Political Philosophy Vocabulary

the implicit agreement among individuals to form society

“Hobbes argued the social contract prevents a war of all against all.”

supreme authority within a territory

“Popular sovereignty places ultimate power in the people.”

freedom from arbitrary restraint or coercion

“Negative liberty is freedom from interference by others.”

the fair and equitable treatment of individuals

“Rawls defined justice as fairness behind a veil of ignorance.”

the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights

“Egalitarianism challenges inherited privilege and aristocracy.”

political philosophy emphasizing individual liberty and minimal state

“Libertarianism opposes most government intervention in private affairs.”

philosophy emphasizing community bonds over individual rights

“Communitarianism critiques liberal individualism.”

the rightful authority to exercise political power

“Democratic elections confer legitimacy on governments.”

rights inherent to human beings, not granted by government

“Locke argued for natural rights to life, liberty, and property.”

the fair allocation of goods and resources in society

“Distributive justice asks how wealth should be shared.”