Government and American ideals Flashcards
Liberty
Personal freedom and a government whose powers are limited by law
Equality
The idea that all individuals have the right to participate in
Political life and society on equivalent terms
Democracy
A political system in which popular wishes and preferences regularly and systematically shape who controls the government and what the government does.
Citizenship
Informed and active membership in a political community
Government
The formal institutions as procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled
Authoritarian government
Government recognizes no formal limit but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions
Totalitarian system
Government not exercises great power but seeks to impose its will by suppressing any and all other groups and individuals in society that might pose a challenge
Constitutional government
Governmental power is both described in and limited by governing constitutions
Politics
Conflict over the leadership, structure and policies of government
Power
Influence I’ve a governments leadership, organization or policies
Representative democracy or republic
A system of government that. Gives citizens a regular opportunity to elect government officials
Direct democracy
A system that permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies
Name the three invaluable if hrs in the Declaration of Independence
Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness
Limited government
Powers are define and limited by a constituion
Bill of rights
The first ten amendments to the constituion
Laissez-faire capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operate or profit with minimal or no government to regulate trade or restrict the use of private property even in the name of public protection
Equality of opportunity
All people should have the freedom to she whatever talents an wealth they have to reach their fullest potential
Political equality
The right to participate in politics equally based on the principle of one person one vote.
Popular sovereignty
Political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people
Majority rule with minority rights
The government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interest of the minority
