Political Concepts and Historical Documents

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State of nature

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The condition in which no governments or laws existed at all.

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Social contract theory

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The idea that people give up some freedoms to a government in order to receive social order.

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Constitutional

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Relating to an established set of principles governing a state.

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Authoritarian

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A governing system in which one leader or group holds absolute power.

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Totalitarian

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A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

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Compact

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An agreement or covenant between parties.

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Government

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The governing body of a nation, state, or community.

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Democracy

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A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

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Right

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A moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.

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Rule of law

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The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.