Ch.1 Vocab Flashcards
American Government and Politics
the process of influencing the actions and policies of government
politics
the rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking
government
a system of government where power is held by the people
democracy
the right to life, liberty, and property, which the government can’t take away
natural rights
social contract
people allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society
the idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the people
popular sovereignty
the set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share
American political culture
a system in which the government’s authority comes from the people
Republicanism
rights the government can’t take away
inalienable rights
social, political, and economic freedoms
liberty
a theory widespread political participation is essential for democratic government
participatory democracy
independent associations outside the government’s control
civil society groups
a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process
pluralist theory
a theory of democracy that the cities have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process
elitist theory
the structure of government, including the executive, legislative, and judiciary
political institutions
