Types of Government
An older type of government where a supreme authority rules for life; usually based upon divine right.
Monarchy
Equality
Opportunity
This ancient city-state created the first society that was a "government by the people."
Athens
The three branches of American government.
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
This type of government acts without the people's consent or input.
Dictatorship
This characteristic of democracy is based on the principle that each individual must be recognized and respected as a distinct being loved by God.
Individual worth
Within this type of society, citizens are literate enough to read the news and cast intelligent votes.
Educated Society
Aristocratic families supervised this republic; popular assemblies elected its leaders and ratified important governmental decisions.
Roman Republic
This branch of government makes the nation's laws.
Legislative Branch
A government in which the people directly affect the government's policies and actions through gatherings resembling those of the ancient city-states of Athens.
Direct Democracy
Entails personal and political freedom.
Liberty
This condition guards against pragmatism by judging solutions to be right or wrong based on a moral standard.
Moral Responsibility
This city-state based their ideology of republicanism on Rome but ultimately was ruled by the Medici family.
Florence
A group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue
Lobby
Representative Democracy
A majority of elected officials, such as members of Congress.
Representative Majority
Involves an understanding of the political ideas and institutions that shape America's government, an appreciation for America's heritage, and an ability to evaluate current issues and national direction.
Civic Thinking
King John was forced to sign this document which ensured rights for feudal lords in 1215 AD.
The Magna Carta
Limits the authority of the National Government.
Delegated Powers
A state of lawlessness due to the absence or inefficiency of the supreme power.
Anarchy
Comprises the majority of all citizens or at least the majority of all voters who participate in their government through free elections.
Popular Majority
This condition provides a standard for judging the majority's actions.
Moral Responsibility
William and Mary had to agree to these limitations on their power before they could ascend to the English throne in 1689.
The English Bill of Rights
The two parts of American federalism.
National Government
State and Local Government