Forms of Government
A government in which one person rules with supreme authority?
Autocracy
What is the heart of American government?
The Constitution
Which English document laid the foundation for freedoms for all Englishmen by first guaranteeing freedoms under King John?
The Magna Carta
In what two ways are all American citizens equal?
Americans have equal rights under the law and equal voting rights.
What three main conditions are necessary for a successful democracy?
Opportunity, an educated society, and moral responsibility.
What is the absence of government called?
Anarchy
What are the three branches of America's national government?
Legislative, executive, and judicial
Which document marks the beginning of a democratic government in England?
The English Bill of Rights
What are the characteristics of a democracy?
Majority Rule, Equality, Liberty, Necessity of Compromise, and Individual Worth.
What dangers arise when people lack economic opportunity?
The poor people lose hope. Which can lead to politicial division as well.
A government in which the people directly affect a government's policies and actions?
Direct democracy
Into what two houses is Congress divided?
the Senate and the House of Representatives
What self-evident truths did the American Founding Fathers hold dear?
That all men are created equal; that God has given them specific unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that governments are instituted to secure those rights.
What is a pluralistic society?
One in which there are many diverse religious, ethnic, and political groups. Therefore, differing opinions and ideas coexist.
Without this a democracy would quickly erode?
Submission to the rule of law.
A representative democracy in which the people elect individuals to operate the government on their behalf?
Indirect democracy
Who is the chief executive officer of the executive branch of government?
the President
What document limits the power of the American government over its citizens by guaranteeing them certain basic rights?
The Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution).
What is a representative majority?
A majority of elected officials, such as members of Congress.
Morally responsible Christians should demonstrate at least these three virtues?
Boldness, humility, and respect.
A state in which the supreme power rests with the people or their representatives?
Republic
Which branch of government interprets the laws?
Judicial
Where was the first known form of democracy that took place?
Athens, Greece
What is a popular majority?
The majority of all citizens, or at least the majority of all voters who participate in their government through free elections.
This involves an understanding of the political ideas and institutions that shape America's government, an appreciation for America's heritage, and an ability to evaluate current issues and national direction.
Civic thinking.