Authoritarian Government
A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits.
Autocracy
A form of government in which a single individual- a king, queen or dictator- rules.
Citizenship
Informed and active membership in a political community.
Constitutional Government
A system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government.
Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the government process- usually through voting.
Direct Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies.
Equality of Opportunity
A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential.
Government
Institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled.
Liberty
Freedom from government control.
Laissez-Faire Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal (or no) government interference.
Oligarchy
A form of government in which a small group- landowners, military officers, and/or wealthy merchants control the government.
Pluralism
A theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government. The outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation.
Political Efficacy
The ability to influence government and politics.
Political Culture
Broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function. American political culture emphasizes the values of liberty, equality and democracy.
Popular Sovereignty
People rule, people rule through voting in the United States.
Politics
Conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of government.
Republic
A system in which the populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision making.
Power
Influence over a government's leadership, organization or policies.
Limited Government
A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
Totalitarian Government
A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other institutions who challenge it.
Majority Rule/ Minority Rights
Democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority.
Political Equality
The right to participate in politics equally based on the principle, "one person, one vote.