Principles of Government
What type of government allows citizens to vote directly or through representatives?
Democracy
Who wrote Common Sense, which encouraged the colonies to seek independence from Britain?
Thomas Paine
What are the two major political parties in the United States today?
Democratic Party and Republican Party
How long is the term of office for a member of the House of Representatives?
Two years
Which branch of government makes laws?
Legislative branch (Congress)
What is one purpose of government? (Hint: Think about roads, schools, and parks)
Provide public goods and services
Which founding document declared that American colonists were independent from British rule?
Declaration of Independence
What term describes the process of learning about politics through family, media, and peers?
Political socialization
How long is the term of office for a U.S. senator?
Six years
Which branch of government enforces laws and oversees executive departments?
Executive branch (President and cabinet)
Which form of government occurs when an indivisual takes absolute power by force?
Oligarchy
Which system in the Constitution ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful?
Checks and balances
What is the term for groups—such as age, race, or education level—that can influence how someone votes?
Demographics
What is the system used to elect U.S. Presidents that gives smaller states more influence?
Electoral College
Which branch of government interprets laws and can overrule the President or Congress?
Judicial branch (courts)
What are the four things that a nation-state needs in order to be considered legitimate?
Territory
Population
Legitimacy (other countries recognize them
Sovereignty (power within their boundaries)
Which philosopher’s ideas about life, liberty, and property influenced Thomas Jefferson?
John Locke
What are smaller parties, like the Green Party or Libertarian Party, that rarely win elections but still influence policy called?
Third parties
In the U.S., citizens vote for representatives rather than directly on all laws. What is this system called?
Indirect democracy (or republic)
Which branch of government has the ability to overrule actions of the President and/or Congress based on the power of judicial review?
The judicial branch
What are the four main types of government?
Democracy (people vote)
Dictatorship (one ruler takes power by force)
Monarchy (one ruler has power through birthright)
Which early document failed because the national government had too little authority?
Articles of Confederation
What type of democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies?
Direct democracy
How do campaign finance rules impact elections?
Current campaign finance rules give greater political power to wealthy individuals and interest groups
Which branch confirms presidential appointments and can impeach the President?
Legislative branch (Congress)