Government Basics
What is government?
A system used to make and enforce rules and decisions for a society
Political power belongs to the people.
Democracy
Government power is restricted by laws, rules, or a constitution
Limited government
What is a citizen?
A legally recognized member of a country.
What is naturalization?
The legal process through which an eligible non-citizen becomes a citizen
What does common good mean?
Something that benefits society as a whole
One person holds most or all political power
Autocracy
Leaders have few meaningful restrictions on their power
Unlimited government
Does living in the United States automatically make someone a citizen?
No
Name three purposes of government.
make/enforce laws, keep order, protect people, provide services, promote the common good
Oligarchy
What does rule of law mean?
Everyone, including government leaders must follow the law
Name 3 paths to the U.S. citizenship
Birth, through parents, and naturalization
What are the three levels of our government?
Federal, state, and local
Religious Leaders or religious authority hold political power
A president must obey the constitution and courts can stop illegal actions. Limited or unlimited government
Limited government
What is the difference between residence and citizenship?
Residence is where someone lives, citizenship is a legal membership of a country
What is generally the final major step in naturalization?
Oath of allegiance
Levels of government in the US:
_________ makes laws for the entire country
__________ makes laws for citys and towns
Federal, Local
When identifying the form of government what question should we ask first?
Who has the power?
One ruler can arrest critics, ignore courts, and break both laws without punishment. Identify BOTH the type of government and whether it is limited or unlimited
Unlimited autocracy
Congress passes a law affecting the entire United States. What level of government made the law?
Federal government
Put all 6 naturalization steps in order.
1: Eligibility
2: Apply
3: Background check
4: Interview and Tests
5: Decisions
6: Oath