politics
the process of influencing the actions and policies of government
government
the rules and institutions that make up the system of policymaking
democracy
a system of government where power is held by the people
natural rights
the right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away
social contract
a "contract" in which people allow government to rule over them to ensure and orderly and functioning society
American political culture
the set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share
Popular Sovereignty
the idea that the government's right to rule comes from the people
Republicanism
a system in which the government's authority comes from the people
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 (of democracy)
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