Definitions

Question 1

oligarchy

Answer 1

An oligarchy is a system of government in which power is held by a small group of people, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, corporate, or military control.

Question 2

Monarchy

Answer 2

A monarchy is a form of government in which a single person, the monarch, serves as the head of state for life or until abdication. The monarch typically inherits the position by birth and may have varying degrees of power, ranging from symbolic and ceremonial roles in constitutional monarchies to absolute control in absolute monarchies.

Question 3

Constitutional monarchy

Answer 3

A constitutional monarchy is a form of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government. The monarch’s powers are limited by law, and elected officials handle most governmental functions.

Question 4

Direct democracy

Answer 4

Direct democracy is a form of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making and lawmaking, rather than electing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 5

Federalism

Answer 5

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. Each level of government has its own responsibilities and powers, often defined by a constitution.

Question 6

Check and Balances

Answer 6

Checks and balances is a system in which different branches of government have the power to limit or check each other’s actions to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. This system ensures that power is balanced and that no single branch can dominate the government.

Question 7

Constitutionalism

Answer 7

Constitutionalism is the principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a body of fundamental law or a constitution. It ensures that political power is exercised according to established legal processes and safeguards the rights and liberties of individuals.

Question 8

Legislative

Answer 8

The legislative branch is the part of government responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws. It typically consists of a parliament or congress, which may be divided into two houses, such as a senate and a house of representatives.

Question 9

Executive

Answer 9

The executive branch of government is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. It is headed by the executive leader, such as a president or prime minister, who holds the highest authority within the branch. The executive branch also includes various government departments and agencies that carry out specific functions, such as national defense, foreign affairs, and economic policy.

Question 10

Despotic

Answer 10

“Despotic” simply means relating to or characteristic of a despot, which is a ruler with absolute power and often uses that power oppressively.

Question 11

Industrial Revolution

Answer 11

The Industrial Revolution was a period when machines started replacing hand tools and people began working in factories instead of at home.

Question 12

Agricultural

Answer 12

Agricultural activities involve cultivating crops, raising livestock, and other activities related to farming and food production.

Question 13

Globalization

Answer 13

Globalization refers to the process of international integration and interconnectedness across economies, cultures, and societies through trade, communication, and technology. It involves the increasing flow of goods, services, ideas, and people across national boundaries, shaping economies and cultures worldwide.

Question 14

Colonization

Answer 14

Colonization is the act of establishing control over a foreign land, typically involving settlement and governance by a more powerful or external group.

Question 15

Chief Justice

Answer 15

The Chief Justice is the presiding judge of a supreme court or the highest judicial authority within a judicial system. They oversee the court’s operations, lead discussions on cases, and often play a crucial role in shaping legal interpretations and decisions within their jurisdiction.

Question 16

Public Policy

Answer 16

Public policy refers to the actions and decisions taken by government institutions to address public issues and achieve specific goals for the community. It encompasses laws, regulations, and courses of action developed and implemented by governmental bodies to solve problems and improve the well-being of society.

Question 17

GDP

Answer 17

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific time period, usually a year or a quarter. It is a key indicator used to gauge the economic performance and health of a nation’s economy.

Question 18

Labor Union

Answer 18

A labor union is an organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests, such as better wages, working conditions, and benefits. Unions engage in collective bargaining with employers and may also organize strikes and other collective actions to achieve their goals.

Question 19

Elastic Clause

Answer 19

The Elastic Clause, also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, is a provision in the United States Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) that grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This clause provides flexibility for Congress to enact legislation needed to effectively execute its constitutional responsibilities.

Question 20

Legislative Clauses

Answer 20

Legislative clauses are specific provisions within a constitution, law, or legal document that define the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the legislative branch of government. These clauses outline how laws are to be made, the procedures for enacting legislation, and the scope of legislative authority. Examples include the Commerce Clause, Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause), and the Taxing and Spending Clause in the U.S. Constitution.

Question 21

Concurrent Power Clause

Answer 21

The term “Concurrent Power Clause” isn’t a specific clause in the U.S. Constitution but rather refers to the concept of concurrent powers. Concurrent powers are those that are shared by both the federal and state governments. Examples of concurrent powers include the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts. These powers allow both levels of government to operate effectively and address issues that require joint effort.

Question 22

Enumerated Power Clause

Answer 22

The Enumerated Powers Clause isn’t a specific clause but rather refers to the concept of enumerated powers listed in the U.S. Constitution. These are the powers explicitly granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8. This section lists specific areas where Congress has the authority to legislate, such as the power to levy taxes, regulate commerce, coin money, and declare war. These enumerated powers define the scope of congressional authority.

Question 23

Kansas Nebraska Act, 1854

Answer 23

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 created the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It allowed the people living there to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery. This replaced an earlier rule that had banned slavery in those areas. The act led to violent clashes between people who were for and against slavery, contributing to the tensions that led to the Civil War.

Question 24

Ambivalent

Answer 24

Ambivalent means having mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes about someone or something. It describes a state of uncertainty or indecision, where you feel both positive and negative emotions simultaneously.

Question 25

Communism

Answer 25

Communism is a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society in which all property and means of production are owned collectively by the community, with the goal of eliminating social inequalities and providing for the needs of all its members.

Question 26

Capitalism

Answer 26

Capitalism is an economic system in which private individuals or businesses own and control the means of production and operate for profit. It is characterized by private property, free markets, competition, and the pursuit of profit.

Question 27

Mean

Answer 27

The mean, often referred to as the average, is a measure of central tendency in a set of numbers. It is calculated by adding up all the numbers in the set and then dividing by the total count of numbers.

Question 28

Mode

Answer 28

The mode is the value that appears most frequently in a data set. A data set can have one mode, more than one mode (bimodal or multimodal), or no mode if no number repeats.

Question 29

Propaganda

Answer 29

Propaganda is information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. It is often disseminated to influence public opinion and behavior.

Question 30

Centre

Answer 30

“Centre” is the British English spelling of “center,” which generally refers to the middle point or part of something. It can also denote a place where particular activities are concentrated, such as a community center, shopping center, or cultural center.

Question 31

1 chamber

Answer 31

A “one-chamber” or unicameral legislature is a legislative body with a single chamber or house. This type of legislature is responsible for making and passing laws, and it is contrasted with a bicameral legislature, which has two separate chambers, such as a senate and a house of representatives.

Question 32

Independent Variable

Answer 32

Independent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is intentionally changed or controlled to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 33

Independent Variable

Answer 33

Independent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is intentionally changed or controlled to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Question 34

Dependent Variable

Answer 34

Dependent Variable: The variable in an experiment that is measured or observed to see how it is affected by changes in the independent variable.