Purpose of Government
Give an example of a government decision that classifies as a policy
passing legislation to fund education, improving relations with a foreign country
True or False- A monarch is more powerful in a constitutional monarchy?
False
What are the 3 ideals of American democracy?
liberty, equality, self-government
Sovereignty
the supreme power of the state to act within its territory
What form of government does US follow? and define it
republic/representative democracy- people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf
The government is responsible for creating laws. What else is it expected to do with these laws?
enforce laws and punish those who do not follow
What is the difference between a direct democracy and a republic?
direct- people make political decisions themselves
republic- people elect representatives to make these decisions for them
How is Americans freedom of speech an example of liberty?
freedom of speech allows people to say what they want as long as is it does not hurt others
divine right of kings
a theory that the king is answerable only to God, not the people he ruled
How does the US organize their national power? and define it
federal system- national, state and regional governments share power
list some of the purposes of government
ensure national Security, maintain order, resolve conflict, provide services, provide for the public good
What is the difference between regional levels of government in a federal system and those in a confederal system?
In a federal system the power is shared. In a confederal system the regional governments are much more powerful than the central government.
what is the rule of law?
forces leaders to act according to the law and holds them accountable when they do not
What is social contract theory?
theory of rule that says the first governments formed as a result of people agreeing among themselves to submit to authority of state
Name two advantages to following a presidential system
see chart on page 18
Name a way the government provides for the public good
building roads, providing public housing...
Why is a gridlock less of a problem in a parliamentary system?
Because the prime minister and legislature are part of the same branch of government
Why is liberal democracy necessary to American democracy?
By protecting the liberties and equalities of those not in majority, liberal democracy protects two of the three ideals of American democracy.
federal system
a system of government in which power over people and territory is divided between national and regional governments
Name two disadvantages to following a presidential system
see chart on page 18
Under the social contract theory, how were the first governments created?
people collectively agreed to submit to the public authority
Name a form of government and list a few key details
see chart on page 15
What is a free enterprise?
an economic system in which people and businesses make their own choices about how to best produce distribute and exchange goods and services, with limited interference from the government
what is Majority Rule?
a decision making system in which the candidate who receives more than half the votes cast, or more votes than any other candidate, wins the election
List an example of a country that follows a constitutional monarchy
United Kingdom