Principles of Government

Question 1

What is Government

Answer 1

The institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies

Question 2

What are Public Policies

Answer 2

All the things a government decides to do

Question 3

What is the Role or Purpose of Government

Answer 3

Ancient Greeks - “to improve the lives of its citizens”

Dec. of Independence - “to protect the rights of its citizens” “Unalienable rights” (Life, Liberty and the pursuit of of happiness)

Question 4

Where does the Power of a Government come from

Answer 4

God Force and People

Question 5

Is Government Good/Bad or Even Necessary

Answer 5

Yes Yes and Yes

Question 6

What are the Six froms of Government

Answer 6

Anarchy
Dictatorship/Monarchy
Oilgarchy
Democracy
Republic
Theocracy

Question 6

What is Anarchy

Answer 6

No government

Question 7

What is a Dictatorship or Monarchy

Answer 7

Power rests with one person/state - Rule not reasonable to the will of the people

Question 8

What is an Oligarchy

Answer 8

Rule by a small group/few of people (Most common throughout history)

Question 9

What is a Democracy

Answer 9

Rule by the people/majority

Question 10

What is a Republic

Answer 10

Rule by the law

Question 11

What is a Theocracy

Answer 11

Rule by religious leaders

Question 12

3 Types of Power that a Government is given

Answer 12

Legislative Power
Executive Power
Judicial Power

Question 13

What is Legislative Power

Answer 13

Makes laws - Congress

Question 14

What is Executive Power

Answer 14

Enforce laws - President

Question 15

What is Judicial Power

Answer 15

Interpret laws - Supreme Court

Question 16

What is the Constitution

Answer 16

Fundamental laws/principles of government

Question 17

Who Shares the Powers of Government

Answer 17

The 3 Branches of Government

Question 18

What is a State

Answer 18

Dominant political unit in world

Question 19

What is a State commonly know as

Answer 19

Country or Nation

Question 20

What are the 4 characteristics of a State

Answer 20

Population (People)
Territory/Border (Land)
Sovereignty (Supreme Power)
Central Government (Politically Organized)

Question 21

What are the 4 theories of the origins of States

Answer 21

Force Theory
Evolution Theory
Divine Right Theory
Social Contract Theory

Question 22

What is Force Theory

Answer 22

Right to rule comes through coercion (Strongest)

Question 23

What is Evolution Theory

Answer 23

Right to rule evolved over time - (Stages of development)
Family (Father)
Clan
Tribe (Chiefs)

Question 24

What is Divine Right Theory

Answer 24

Right to rule comes from God (Kings/Queens)

Question 25

What is Social Contract Theory

Answer 25

Right to rule comes from the people - contract between people form the people and government

Question 26

What are the 6 Purposes of our Government

Answer 26

Form a More Perfect Union (Strength in Union)

Establish Justice (The law must be reasonable, fair and impartial)

Insure Domestic Tranquility(provide law and order and home)

Provide for Common Defense (Defends against foreign enemies)

Promote the General Welfare (Provides services such as EPA, FDA, Post office, Public schools)

Secure the Blessings of Liberty (Guarantees freedom for the individual)