| A | B |
|---|
| State of Nature | The natural condition of mankind. It would exist if there were no government, no civilization, no laws, and no common power to restrain human nature. |
| Absolute Freedom | Freedom to do, act, think without limits. |
| Natural Rights | Holds that all individuals have certain basic rights and that no government can deny these rights. |
| Social Contract. | Idea base on the notion that people can give their consent to limitations on their rights. |
| Equality | Central tenant of natural rights philosophy as demonstrated by the idea that all people have the same natural rights. |
| Civil Society | When people form a social contract and agree to voluntary participation. |
| Sovereignty | Use of power with authority. |
| Authority | The legitimate use of power. |
| Power | The ability to get something done. |
| Legitimacy | Foundation of governmental power. |
| Anarchy | Constant state of war |
| Aristocracy/Oligarchy | Rule by a small group of the society's elite. |
| Authoritarian | Those in power hold absolute and unchallengeable authority. |
| Communist | Government controlled by a single party that professes to rule until all goods are shared equally by the people and a classless society is achieved. |
| Confederation | Regional governments that have authority over a central government. |
| Democracy | Rule by majority. |
| Dictatorship | Rule by one. |
| Fascist | A political movement which encouraged militarism and nationalism and is organizes the country along hierarchical authoritarian lines |
| Monarchy | Rule by a king or queen |
| Military Junta | Rule by a small group of military leaders, usually following an overthrow of the prior regime. |
| Republic | Government made up of elected representatives of the people. |
| Socialist | Economic and political theory advocating government ownership of the economy. |
| Theocracy | Ruling on behalf of a set of religious ideas or as direct agents of a religion. |
| Liberty | Freedom from control |
| Rule of Law | Rulers must follow the established principles and procedures based on the constitution. |
| Bill of Rights | First ten amendments |
| Enumerated Powers | Those government powers itemized in the Constitution; also called expressed powers |
| Federalism | Division of Governmental powers between the national government and state governments. |
| Constitutional Government | A government whose power is limited by the Constitution. |
| Constitutional Principles | Rules and standards of constitutional law. |
