US Government Chapter 1 Section 2

what does "democracy" mean?

"rule by the people"

What is a prime minister?

* the leader of the parliament's majority party. * if they ever lose support, they must resign and a new one will be appointed. * appoints cabinet members from the ranks of the majority party.

what must the president and the legislature do to get things done?

Congress relies on the President to approve and carry out the laws that it passes.

Whose system is the model for most democracies around the world?

Great Britain's parliamentary system.

give an example of a theocracy leader and the country they lead.

Hassan Rouhani - Islamic Republic of Iran Pope Francis - Vatican City

give an example of a totalitarian leader and the country they lead.

Kim Jong Un - North Korea

give an example of an absolute monarch and the country they lead.

Pope Francis - Vatican City ( he is also a theocracy)

Federal government

Power is divided between a NATIONAL gov and small REGIONAL gov levels.

give an example of a constitutional monarch and the country they lead.

Queen Elizabeth II - England

give an example of a dictator and the country they lead.

Raul Castro - Cuba

give an example of an oligarchy leader and the country they lead.

Vladimir Putin - Russian Republic Xi Jinping - China

define monarchy

a government is headed by one person, such as a king or queen, who exercises supreme authority.

define dictatorship.

a system in which one person, a dictator, or small group of people can hold unlimited power over government.

Define a republic.

an indirect form of democracy that places political decision making at least one step away from the people.

define autocracy.

any from of government in which a single individual - an autocrat - controls most governing decisions.

what are the duties of the president?

appoints cabinet members to oversee bureaucracies, execute policy, armed forces, and setting foreign policy and domestic legislation.

how do dictators often achieve and maintain their power?

by violently overthrowing a government.

Define "direct democracy".

citizens are the ultimate source of government. they come together to discuss and pass laws and select leaders.

define a "pure democracy".

citizens elect representatives to make government decisions on their behalf. elected for set terms. government by the people.

describe the U.S. federal system.

consists of two levels - an overarching NATIONAL government and 50 STATE governments.

define an oligarchy.

dictatorships led by small groups of people, usually members of the military or the economic elite.

What is a drawback to the Presidential systems and what would be the result of the situation?

divided government; if the presidents and members of Congress hold opposing political views, they may refuse to cooperate.

define the "federal system".

divides power over people and territory between a NATIONAL government and smaller REGIONAL levels of government.

define totalitarian governments.

dominate all aspects of society - the government, economy, and even people's beliefs and actions.

what is a significant feature of American federalism?

each level has the power to act independently of the other level, and neither level can abolish or recognize the other level at will.

when is direct democracy impractical?

for large, industrialized nations.

Define a theocracy.

governments under the rule of a small group of religious leaders.

define the Presidential system.

has a president that is elected by the people for a limited term in office. in charge of the EXECUTIVE branch.

when does direct democracy work best?

in small communities, where people are able to meet face to face.

define "confederal system".

independent states join together in a confederation and delegate limited powers to a CENTRAL GOVERNMENT. the central gov only has powers given to it by the STATES.

List the 8 classical forms of government

monarchy, constitutional monarchy, dictatorship, totalitarian regimes, oligarchy/aristocracy, theocracy, direct democracy, republic/representative democracy.

Explain "authoritarian regimes".

people are subject to various forms of state control.

describe a constitutional monarchy.

power of the monarch is limited by law; real power is held in another branch of government.

what are the two types of democratic political systems?

presidential and parliamentary.

Unitary government

sovereignty rests in a single, NATIONAL gov with ultimate authority.

define the "unitary system".

the CENTRAL government.

in a unitary system of government, what group has ultimate authority?

the CENTRAL government.

what branch of government in a constitutional monarchy holds power?

the Legislative branch.

define "parliamentary system".

the legislative and executive branches are combined. Instead of a president, they have a prime minister.

define a representative democracy.

the people are the ultimate source of government authority.

what is an important strength of the presidential system?

the president's powers are balanced by a legislature.

How does a king or queen get their position and power?

they inherit their position and power by virtue of being born into a royal family.

what are their powers in an absolute monarchy?

unlimited and unchecked.