Ch 1 (Unit 1) Flashcards
Part of Unit 1 American Govt History and Structure
Politics
process of influencing govt’s actions + policies
Government
rules + institutions making up policymaking system
Democracy
government system; power held by people
ex. John Locke, Montesquieu
Natural Rights
rights to life, liberty, property. Govt CAN’T TAKE AWAY!!! (same as Inalienable Rights)
Social Contract
People give up some freedoms -> govt can offer them protection, order
American Political Culture
beliefs, customs, traditions, values Americans share
Popular Sovereignty
govt gets its right to rule from the people
Republicanism
people elect representatives to make policies that represent their beliefs
theory behind republic
Inalienable Rights
rights that govt can’t take away (same as Natural Rights)
liberty
social, political, economic freedoms
Participatory Democracy Theory
Widespread political participation DIRECTLY to govt
(think pure democracy. Ex: at a town hall meeting, people vote directly on laws and rules)
Pluralist Theory
like-minded groups are involved in policy-making
Ex: Interest groups - NRA, AARP
More groups = less chance for majority rule + tyranny
Elitist theory
wealthy control government policy
- minority rule over majority
- politicians may be more easily swayed by money
civil society groups
independent associations NOT RELATED to govt
Ex: schools, not-for-profits, health providers, advocacy groups
political institutions
government branches
- Exec, Legis, Judicial
