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.