American Political Concepts and Theories

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John Locke

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An English philosopher whose ideas on natural rights, life, liberty, and property influenced the American Revolution and the development of liberal democratic thought.

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Consent of the Governed

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The idea that government derives its legitimacy and authority from the consent of the people, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

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Declaration of Independence

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A 1776 document written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the American colonies' independence from Britain, emphasizing the natural rights of individuals and the consent of the governed.

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Democracy

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A system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.

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Direct Democracy

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A form of democracy in which the people make decisions directly, rather than through elected representatives.

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Indirect Democracy

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A form of democracy where the people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, also known as a representative democracy.

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Limited Government

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A political system in which government powers are restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual rights.

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Majority Rule

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The principle that the decision of the majority of voters should be accepted and enacted.

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Popular Sovereignty

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The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

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Social Contract

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A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.