Government Unit 1 Flashcards
An intentional course of government action or inaction followed by government in dealing with some problem or matter of concern
Public Policy
The institution in which a society makes and enforces its public policies and handles affairs of state
Government
Area of policy making that encompasses how one country builds relationships with other countries in order to safeguard national interests
Foreign Policy
Area of policy making that encompasses how a country deals with domestic issues
Domestic Policy
An individual or groups beliefs about the purpose and scope of government and the role government takes in society
Political Ideology
Less government except for military support
Conservative
More government; freedom of speech even if it’s not agreed with
Liberal
Rights that are given to us when we’re born
Natural rights
Government where the will of the people is translated into public policy directly by the people
Direct democracy
Government where the people vote through elected officials to make decisions
Indirect democracy
Government where a single person holds unlimited political power
Autocracy
Government where the power to rule is held by a small, usually self appointed, elite group of people
Oligarchy
Power resides in a central government that create local governments
Unitary Government
The national government and the state’s are coequal partners in a federal system
Federal Government
Most power belongs to the local governments. Central government has limited power.
Confederate Government
Government with a separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches
Presidential Government
Government where executive power is handled by a cabinet of legislative members who are each responsible to the legislature
Parliamentary Government
the position or status of being a citizen of a particular country.
Citizenship
process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress
Naturalization
Explain the Social Contract Theory
- People are born into a state of perfect freedom with the right to provide and protect themselves
- people give up some freedom to a group to be better protected
- government is formed
Explain The Divine Right Theory
- Those who hold power are appointed by God to rule an area
- Thise who oppose the leader are committing a crime and sinning
- Often used by monarchs to justify power and instill fear in people
Explain The Force Theory
- All people were originally free and only obligated to satisfy their own needs
- Stronger groups overthrow weaker groups
- Government is created
Explain The Evolutionary Theory
- Government develops out of family structure
- As family grows, so does leadership structure
- After several generations family grew and resembles government
Why do we need government?
It keeps the people in line and forms structure. Promotes peace and protection, and keeps people together
