unit 1A: american government and politics

Governmental power is restricted or limited by law, usually in a written constitution.

The right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away.

Government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly.

A system of government where power is held by the people.

Procedure whereby a certain number of voters may, by petition, propose a law or constitutional amendment and have it submitted to the voters.

Procedure for submitting to popular vote measures passed by the legislature or proposed amendments to a state constitution.

Procedure for submitting to popular vote the removal of officials from office before the end of their term.

Government in which the people elect those who govern and pass laws; also called a republic.

Governance according to the expressed preferences of the majority.

The candidate or party that wins more than half the votes cast in an election.

Candidate or party with the most votes cast in an election, not necessarily more than half.

Formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.

A theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government.

A theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process. Political power rests with competing interest groups so that no one group dominates political decisions.

A theory of democracy that the elites (wealthy, well-educated, influential) have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process.

The idea that the government's right to rule comes from the people.

A system in which the government's authority (leaders who are elected for a specific period) comes from the people.

A "contract" in which people allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society.

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government.

The rules and institutions that make up the system of policymaking.

The set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share.

Social, political, and economic freedoms.

Independent associations outside the government's control.

The structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

A democratic system with elected representatives in which the Constitution is the supreme law.

A type of government in which one person with unlimited power rules.