Roots of american democracy

Popular Sovereignty

Principle that government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, emphasizing that ultimate power resides with the electorate.

Rule of Law

the principle that governments should operate according to an according to an agreed set of principles, spelledmout in a written document.

Natural rights

the basic things that can be claimed by individuals by virtue of being human

Constitutionalism

The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a constitution, ensuring the protection of individual rights and the law's supremacy.

limited government

The principle that government powers are restricted by law to protect individual rights and liberties.

republic

a political system in which the powers exercised by the government are restricted

seperation of powers

the idea that the powers of a government should be split between two or more strongly independant branches to prevent one person or group to gain to much power.

direct democracy

a political system in which citizens voice their opinions and vote directly on government issues.

justice

a principle that people should be treated fairly and morally

natural law

a universal set of moral principles that can be applied to any culture or system of justice because they are rooted in human reason and sense of right and wrong.

social contract theory

the idea that governments can only exist because people winningly give up some of their freedoms in exchange for all the benefits of having a government, especially security.

Civic vurtue