Comp 5: Government & Citizenship Flashcards
Natural Law
God’s or nature’s law that defines right from wrong and is higher than human law, Laws that exist outside and above all people and are discovered by reason
Common Law
A legal system based on court rulings, precedents and customs
natural rights
The rights of all people to dignity and worth; also called human rights. Life, Liberty, and Property
social contract
An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed, A voluntary agreement among individuals to secure their rights and welfare by creating a government and abiding by its rules.
democratic republic
republic in which representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws and policies. Government of the United States
monarchy
A form of government in which power is vested in hereditary kings and queens who govern in the interests of all
oligarchy
A form of government in which the power to rule is held by a small, usually self-appointed elite.
direct democracy
A form of government in which citizens rule directly and not through representatives
communism
A political and economic system where factors of production are collectively owned and directed by the state.
socialism
A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole. Redistributes resources
Hammurabi’s Code
Oldest written system of laws. They were created by King Hammurabi of Babylonia in the mid 18th century BCE and placed on stones tablets for all to see. Innocent until proven guilty, eye for an eye justice
Justinian Code of laws
Roman Laws dating back to the 6th century. foundation for jurisprudence during the Renaissance, ideas still present today
Magna Carta
foundation for modern limited government, restricted the King of England’s power, presented the idea of natural rights, influenced Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence
John Locke
17th century English philosopher who opposed the Divine Right of Kings and who asserted that people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property.
Two Treatises of Government
Is a refutation of the divine rights of kings and the absolutist theory of government. A book written by John Locke which stated details about natural rights and that people were born with and entitled to life, liberty, and property.
Declaration of Independence
outlined the political ideology of the US, foundation for the constitution
US constitution
“The supreme law of the land.” Written in 1787 at Philadelphia Convention to replace Articles of Confederation and create stronger central government. Outline’s structure & power of 3 branches of national government.
Communist Manifesto
This is the 1848 book written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels which urges an uprising by workers to seize control of the factors of production from the upper and middle classes.
Republicanism
republic form of government in which elected officials determine the laws.
Popular Sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.
elections
A formal and organized choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position, choosing representatives
the preamble
states the goals of the constitution, introduction to the US constitution
US constitution, article 1
establishes the powers, eligibility requirements and limitations of the legislative branch of government.
US constitution, article 2
establishes the powers, eligibility requirements and limitations of the executive branch of government.
US constitution, article 3
establishes the powers, eligibility requirements and limitations of the judicial branch of government.
US constitution, article 4
roles, rights and priviledges of the States and their citizens
US constitution, article 5
the amendment process
US constitution, article 6
maintenance of previous debts, supremacy of the constitution, oaths of office
US constitution, article 7
Ratification Process
Bi-cameral
A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses (house of reps and senate)
Great Compromise
[1787]. This compromise was between the large and small states of the colonies. The Great Compromise resolved that there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives, and equal representation would exist in the Senate. Each state, regardless of size, would have 2 senators. All tax bills and revenues would originate in the House. This compromise combined the needs of both large and small states and formed a fair and sensible resolution to their problems.
proportional representation
representation based on population
Senate
100 members, 2 members for each state. Members are elected every 6 years. The Vice President is the head of this body.