Unit 1 - Foundations 2 Flashcards
AUTOCRACY
a system of government but one person with absolute power
COMPROMISE
a settlement of differences in which each side gives up something
CONFEDEREDATION
alliance of independent states
CONSTITUTION
body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government
DEMCRACY
supreme authority rests with the people
DICTATORSHIP
those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people
DIVISION OF POWERS
basic principle of federalism
EXECUTIVE POWER
enforce and administer laws
FEDERAL GOVERMNENT
composed of three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial
FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM
private ownership of goods, investment by private decision, success or failure determined by marketplace
GOVERNMENT
the institutions whose public policies are made for a society
JUDICIAL POWER
the power to interpret laws
LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND
when supplies are good, prices go down
LEGISLATIVE POWER
power to make laws
MIXED ECONOMY
private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion
OLIGARCHY
a small group hold power
PARLIAMENTARY GOVERMENT
the executive is made up of the prime minister or premier, and that official’s cabinet
PRESIDENTIAL GOVERMENT
executive and legislative are separate but equal
PUBLIC POLICIES
anything the government decides to do
SOVEREIGN
supreme and absolute authority within its own territory
STATE
a body of people in a defined territory, organized politically that can make and carry out laws
UNITARY GOVERNMENT
centralized government
