Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is government?
The institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies
Public policies are those things a government decides to do.
What is the purpose of government?
To improve the lives of citizens
The Declaration of Independence states to protect the rights of its citizens, including ‘unalienable rights’ such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Where does government derive its power from?
God, force, people
Is government good, bad, or even necessary?
It can be both good and bad, depending on the form of government.
What is anarchy?
No government
What is a dictatorship/monarchy?
Power rests with one person or state; rule not responsible to the will of the people
‘Everything within the State, nothing outside the State, nothing against the State’ - Vladimir Lenin.
What is oligarchy?
Rule by a small group
What is democracy?
Rule by the people, majority
What is a republic?
Rule by the law
What is theocracy?
Rule by religious leaders
What are the three kinds of power given to government?
- Legislative power (make laws) - Congress
- Executive power (enforce law) - President
- Judicial power (interpret laws) - Supreme Court
What is the dominant political unit in the world?
The state, more commonly referred to as a country or nation.
What are the four characteristics of a state?
- Population: (people)
- Territory / border: (land)
- Sovereignty: (supreme power)
- Central government: (politically organized)
What is the force theory?
The right to rule comes through coercion (strongest).
What is the evolutionary theory?
The right to rule evolved over time through stages of development: 1. Family (father) 2. Clan 3. Tribe (chiefs).
What is the divine right theory?
The right to rule comes from God (King/Queens).
What is the social contract theory?
The right to rule comes from the people - a contract between people and government, as proposed by John Locke.