Government Basics
This is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies
Government
In this form of government, one person holds unlimited political power
Autocracy
In this economic system, private or corporate ownership exists and investment decisions are made in a free market
Free enterprise system
This principle means that each person has value and should be treated with dignity
Worth of the individual
What is a democracy
Rule by the people
These are all the goals a government sets and the courses of action it pursues to achieve those goals
Public policy
A government in which power is shared among a small group of individuals is called this.
Oligarchy
According to the law of supply and demand, when goods become plentiful, prices tend to do this.
Decrease
This democratic principle means that people have an equal opportunity to participate in government.
Equality of individuals
This theory says that the state developed because people agreed to create a government to protect their interests and provide order.
Social contract theory
This is the power to make laws and frame public policies.
Legislative power
A government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate, independent, and coequal is called this.
Presidential government
When goods become scarce, prices tend to do this.
Increase
This principle means that the majority generally makes decisions while the rights of the minority are protected
Majority rule/ minority rights
Name the four major theories that attempt to explain the origin of the state.
divine right theory, force theory, evolutionary theory, and social contract theory
This is the power to execute, enforce, and administer laws
Executive power
In this type of government, the executive is generally connected to and dependent upon the legislative branch.
Parliamentary government
This type of economy combines private enterprise with considerable government regulation and promotion
Mixed economy
This principle involves people working together and finding solutions that different sides can accept.
Compromise
A state is a body of people living in a defined territory with a government that has this kind of authority.
Sovereign authority
This is the power to interpret laws, determine their meaning, and settle disputes
Judicial power
What is the major difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy?
An autocracy places political power in the hands of one person, while an oligarchy places power in the hands of a small group.
Compare a free enterprise system and a mixed economy.
A free enterprise system relies more heavily on private ownership and free-market decisions, while a mixed economy combines private enterprise with significant government regulation and involvement.
Name the five basic principles of democracy.
Worth of the individual; equality of individuals; majority rule/minority rights; necessity of compromise; individual freedom