Politics
Process of influencing the actions and polices of a government
Government
Rules and institutions that make up the system of policymaking
Limited Government
The belief that the government should have certain restrictions in order to protect the individual rights and civil liberties of citizens
Popular sovereignty
Idea that the governments right to rule comes from the people at the consent of the governed
Republicanism
The governments authority comes from the people through their representatives
Social contract
The idea that people allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functional society
Democracy
A system of government where power is held by the people
Natural rights (Inalienable rights)
Rights people are born with that can’t be taken away- life, liberty, property (or pursuit of happiness)
Accepting the Results of elections
A party’s ability to peacefully transfer power unto another party to up hold the beliefs of democracy
Accountability
A leader must be selfless and look out for the whole people not just their parties and themselves
Bill of Rights
List of natural rights (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness)
Citizen participation
Citizens have the right to participate in government
Control of the abuse of power
Balance of power between the branches of government
Economic Freedom
People should be in charged of their own money
Equality
Everyone is equal under the law
Human Rights
Democracy must respect natural rights
Independent Judiciary
Courts can’t be courupt and go off judiciary
Multiple Political Parties
Organizes and provides voters with choice of party
Political Tolerance
People are pro txt despite religion, class, or culture
Regular Free and Fair Elections
Ability for citizens to participate in voting
Rule of Law
No one is above the law
Transparency
The government’s responsibility to be transparent with the people
Declaration of Independence
Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
Participatory democracy
Participation in government
