Vocab Flashcards
Federal system
Divides key powers between national and state government
Unitary system
Gives key powers to central government
Confederacy
Loose union of independent states
Constitutional law
Field of law that studies questions on how to interpret the Constitution.
Communist countries have what type of economy?
Command economy
Purposes of government
- maintain social order
- provide public services
- provide for security and defense
- provide for economy
Free enterprise?
Freedom if private business to operate with minimal government regulation
Economics is…
The study of how limited resources are used to satisfy people’s seemingly unlimited wants
What does a constitutional government do?
Places limits on the powers of those who govern.
Preamble
Statement that puts forth the goals and purposes that the government will serve
Republic
State where people elect representatives and has an elected president rather than a monarch
Command economy
Government decides what to produce, how much, and how to distribute it
Examples of international organizations?
Terrorist organizations
Karl Marx proposed the idea of…
Communism with his book, the communist manifesto
Marx defined 3 classes, with the lowest class being…
Proletariat class
Proletariat class consisted of
The industrial working class, concentrated in factories
The bourgeoisie
Middle (wealthier) class and owners of industrial capital such as land and factories
Socialism was when
The government owned BASIC means of production where as communism and command economy, the government owned everything
Capitalism
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP, Laissez-faire
Industrialized nation
Large industries, Advanced technology and provides a comfortable way of life
Civil society
Network of voluntary associations - economic, political, charitable and many others that exist outside of government
Complete capitalism isn’t completely possible because
You always need a little government assistance
Special interest groups
People united by special political interests.
Framers of constitution worried these groups would hinder launch of new government
Politics
Refers to the struggle to control government and manage societal conflicts that could influence lives of individuals
What is majority rule with minority rights?
Elected representatives enact laws that reflect the will of the majority of lawmakers
Political party
Group of individuals with broad common interests organized to win elections, conduct government and determine public policy
Constitution
Incomplete guide that provides a statement of goals and a framework for governing that draws it authority from the people
Who wrote the book “Wealth of Nations”
Adam smith
Developing nation
Nations that are only beginning to develop industry
What are the 4 characteristics of a democracy?
- individual liberty
- majority rule with minority right (rights of the minority are respected and protected)
- competing political parties (make elections more meaningful by giving people a choice)
- free elections (all votes carry same weight, no punishment for voting)
What was the case of “Ex Parte Endo vs. United States”
It was a case about the detainment of Japanese Americans during ww2. This case is important because the Supreme Court decided that the federal government has no constitutional right to detain a loyal citizen.
What are the 4 essential features of a state?
- population (the people)
- territory (established boundaries)
- sovereignty (supreme and absolute authority within boundaries)
- government (central institution)
5 Essential elements for a democracy?
- citizen participation
- favorable economy
- free enterprise
- widespread education
- strong civil society
