Chapter 1 Flashcards
politics
The process of influencing the actions and policies of government.
democracy
A system of government where power is held by the people.
government
The rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking.
natural rights
the right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away.
social contract
People allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society.
American political culture
The set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share.
popular sovereignty
the idea that government is authorized by citizens and influenced by what they want.
republicanism
A system in which the government’s authority comes from the people.
inalienable rights
Rights the government cannot take away.
liberty
Social, political, and economic freedoms
participatory democracy
A theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government.
civil society groups
Independent associations outside the government’s control.
pluralist theory
A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process.
elitist theory
A theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process.
political institutions
The structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
constitutional republic
A democratic system with elected representatives in which the Constitution is the supreme law.
What does the preamble of the declaration of Independence discuss?
-natural rights, social contract
What does the Declaration of Independence discuss after the preamble?
a list of grievances against King George
what European movement heavily influenced the concept of natural rights and social contract in the declaration?
-the enlightenment
What does the concept of unalienable rights suggest about the power of the government?
god and the forces of nature are greater than any government
What is the difference between popular sovereignty and the social contract?
Popular sovereignty means that the government’s authority comes from the consent of the people
the social contract is the agreement where individuals give up some freedoms for government protection and order.
