Gov Quiz 2 Flashcards
Popular sovereignty
Is based on the idea that ppl are a source of power to government. All power rests in the hands of the ppl
Republican Democracy
Uses representation in government
Limited Government
Limits governmental actions; government cannot do whatever it wants. Restrictions placed on action
Rule of Law
Says that all people must obey law of the lands
Common Good
The protection of individual rights and liberties while at the same time helping society
Equality for all persons
As an inalienable right for all. Equality of opportunity, not of condition
Majority rules
Is balanced by the protection of minority rights
Necessity of compromise
Give and take in political bargaining
Four characteristics of a state
Population, territory, sovereignty, government.
Force Theory
One or more claim an area and force everyone in that area to submit their rule
Evolutionary theory
The “state” arose out of primitive family units
Divine Right Theory
God created the “state” and gave power to a person of royal birth to rule; to disobey the king/queen, was to disobey God
Social Contract Theory
If government fails then the people have the right to create a new government. People’s consent = legitimate government authority
Federal
Power of the government are divided between the central government and several local governments. Division cannot be changed by one side alone. Creates interactions between the government and the citizens through own set of laws, officials, and agencies. U.S.
Confederate:
An alliance of independent states. The central government only has the power on the matters that the member states have assigned to it, resulting in limited power, especially in defense and foreign affairs. Weak central government that doesn’t have power to make laws for citizens. Articles of Confederations/E.U.
