Foundations Test Flashcards
what is a government?
an institution through which society makes and enforces public policies
what is the constitution?
a body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government
what is the judicial branch?
The power to interpret laws, to determine their meaning, and to settle disputes that arise within the society
what is politics?
a process by which society decides how power and resources will be distributed
executive power
The power to execute, enforce, and administer law
What is a state?
A body of people living in a defined territory who have a government with the power to make and enforce law without consent of any higher authority
what is public policy
All those things a government decides to do
what is legislative power
The power to make law and frame public policy
what is a social contract?
theory is the idea that people agree to give up power to the state in return for the state’s service to the general well being of the people.
what is federal?
Powers of government are divided between a central government and local governments
What is unitary?
It means all powers are held by single central agency
What is confederate?
An alliance of Independent states
What is parliamentary?
Voters elect the legislator and chief executive, who are a part of the executive branch
What is autocracy?
A single person holds unlimited power
What is a democracy?
Voters elect the legislator and the chief executive is drawn from the legislature
