political beginnings Flashcards
what is the social contract
the social contract theory is that people should have control over the government and all people should have rights
define the concept of democracy
the people have the rights to have a say in the government (such as like voting)
federal government
power is divied between a central and regional government but still share control over the same population
dictatorship
the government has all of the power and the people have no power at all
presidential government
a president serves as both the head of the state and government and is elected separately from all of the different branches of government
parliamentary government
the legislative branch is the highest/ holds the most significant power
declaration of independence
American colonies gain independence from the british rule
weaknesses in the article of confederation
lack the power of tax and a weak central government and you need approval from all thirteen states to make a change or improve the government structure
great compromise
equal representation for each state. balanced of both large and small states
federalists and anti federalists
Federalists believed a stronger central government and the anti federalists favored a stronger state power
Bill of rights
the first ten amendments to protect individual freedoms and limit the power of the government
popular sovereignty
state’s authority to govern itself without interference from outside sources
limited government
the powers of the government is restricted by laws. does not like the government to get to much power and abuse it
separation of powers
different branches of government to prevent one branch from gaining too much control… (EX: Legislative, executive, Judicial branch).
checks and balances
each branch of government looks after one other to make sure they are not abusing their power
federalism
power is divied between a certral government and regional government
Judicial review
reviews laws and action that are made from the legislative and executive branches to make sure they are constitutional
examples of checks and balances
- congress can veto a bill of the president with a 2/3 in both the house and senate
- Congress can also Judges for misconduct
- The President can veto bills passed by Congress
