U.S. Government Unit 1
Force Theory
states created war; rule of the strong over the weak
Evolutionary Theory
the government's authority arises from the people, and the government must respect man's natural rights
Social Contract Theory
the state's power limited by the people; formed the framework for American government
Evolutionary Government Theory
theory over time, the state developed from the family unit into clans, then into tribes, and finally into states
Socialism
was a reaction to capitalism
Presidential Democracy
A form of government in which the executive branch is elected separately from the legislative branch, and both branches are separate, independent, and co-equal.
Confederate Government
A state government can restrict the central government's power.
Unitary Government
A way of organizing a nation so that all power resides in the central government.
Direct Democracy
People participate in this through initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
Balance of Powers
The U.S. legislative and executive branches check each other's power.
Power
The ability to get people to behave in certain ways even when people don't want to behave in those ways.
legislative
The branch of government that makes laws is known as the ____________________ branch.
English Bill of Rights
The deposition of King James II resulted in the ____________ giving power to the Parliament, empowering the Church of England, and establishing individual liberties for British subjects.
Totalitarianism
This form of government controls every aspect of an individual's life.
Despotism
This form of government has an absolute ruler who only looks out for himself and reigns as a tyrant.
Liberal Democracy
This form of government literally means "rule of the people."
Feudalism
This form of government was based on ownership of land and a social class system.
Absolute Monarchy
This hereditary ruler governed by divine right.
ratify
To formally approve or confirm is to _________.
free enterprise system
an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods
Laissez Faire
an economic system without government interference
Divine Right of King's Theory
authority based on inherent right from God
tyranny
In rule by _____________, the government abuses its power.
Preamble
(n.) an introduction to a speech or piece of writing
Factors of production:
-capital goods -entrepreneurship -land (natural resources) -labor
Characteristic of a State:
-government -territory -sovereignty
A state must have to exist:
-people -government -territory -soverignty
First Amendment
5 freedoms: speech, press, religion, assembly, petition
Legitimacy
A a society's belief that their ruler or government has the right to rule.
constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
Tenth Amendment
Amendment stating that the powers not delegated to the federal gov. are reserved to the states
Veto
Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature
Parliamentary Democracy
Form of government in which people vote for the legislative body, which in turn selects the prime minister.
Senate
In ancient Rome, the supreme governing body, originally made up only of aristocrats.
Third Amendment
NO CITIZEN SHOULD BE FORCED TO QUARTER SOLDIERS IN THEIR HOMES
Eighth Amendment
No cruel and unusual punishment
Ninth Amendment
People's rights are not limited to those listed in the Constitution
Federal Government
Political power is shared between independent central and state governments.
Fourth Amendment
Protects against unreasonable search and seizure
Sixth Amendment
Right to a speedy and public trial
Seventh Amendment
Right to a trial by jury in civil cases
Second Amendment
Right to keep and bear arms
Authority
Right to rule
Fifth Amendment
Rights of people accused of crimes
tribal councils
Which was the first primitive form of government?
Representative Democracy
a form of democracy in which citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf
Republic
a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
Autocracy
a system of government by one person with absolute power.
Communism
grew out of socialism but differed by seeking to control all areas of society
Sovereignty
is the supreme and ultimate power or authority within a territory.