| Authority | The recognized right of an official or institution to exercise power.
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| Capitalism | An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin capitalism.
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| Constitutionalism | The idea that there are definable limits on the rightful power of a government over its citizens.
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| Democracy | A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.
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| Diversity | The principle that individual differences should be respected, are a legitimate basis of self-interest and are a source of strength for the American nation.
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| Elitism | The view that the United States is essentially run by a tiny elite (composed of wealthy or well-connected individuals) who control public policy through both direct and indirect means.
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| Equality | The principle that all individuals have moral worth and are entitled to fair treatment under the law.
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| Government | The effort of people to find agreeable ways of living together.
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| Individualism | A philosophical belief that stresses the values of hard work and self-reliance and holds that individuals should be left to succeed or fail on their own.
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| Liberty | The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose provided they do not infringe unreasonably on the freedom and well-being of others.
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| Majoritarianism | The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in determining policy.
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| Pluralism | A theory of American politics which holds that society's interests are substantially represented through the activities of groups.
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| Policy | Generally, any broad course of governmental action; more narrowly, a specific government program or initiative.
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| Political culture | The characteristic and deep-seated beliefs of a particular people.
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| Political system | The various components of American government constitute a political system. The parts are separate but they connect with each other, affecting how each performs.
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| Politics | The process through which society makes its governing decisions.
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| Power | The ability of persons or institutions to control policy.
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| Self-government | The principle that the people are the ultimate source and proper beneficiary of governing authority; in practice, a government based on majority rule.
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| Unity | The principle that Americans are one people who form an indivisible union.
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