members of a group, rather than representatives meet and make decisions.

Pluralist Democracy

a model of democracy that stresses vigorous competition among various interests in a free society

Elitist Democracy

A democratic government in which some citizens (such as wealthy, better educated, or certain social groups) have disproportionate influence over government policy.

Political Culture

commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate

Limited Government

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Majority Rule/Majoritarian Politics

the central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law

Popular Sovereignty

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

Natural Rights (Law)

People are born with a set of natural rights not determined by law codes. (ex. life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution in detail. Were written to encourage support for the ratification of the Constitution

Factions

a number of citizens, whether amounting to a minority or majority of the whole, who are united by a common interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens

"Extending the Sphere"

In a large or extended republic, a greater diversity of interests and opinions is comprehended within the nation, and these diverse interests—which will be represented in the national legislature—make it less likely for a simple majority to form among representatives in Congress

Federalist #10

An essay composed by James Madison which argues that liberty is safest in a large republic because many interests (factions) exist. Such diversity makes tyranny by the majority more difficult since ruling coalitions will always be unstable.

Social Contract

A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.

trend

a pattern of change over time

Demographics

statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.