Government Basics
The three basic powers of government.
What are legislative, executive, and judicial powers?
A system where a single central government holds all power.
What is a unitary government?
A political and religious doctrine asserting that a monarch's authority to rule came directly from God.
What is the Divine Right of Kings theory?
In a democracy, decisions are made by what rule?
What is majority rule?
The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies?
What is government?
A system where power is divided between a national and state governments.
What is a federal government?
The recognized right to rule, often based on laws, norms, or the consent of the governed.
What is legitimacy?
This principle protects the opinions and rights of those not in power.
What are minority rights?
This term means the authority of a government to govern itself, free from outside interference?
What is sovereignty?
A form of government in which a few hold power.
What is an oligarchy?
This theory supports the idea of a voluntary agreement to form a government.
What is the Social Contract Theory?
A member of a state or nation who has certain rights and responsibilities, including participation in voting and civic duties.
Who is a citizen?
This term describes all the things a government decides to do?
What is public policy?
A form of government where the executive and legislative branches are separate and coequal.
What is a presidential government?
An English philosopher known for his social contract theory that people consent to be governed in exchange for protection of their natural rights. Argued that a strong, centralized authority is necessary to prevent chaos and maintain order.
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
A process in democratic decision-making where conflicting parties come to an agreement by making concessions.
What is a compromise?
This document outlines the purpose of the U.S. government.
What is the Preamble to the Constitution?
A form of government in which the executive branch is made up of the prime minister, or premier, and that official's cabinet.
What is a parliamentary government?
English philosopher who argued that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. His social contract theory influenced the development of modern democracy by advocating for government by consent and the protection of individual rights.
Who is John Locke?
An economic system characterized by private ownership of capital goods, private decision-making, and competition in the marketplace.
What is the free enterprise system?