Module 1 Study Guide Flashcards
Social Contract Theory
Argues that the state arose out of a voluntary act of free people and that the state exists only to serve the will of the people. Governments are created to exercise the powers the people had voluntarily given the state. A Theory That Holds That People Agree To Give Up Power To The State To Promote The Well-being Of All
Government (defenition)
The institution(vehicle) by which a state is maintained. Makes and enforces its public policies. Made up of people who exercise its powers, all those who have authority and control over people.
Public Policies
The things a government decides to do.
Democracy
The responsibility for the exercise of the 3 powers of government held by the majority of the people (supreme authority rests with the people). Gives voice to the people and to protect their basic human rights
John Locke
Society based on natural rights and the social contract theory. Influenced Declaration of Independence
Patriotism
Devotion to ones country.
Example: wearing red white and blue on July 4, joining military.
Natural Rights
Rights that Locke believed everyone should have. Life, liberty and property
4 origins of state
Force Theory
Devine Rights of Kings Theory
Evolutionary Theory
Social Contract Theory
Force Theory
A territory and control of the people is taken by force. EX. Nazi Germany
Devine Right of Kings Theory
God created the state and appointed the rulers. Anything against govt is against god. EX. Pope in Vatican City
Evolutionary Theory
The head of primitive families are the rulers of the state. EX. United Kingdom
Direct Democracy (pure)
The people formulate public policy. Works only at small, local level of govt
Indirect Democracy (representative)
Group chosen by the people formulate public policy. Widely used at federal, state and local govt
3 Powers of all governments
legislative power, executive power, judicial power.
Legislative branch
Makes laws
Executive branch
Power to enforce laws
Judicial branch
Power to interpret laws
4 Characteristics of a state
(PTSG)
Population (people that live there)
Territory (land with recognized borders)
Sovereignty (Power within its territory)
Government (organized politically)
6 Elements of the Preamble
-Form a more perfect union
-Establish Justice
-Insure domestic tranquility
-Provide for the common defense
-Promote general welfare
-Secure the Blessings of Liberty
Form a more perfect union
Links the american people
Establish Justice
Keep truth, liberty and fairness.
Insure Domestic Tranquillity
Order/keeping peace
Provide for the common defense
Defending the nation against foreign enemies
Promote the general welfare
Trying to improve society and provide help
Secure the blessings of liberty
Having liberty, protecting rights
3 Classifications used to analyze government
-Geographical distribution of govt power in a a state (UFC)
-# Of people who participate in govt (Dict, Dem)
-Relationship between legislative and executive branches (Parli, Presi)
Advantages of a unitary form of government
-maintaining clear authority
-responding quickly to crisis
-avoiding legal debate over who has what power
Republic (Indirect democracy)
-People vote for their leaders by electing representatives (USA)
Federal (republic/central) form of Government
States and central government have some power. Central government has power over states government. (USA) F/S
Direct Democracy
-People vote for their leaders directly (Switzerland)
Confederate form of Government
Governments of states have majority of power. States and central government have some power. The central government has very limited powers, given by states (EU) S/F
Parlimentary form of Government
People elect representatives to a parliament to help rule. PM is part of executive branch. (UK) L/E
Presidential form of Government
A system of government where the executive branch exists separately from a legislature with equal powers. (USA) L=E
Baron de Montesquieu
French philosopher. Believed in separation of powers so that one group or person takes over the power of a state
William Blackstone
UK politician. Created concept of common law.
Common Law
Concept that the same legal process/punishments must apply for everyone. 1 year for Johnny=1 year for Joey
Precedent
Earlier laws or decisions that provide some example or rule to guide them in the case they’re actually deciding. (Judicial Branch)
Feudalism
System in which people were given land and protection by people of higher rank, and worked and fought for them in return
Mercantilism
Governments used their economies to augment state power at the expense of other countries
Checks and Balances
Allows each branch of a government to amend or veto acts of another branch so as to prevent any one branch from having too much power
Basic Notions of Democracy
-Worth of individuals
-Equality of all persons
-Majority rule, minority rights
-Necessity of comprimise
-Insistence upon individual freedom
Worth of Individual
Every individual is a separate and distinct being.There are instanced where people are forced to do things for the interest of everyone.
Ex. Paying taxes
Equality of all Persons
Everyone is entitled to equality of opportunity and equality before the law.
Ex. All people are treated equal, not because of gender, race, etc.
Majority rule, minority rights
Minorities have rights, ruled by majority.
Ex. Govt
Necessity of Comprimise
Comprimise is acceptable blend of everyones views.
Ex. Voting
Insistence upon Individual Freedom
Democracy isn’t absolute freedom. Has balance between individual freedoms and right of society
Ex. Noise ordinance
Duty
Things you HAVE to do
Ex. Register for draft, pay taxes, respect rights of others
Responsibility
Things you SHOULD do
Ex. Volunteering, voting, participating in civic life
Ancient Athens vs. Roman Republic
Athens- Used direct democracy, assembly to make decisions
Romans- Had representation through elections , created senate, struggle of social classes
Ancient Athens vs. US Govt
Athens- Used direct democracy, assembly to make decisions
USA-Indirect democracy, has representatives and elections
How are representative democracy and free enterprise system similar?
They both have a central government
