final exam reveiw Flashcards
human nature
-significance
biologically inherited nature that can change overtime through experience and environment
- separates human from the rest of the animal kingdom
human dignity
-significance
the built in intrinsic excellence that we all posses
- separates us from each other as individuals
- every human being is values and valid
free will
-significance
human ability to choose between following instinct or utilizing reason
- the trait that separates humans and animals
reason
-significance
the ability to think logically
-allows us to problem solve
social contract theory
-significance
an unwritten agreement between the people and their government where the citizens agree to follow laws and give up some rights for the government to protect them
-provides basics for our government
John Locke
-significance
English social contract philosopher
-philosophies inspired american and french revolutions
platos allegory
-significance
story told through symbols about mans quest for knowledge
-theory that there are more ignorant people then enlightened people
political spectrum
-significance
visual representation that charts peoples political ideologies
-allows us to compare political ideologies
conservative
-significance
political ideology that believes that societal problems should be solved by society
-gives a voice to republicans in society
liberal
-significance
political ideology that believes that the federal government exits to solve societal problems
-gives a voice to democrats in society
political ideology
-significance
various ideas about how the role the government should play in society
-provides bases for government
federalism
-significance
the division of powers between the national (federal) and state governments
-accommodate diverse viewpoints across the country.
democracy
-significance
government conducted by and with the consent of the people
- spreads out political decision making across the country
dictatorship
-significance
one person or small group has absolute power with out effective constitutional limitations
-removes the peoples dignity and human rights
checks and balances
-significance
system of each branch of government can limit the power of other branches
-one branch/person doesn’t take total control of the country
separation of powers
-significance
the 3 separate branches of the government- legislative, judicial, executive.
-way to prevent one branch/ group/ person from becoming to powerful
bill of rights
-significance
the first 10 amendments of the constitution
-explains our basic rights/freedoms
first amendment
-significance
the freedom/right of religion, protest, speech, assembly, and press
-freewill/ freedom to express ourselves
eighth amendment
-significance
the right to no cruel or unusual punishment
- protects a persons rights
legislative branch
-significance
the branch of government that makes laws,…. congress, house of reps, senate.— Vice President
- makes rules for us all to live with to protect us
executive branch
-significance
the branch of the government that carries out laws… president
judicial branch
-significance
the branch of the government that interprets laws and declares them constitutional or not.
- determines if something is too hard for us to follow everyday, and if it has a good reason. also protects our 8th amendment.
market economy
-significance
production and prices are determines by unrestricted competition between privately owned businesses- “invisible hand” guided supply and demand
- if people want it, they can have it
mixed economy
-significance
an economic system combining private and public enterprises with economic freedoms for individuals while still including gov. interventions.
- it allows people to both buy and sell, but be protected by those who take control
