Government Chapter Review Sections 1,2&3

Which of the following forms of governments has elected representatives that make decisions on behalf of the people?

representative democracy

Which principle of American democracy holds government officials accountable to the law?

rule of law

According to Hobbes, how do people benefit from giving their power to the state?

They benefit because in exchange they gained peace and security and he asserted that it worked to everyone's advantage.

Why did the Framers of the U.S. Constitution fear majority rule?

Majority rule could pose a threat to the rights of individuals.

What type of government do you think is best suited to accomplish the purposes of government outlined in this section?

Social contract theory type government.

Which of the following is an example of limited government?

constitutional monarchy

What is the source of the state's power?

A state is a political unit with the power to make and enforce laws over a group of people living within a clearly defined territory. All such states are characterized as having a population, a territory, a government, and sovereignty.

According to philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, why are people willing to enter into a social contract?

All power is given to the states in return for support and protection by the government. Also, in a social contract theory people can withdraw their support

Under what circumstances do you think the government should regulate business in a free enterprise system?

I think only if an individual or business is taking advantage of the free enterprise system and or breaking laws.

For each term, write a sentence that explains its significance or meaning: ideal, liberty, equality, self-government, free enterprise.

In America the ideal has always been to have liberty, equality and self-government, this are the core ideals of American democracy. Liberty to act and think as we choose, so long it does not harm the liberty or well being of others. Equality the principle that all people the right and moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity in all aspects of life - political, social and economic. Self-government is an American ideal that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves and do so as political equals. In free enterprise individuals and businesses are free to engage in economic activity with minimum government interference.

For each term, write a sentence that explains its significance or meaning: monarchy, dictatorship, oligarchy, direct democracy, republic.

In a Monarchy type government a king or queen is the single ruler, who has absolute authority under divine or hereditary right. Governments with small group of people can have a dictatorship over its people and hold unlimited powers and is usually controlled by force. In some dictatorships that is also known as oligarchy which is ruled by members of the military or the economic elite govern secular governments. In direct democracy citizens met regularly in assembly to discuss day issues, pass laws and vote for leaders. In a republic people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Which advantages and disadvantages might explain why there are more parliamentary than presidential systems?

In a presidential system the advantages are; President is elected by the people for a fixed term and cannot be dismissed, separation of powers prevents abuses of authority, Independent of other branches of government, President is able to make decisions quickly and independently. The Disadvantages are that it's difficult to remove an unsuitable president from office, separation of powers may lead to gridlock, branches of government may have different agendas, presidents may become too strong, and finally many presidential systems have become authoritarian. In a Parliamentary system the advantages are; The legislative and executive branches are often united in purpose, prime minister directly accountable to parliament, and easier to pass legislation. The disadvantages are; few check and balances, prime minister selected by the legislative branch, not by the people, and prime minister lacks independence.

What are the main differences between federal, unitary, and confederal systems?

In a unitary system power is concentrated in the central government, regional governments carry out decisions made by the central government. Where in a federal system powers are all shared between National, state and regional governments, all levels have power to make their own laws, elect officials, and create agencies. A confederal system the central government only has power given by the states. These independent states join together in confederation and delegate limited powers to a central government.

Why do you think that the ideal of liberty is important to the free enterprise system?

Liberty is important to free enterprise system because it allows individuals and businesses to engage in economic activity allowing them to act and think as they choose to have a better economic system.

For each term, write a sentence that explains its significance or meaning: government, state, sovereignty, politics, legitimacy, divine right of kings, social contract theory.

The institutions and processes in which people are governed is a form of government. All states share the same characteristics in a defined territory. Sovereignty in the United States is carried out by the people and it's one the states characteristics. Politics are necessary in order for government to function. Rulers often have legitimacy by important segments of the population. Rulers drive their authority directly from God this is divine right of kings. In the social contract theory people voluntarily give power to the state in return for protection and support.