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.
What is the first purpose of our government?
To form a more perfect union
What is the second purpose of our government?
Establish justice
What is the third purpose of our government?
Insure domestic tranquility
What is the fourth purpose of our government?
Provide for common defense
What is the fifth purpose of our government?
Promote the general welfare
What is the sixth purpose of our government?
Secure the blessings of liberty
What are the two forms of participation in government?
- Democracy: all can participate!
- Dictatorship: one person or small group participates.
What are the two types of democracy?
- Direct: people participate themselves.
- Indirect: people participate through their representatives.
What is autocracy?
A type of dictatorship where a single person holds power.
What is the difference between authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships?
All dictatorships are authoritarian (the state has all political power). Some are totalitarian (the state has total power over every aspect of the people’s lives).
What are the three forms of where power lies in government?
- Unitary: power lies in the hands of a single central agent.
- Federal: power is shared equally by the central and local agencies.
- Confederate: power is given to the local agencies.
What is an example of a unitary government?
Great Britain.
What is an example of a federal government?
United States of America.
What is an example of a confederate government?
Confederate States of America / Articles of Confederation.
What are the two forms of relationship between legislative and executive branches?
- Presidential: legislative and executive branches are independent and co-equal.
- Parliamentary: executive (prime minister) is chosen and controlled by the legislative branch.
What are the five basic foundations of American democracy?
- Equality of all persons: a) equality of opportunity, b) equality before the law
- Worth of the individual
- Majority rule, minority rights
- Necessity of compromise
- Individual freedom
What does ‘equality of all persons’ include?
a) equality of opportunity
b) equality before the law
What is meant by ‘worth of the individual’?
It signifies that we are separate and distinct beings.
What is the principle of ‘majority rule, minority rights’?
The majority rules, but the minority has rights and can become the majority.
What does ‘necessity of compromise’ imply?
There are two sides to everything.
What is meant by ‘individual freedom’?
We have rights, but they are not complete.
What is a citizen?
A citizen is one who holds certain rights and responsibilities within the State.
What are the qualifications to be a citizen?
- Born in the U.S.
- Naturalization
What are the required duties of a citizen?
- Obey laws
- Jury duty
- Pay taxes
- School attendance
What are the encouraged responsibilities of a citizen?
- Be informed/voting
- Respect the property/right of others
- Participate in community
- Respect opinions of others
What is America’s economic system called?
Free enterprise (capitalism - market economy)
What is the American economic system based on?
Five fundamental ideas.
