Unit 1 Flashcards
Maintaining social order
Gov provides was of solving conflict among citizens. Court systems Prison Police National guard Making and enforcing laws
Providing public services
Gov provides essential services that make community life possible. Transportation Library Mail system Public edu Hospital/ fireman
Providing national security
Gov protects citizens from attack by other nations. Handles relations with other nations. Military CIA NSA FBI War on terrorism
Making economic decisions
Gov makes choices about how to provide benefits and services to citizens. Taxes National budget Imports/exports Banks Determine which country to trade with
Unitary
Def:One location of power
Held:National gov
Ex:China England GB France North Korea
Federation
Def:Each state is separate
Held:National, State, and local
Ex: USA Germany Mexico Canada India
Confederation
Def:Multiple locations of power
Held:States have power
Ex: No current state
Authoritarian definition
Rule by one or a few with citizens having limited rights
Authoritarian principles
1) unlimited government where a small group holds power
2) government doesn’t always follow the rule of law
3) elections don’t offer a choice
4) rights are not guaranteed
5) force is used to keep peace
Autocracy
Power to rule is in the hands of a single individual
Totalitarian dictatorship
Government seeks to control ALL aspects of social and economic life
Absolute monarchy
A monarch (king or queen) that has a complete and unlimited power
Oligarchy
Small group of people hold the power
Democratic definition
Rule by the people either directly or through representatives. Citizens have rights and freedoms.
Democratic principles
1) limited government
- separation of power
- checks and balances
2) rule of law
3) rights and freedoms guaranteed
4) consent of the governed/ popular sovereignty
5) even when the majority ruled the minority rues are still protected
6) equality under the law
7) federalism
Direct democracy
People govern themselves by voting on issue
Representative democracy
People elect representatives to carry on the work of the government for them
Republic
Form of representative democracy where leadership posit are not inherited on birth of social status
Parliament government
Citizen elect the legislature parliament who then selects the executive leader(prime minister)
Popular sovereignty
People are the source of the governments power
Ex:town hall meeting, voting, and assembling together
Consent to govern
Government get its rights to govern form the people
Ex: contact representatives if dislike something
Rule of law
Government must follow constitution
Ex: no one is above the constitution and it’s applies to everyone
Limited government
Constitution limits the power of leaders
Ex: legislative branch can veto laws, president writes order, and one branch can’t have all the power
Individual rights
Citizens are entitled to certain rights
Ex: bill of rights, constitution, and freedom of speech etc.
Majority rule with minority rights protected
Even if the majority has power, minorities still have their right
Ex: moment of silence
Equal protection under law
The law protects citizens and makes sure that everyone is treated fairly
Ex: no one is above the law
Federalism
Power is divided between national, state, and local governments
Ex: national sets speed limit and states enforced it
Anarchy
The absence of government usually associated with political and societal chaos
Government
The institution and systems that rule a country and its people
Systems of government
Where power is located
Maintaining order and safety is the responsibility of whom?
National state and local government
What describes the USA
The powers of government are shared between national and state governments
Why are unitary systems of government associated with authoritarian government
Both give limitless power to the government
