Unit 1 (1.1-1.3) - Political Theory Vocab & Concepts Flashcards
The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state
Government
A political and religious doctrine stating that monarchs derive their authority from God and are not accountable to earthly authority
Divine Right of Kings
An unwritten agreement between the government and its people outlining mutual rights and responsibilities
Social Contract
Fundamental rights inherent to all humans, not dependent on laws or government, often seen as universal and inalienable
Natural Rights
Rights granted and enforced by a legal system, which can be changed or repealed by human laws
Legal Rights
The principle that all members of society, including the government, are accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced
Rule of Law
Services or commodities provided by the government that are available to all members of society, such as national defense and public roads
Public Goods
A philosophical concept describing life without government, laws, or social structure, often used to explore the necessity and role of governance
State of Nature
A philosophy asserting that certain rights or values are inherent by virtue of human nature and can be universally understood through human reason
Natural Law
A form of government where the monarch has unrestricted power, often justified by the Divine Right of Kings
Absolute Monarchy
A system of government in which the monarch’s powers are restricted by a constitution or legislative body
Limited Monarchy
T/F: Clean Air is an example of a Public Good
True
T/F: A piece of jewelry is a Public Good
False - it is not a Public good
Natural Rights are life, liberty, and…
Property
Is the right to privacy a Natural or Legal Right?
Legal Right
Who believed in security through strong authority?
Thomas Hobbes
Who believed in the protection of rights and limited Government?
John Locke
Who believed in direct Democracy and the general will?
Jean Jacques Rousseau
The earliest known written laws, based on strict justice principles.
Hammurabi’s Code
Religious laws delivered by Moses, foundational in moral and legal traditions.
Ten Commandments
Montesquieu’s concept of dividing government authority to prevent tyranny.
Separation of Powers
A system of law developed by Blackstone, emphasizing precedent and judicial fairness.
Common Law
A political philosophy prioritizing liberty, civic virtue, and opposition to inherited power.
Republicanism
The power of courts to determine the constitutionality of laws, influenced by Blackstone.
Judicial Review
A system of justice focusing on punishment fitting the crime, seen in Hammurabi’s Code.
Retributive Justice
A system where powers are defined and limited by a written constitution.
Constitutional Government
What four characteristics must be present in order to be considered a state?
1) Population
2) Boundaries
3) Sovereignty
4) Authority
A form of government in which a single ruler has absolute power and authority.
Dictatorship
A form of government in which citizens participate directly in decision-making.
Direct Democracy
A form of government in which the people select representatives on their behalf to make decisions.
Republic/Representative Democracy
A form of government where power is concentrated into a small, elite group.
Oligarchy
The absence of formal government/central leadership.
Anarchy
A form of government led by religious leaders, where policies are based on religious laws and doctrines.
Theocracy
