Simple
Democracy
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Checks and balances
counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.
American Dream
the idea that all citizens of the United States have the opportunity to be successful and prosperous through hard work, determination, and initiative
Capitalism
an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
Mass media
the main means of mass communication, such as broadcasting, publishing, and the internet, considered collectively.
Public opinion
views prevalent among the general public.
"a Prime Minister who is too frightened of public opinion to tell us what he really thinks"
Electoral college
(in the US) a body of people representing the states of the US, who formally cast votes for the election of the president and vice president.
The Federalists
a person who advocates or supports a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority.
Lobbying
seek to influence (a politician or public official) on an issue.
Judicial review
review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act.
Shays rebellion
A violent insurrection in the Massachusetts countryside during 1786 and 1787
Separation of powers
an act of vesting the legislative, executive, and judicial powers of government in separate bodies.
Political socialization
the division of a government's responsibilities into separate branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
Presidential ticket
In the United States, political parties nominate one candidate each for President of the United States and for Vice President of the United States. These candidates attempt to win presidential elections by taking a majority of the electoral vote. The two candidates together are known as a ticket.
Due process clause
The Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects citizens from the government taking away their life, liberty, or property without following certain procedures
Unfunded mandates
a statute or regulation that requires any entity to perform certain actions, with no money provided for fulfilling the requirements
Naturalization
the admittance of a foreigner to the citizenship of a country.
Multilateralism
an alliance of multiple countries pursuing a common goal.
Bureaucracy
a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
Executive agreement
an international agreement, usually regarding routine administrative matters not warranting a formal treaty, made by the executive branch of the US government without ratification by the Senate.