Key Terms!

Unit 1:

• Popular Sovereignty: The principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

  • Example: The decision to enter a war is made by representatives elected by the people.
    
    

• Limited Government: A government whose powers are restricted by law or a constitution, ensuring individual rights are protected.

  • Example: The Bill of Rights places limits on government power in relation to citizens.
    
    

• Republicanism: A political ideology centered on a representative government, where representatives are elected to serve the interests of the public.

  • Example: The U.S. Congress is composed of elected officials who represent the electorate.
    
    

• Natural Law: A philosophy asserting that certain rights are inherent by human nature and can be understood by reason.

  • Example: The idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the Declaration of Independence reflects natural law.
    
    

• Participatory Democracy: A model of democracy that emphasizes broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.

  • Example: Town hall meetings where citizens can voice their opinions and influence local policies.
    
    

• Democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

  • Example: Elections in the U.S. allow citizens to choose their leaders and influence legislation.
    
    

• Elite Democracy: A theory suggesting that a small number of people, typically those with wealth and education, control political decision-making.

  • Example: Policy decisions heavily influenced by lobbyists and special interest groups.
    
    

• Pluralist A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of diverse and competing interest groups in shaping policy.

  • Example: Environmental groups and business coalitions advocating for different outcomes on climate legislation.
    
    

• Initiative: A process that allows citizens to propose legislation and vote on it directly.

  • Example: California's Proposition 13, which limited property tax increases.
    
    

• Referendum: A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law.

  • Example: Voter approval of new constitutional amendments in a state.
    
    

• Factions: Groups of people with a shared interest that can influence political decisions, often causing conflict within the community.

  • Example: Political parties like the Democrats and Republicans can be seen as factions.
    
    

• Federalists: Supporters of the proposed Constitution who favored a strong national government.

  • Example: Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the Constitution.
    
    

• Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the proposed Constitution who favored stronger state governments and were wary of a strong national government.

  • Example: Patrick Henry and George Mason opposed the ratification of the Constitution due to a lack of a Bill of Rights.