DEFINING GOVERNMENT
This institution makes and enforces public policies for a society.
What is government?
This theory claims governments began when one person forced others to submit.
What is force theory?
In this system, power ultimately belongs to the people.
What is democracy?
This system divides power between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
Voting and staying informed are examples of this civic responsibility.
What is civic engagement?
According to the slides, government originated more than 2,300 years ago in this ancient civilization.
What is ancient Egypt?
This theory explains the state as growing naturally from family and clan structures.
What is evolutionary theory?
This form of democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies.
What is direct democracy?
This system concentrates power in a central government.
What is a unitary system?
This network of voluntary organizations exists outside of government.
What is civil society?
Aristotle described humans as naturally suited for participation in this activity.
What is politics (or being a political animal)?
This theory argues rulers govern because their authority comes from God.
What is the Divine Right of Kings theory?
This modern democracy elects representatives to act on behalf of citizens.
What is representative (indirect) democracy?
This loose alliance of states allows members to keep sovereignty.
What is a confederation?
This Enlightenment thinker argued for natural rights like life, liberty, and property.
Who is John Locke?
These are the people who run a country and make decisions for it.
Who are the government officials (or leaders)?
This theory states that people formed governments through mutual agreements to maintain order.
What is social contract theory?
Switzerland is a modern example of this type of democratic participation.
What are referendums (or direct democracy)?
This principle divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What is separation of powers?
This principle says majority decisions must respect minority rights.
What is majority rule with minority rights?
This four-part concept includes population, territory, government, and sovereignty.
What is the state?
This theory best explains modern democratic governments based on consent of the governed.
What is social contract theory?
In ancient Athens, only this group of people was allowed to participate in democracy.
Who were free adult male citizens?
This system failed in the U.S. because the central government was too weak. (Hint: The document used for the United States government from 1781 to 1789, before the Constitution was made)
What is the Articles of Confederation?
This idea holds that government power comes from the consent of the governed.
What is popular sovereignty?