Chapter 1- American Government & Politics (Stories of a Nation)

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Politics

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The activities associated with governance, policy-making, and the debate between parties or individuals seeking power.

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Government

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

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Democracy / Direct Democracy

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A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting directly on laws and policies.

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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.

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Social Contract

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An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

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Political Culture

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The set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments that shape the political behavior in a society.

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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.

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Republicanism / Representative democracy

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A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people.

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Inalienable Rights

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Rights that cannot be surrendered, sold or transferred to someone else.

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Participatory Democratic Theory

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A theory of democracy that emphasizes the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems.