Political Philosophy Vocabulary

the implicit agreement among individuals to form society

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

Origin: Latin socialis 'of companionship' + contractus 'drawn together'

supreme authority within a territory

“Popular sovereignty places ultimate power in the people.”

Origin: Old French soverain 'highest, supreme' from Latin super 'above'

freedom from arbitrary restraint or coercion

“Negative liberty is freedom from interference by others.”

Origin: Latin libertas 'freedom' from liber 'free'

the fair and equitable treatment of individuals

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

Origin: Latin justitia 'righteousness, equity' from justus 'just, lawful'

the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights

“Egalitarianism challenges inherited privilege and aristocracy.”

Origin: French egalitaire from egal 'equal' from Latin aequalis

political philosophy emphasizing individual liberty and minimal state

“Libertarianism opposes most government intervention in private affairs.”

Origin: Latin libertas 'freedom' + -arian

philosophy emphasizing community bonds over individual rights

“Communitarianism critiques liberal individualism.”

Origin: Latin communitas 'community' + -arian

the rightful authority to exercise political power

“Democratic elections confer legitimacy on governments.”

Origin: Latin legitimus 'lawful' from lex 'law'

rights inherent to human beings, not granted by government

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

Origin: Latin naturalis 'by birth, according to nature' + rights

the fair allocation of goods and resources in society

“Distributive justice asks how wealth should be shared.”

Origin: Latin distribuere 'to divide, distribute' + justitia 'justice'