Key Political Concepts

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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.

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Consent of the Governed

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The idea that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is only justified and lawful when consented to by the people or society over which that political power is exercised.

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Social Contract

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A theory or model that typically addresses the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individual, originating during the Age of Enlightenment.

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Popular Sovereignty

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

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Equal Protection

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The principle that laws and their enforcement must apply equally to all people, without discrimination.

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Natural Rights

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Rights that are not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of a particular society or polity, and are universal and inalienable.

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Limited Government

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A political system where the legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers.

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Federalism

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A system of government in which entities such as states or provinces share power with a national government.