Understanding Political Systems and Concepts

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Democracy

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system of government where citizens hold power and make decisions through voting or elected representatives

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Rule of Law

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principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to the law

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Majority Rule

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principle where the option chosen by more than half of the voters is accepted

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Common Good

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or interests shared by all members of a community or society

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Theocracy

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government ruled by religious leaders or based on religious laws

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Dictatorship

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government where one person holds absolute power with no limits or elections

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Civil Liberties

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freedoms protected from government interference, such as free speech and religion

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Sovereignty

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full authority a government has to rule itself without outside control

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Political Rights

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that allow citizens to participate in government, such as voting and running for office

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The Enlightenment

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18th-century movement that promoted reason, individual rights, and democratic ideas