Forms of Government Info Flashcards
Dictatorship (or Totalitarian)
The leader has complete control over every aspect of civilian life. Think Fidel Adolf Hitler in WWII Germany.
Socialism
A philosophy based on the idea that the benefits of economic activity should be fairly distributed.
Fascism
A centralized, authoritarian government, that glorifies the state over the individual.
Communism-
An ideology which calls for the collective, or state ownership of land and other productive property.
DIRECT DEMOCRACY
people vote on every single issue. People create the laws and regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY
people choose representatives to serve in the legislature. Those people make laws on BEHALF of their constituents.
COMPULSORY VOTING
citizens are required to vote; they do not have a choice.
Social Contract
People give up some power/freedom in exchange they receive some order/protection/security from the government. The people remain in power.
State / Country
Population Territory Sovereignty Government
3 Branches of Government
Legislative, Executive, Judicial who make, enforce, and interpret laws
UNITARY government
all power is given to one central, national government.
For example, that would be like DC making all laws, and states having no say in anything.
CONFEDERATION government
The states have all the power.
-For example, California would make whatever laws he wanted, and not worry about the president.
FEDERALIST government
power is split between the state and federal governments
For example, in the United States we have both state laws AND national laws. Each has certain powers
PRESIDENTIAL government
The president & Congress are elected independently by the people. Executive branch (led by president) and legislative branch (Congress) are separate. President is the head of government.
- In the US we have a presidential system
PARLIAMENTARY government
The people choose a legislative branch (Parliament) and those people choose a leader called the Prime Minister. The executive branch and legislative branch are linked. Prime minister is head of government & monarch is head of state (largely ceremonial).
Great Britain has a parliamentary system
Bicameral
2 groups make laws, splitting power evenly. Ex: US and Senate
Unicameral
Only one group who makes the laws. Better for small countries
Independent judiciary
Assures the people that the laws will be based on the nations laws.
Judicial review
The power of the courts to review and declare unconstitutional acts
Right of minority
Important to protect, protected by bill of rights and representative democracy, this includes us
What was the first government?
The Articles of Confederation
Why did the articles of confederation not work?
- National government couldn’t tax
- No national military
- No national currency
Separation of Powers
the three branches in government
Checks and Balances
one branch cannot do something without another branches approval
The New Jersey Plan
argued for one congress where each state got an equal vote. Small states wanted this
The Virginia Plan
argued for one house, with representation based on population. Large states wanted this.
The Connecticut (or Great) Compromise
created a bicameral legislature
The House of Representatives is based on population
The Senate is equal representation
The 3/5 Compromise
decided slaves would count as 3/5 of a person when deciding population for representation in House of Representatives
The Federalists
- Supported the new Constitution, favored a FEDERALIST system, with strong state and strong federal governments
The Anti-Federalists
Fearful of a new powerful central government
They demanded a bill of rights for the protection of the people before they approved.
The Federalist Papers
argued for the ratification of the Constitution.
The Bill of Rights
A rough Outline to set up government to organize the power of factions, prevent government tyranny, without destroying Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Our Federalism
Washington DC/ “The Feds”/ National Government/ White House, etc.
VS.
States and local jurisdictions
Delegated or Expressed powers
National powers that are written into the constitution
IMPLIED POWERS
Not necessarily in Constitution (Such as the “necessary and proper” powers of Congress)
INHERENT POWERS
All governments must have these.
EXCLUSIVE powers
only federal power, not state power
Concurrent powers
Shared powers
Reserved powers
State powers
