Ideas Definitions
An agreement between the people and their government
a social contract
John Locke believed that people had the right to life, liberty, and property
Natural Rights
This ancient civilization invented Democracy
Greece!
When there is no government at all, similar to the state of nature.
Anarchy
Iran, where religious leaders hold a lot of power, is an example of this form of government.
Theocracy
The government is split into three branches
Separation of powers
This concept explains why we have government- people gave up some freedom to get protection.
THE Social Contract
This form of government means "rule by the people"
Democracy
A government where one person holds absolute power, often gained through force rather than elections.
A Dictatorship
Medieval Europe, where kings claimed to rule by with God's blessing, featured this form of government.
Absolute Monarchy
a government that is legally restricted in its powers- it cannot do whatever it wants
Limited government
The idea that government's power comes from the people through voting.
Ancient Rome contributed this form of government where people choose representatives to make decisions for them.
Republicanism! (Remember the Rs- Rome, Republic, Representative, Republicanism!)
A government where one person holds all the power and makes all the decisions
An autocracy
The United States is an example of this form of government where people choose representatives.
A representative democracy
Each branch has power over the other to prevent them from having too much power
Checks and Balances
The U.S. Constitution's requirement that even the President must follow laws is an example of this principle.
Rule of law
Ancient Athens practiced this type of democracy where every citizen voted on every law.
Direct Democracy
A government where a small group of usually wealthy people hold all of the power.
An Oligarchy
Kids at home without a babysitter
Anarchy!
The government only works if the people agree to let it. If the people no longer agree than they should revolt.
Consent of the Governed.
Thomas Hobbes said it would be "nasty, brutish, and short"
Life in a state of nature
We combined our Greek and Roman influences to form this type of government- ours!
A Democratic Republic!
A government where religious leaders hold political power, or government decisions are based on religious beliefs.
A Theocracy
Monarchies and Dictatorships are two kinds of this form of government
Autocracy