Functions of Government
What is the primary function of government in a society?
The primary function of government is to establish order, maintain social stability, and provide essential services to its citizens. (+400)
Which system of government did the Articles of Confederation establish?
Confederate system (+300)
What are the three branches of government in the United States?
Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. (-100)
What is the Social Contract theory on the origin of government?
The authority to rule is granted to the government by the people who make a contract with the government. This theory is associated with philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. (+200)
What replaced the Articles of Confederation as the supreme law of the land?
The United States Constitution in 1789 (+200)
How does government protect individual rights and freedoms?
Governments enact laws, create legal systems, and protecting citizens' rights
What does popular sovereignty mean?
Government by the people and for the people
What role does the Judicial Branch play in the government?
Interpret the laws and ensure they are applied fairly. (Judicial Review) It consists of the federal courts, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the United States.
According to the Divine Right theory, what is the origin of governmental authority?
States that a monarch receives the right to rule directly from a higher power, such as a deity or a divine order
Who wrote the declaration of independence?
Thomas Jefferson
How does government engage in international relations?
establish diplomatic ties, negotiate treaties, participate in international organizations, and promote peace, security, and cooperation globally.
Describe a Confederate system and a Federal system.
Independent states and a weak central government; power is distributed between a central government and a number of states
What does the Executive Branch of government entail?
Enforce and carrying out the laws. It is headed by the President of the United States, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
What is the Evolutionary theory's perspective on the origin of government?
The natural progression from family units to clans, tribes, and eventually more complex political structures.
What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles of Confederation established the first framework for the United States as an independent nation, outlining the structure of government and the relationship between the states.
Which principle of the Constitution enables a Supreme Court to strike down legislation?
Judicial Review; interpret the Constitution and deem laws unconstitutional
Describe a Unitary system, and give an example of a country who uses this system.
Most or all of the governing power resides in a centralized government; France, United Kingdom
What is the main responsibility of the Legislative Branch?
Make laws. It consists of the Congress, which is divided into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
How does the Force theory explain the origin of government?
Suggests that individuals or groups with superior strength imposed their authority on others, leading to the establishment of governance.
Describe the differences between Antifederalists and Federalists
Federalists supported the constitution and wanted a stronger central government
Antifederalists did not support the constitution and did not want a stronger central government.
How does a bicameral congress establish fairness?
Senate is based on equality
House of Reps. is based on representation/population
What "O" term simply means government by the few, but is most often used to describe corrupt rule of a nation by a small and self-interested group?
Oligarchy
How does the system of checks and balances work among the three branches? Give an example.
The system of checks and balances ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful. Each branch has the ability to limit the actions of the other branches. For example, the President can veto bills passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote.
How do the Social Contract theory and the Force theory present contrasting perspectives on the legitimacy of government authority, and how do these theories reflect different views on the relationship between individuals and the state?
Something about
government authority and the relationship between individuals and the state
What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
A lack of centralized authority, inability to levy taxes, and difficulties in regulating commerce and trade.