Basic of Political Science
In the United States, power is divided among these three branches to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful.
What are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
This theory supports a strong central authority and argues that order and stability are more important than individual freedoms.
What is authoritarianism?
This form of government is ruled by a single leader who is not constrained by laws or a constitution.
What is an absolute monarchy or dictatorship?
This ideology emphasizes social equality and often supports government action to reduce economic inequality.
What is socialism?
This country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States.
What is France?
This form of government allows citizens to vote for their leaders and have a say in how they are governed.
What is democracy?
This political theory argues that people give up some freedoms to a government in exchange for protection and order.
What is social contract theory?
This government is ruled by religious leaders who claim to govern according to divine law.
What is a theocracy?
This political ideology favors free markets, private property, and minimal government interference in the economy.
What is capitalism?
This ancient structure is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing.
What is the Great Pyramid of Giza?
Voting, obeying laws, and serving on a jury are examples of these duties expected of citizens.
What are responsibilities or civic duties?
This Enlightenment thinker argued that a strong ruler was necessary to maintain order and famously wrote The Prince.
Who is Niccolò Machiavelli?
This form of government combines democratic elections with strong executive power and limited civil liberties.
What is an authoritarian government
This ideology combines strong nationalism with strict control over society and suppression of opposition.
What is fascism?
This Roman city was buried under volcanic ash in A.D. 79, accidentally preserving everyday life for historians.
What is Pompeii?
This Supreme Court power allows the Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.
What is judicial review?
This Enlightenment thinker’s ideas about natural rights—life, liberty, and property—influenced democratic governments.
Who is John Locke?
In this system, power is divided between a central government and regional or state governments.
What is federalism?
This ideology advocates for individual rights, civil liberties, and democratic participation.
What is liberalism? (Liberal)
This 16th-century queen ruled England for 44 years and never married, earning her a famous nickname.
Who is Queen Elizabeth I (the “Virgin Queen”)?
This type of election determines which candidates will represent a political party in the general election.
What is a primary election?
This theory, associated with Karl Marx, calls for a classless society and collective ownership of the means of production.
What is communism (or Marxism)?
This type of government is controlled by a small, elite group, often based on wealth, family ties, or military power.
What is an oligarchy?
This political belief system argues that government should play little to no role in people’s personal or economic lives.
What is libertarianism?
This “war” was fought over a bucket stolen from a well and lasted more than 300 years (mostly on paper).
What is the War of the Bucket?