Ancient & Medieval Systems
Wealthy upper class of Rome who held most political power.
Patricians
Control by one country over another land for resources.
Colonialism
Government ruled by the people.
Democracy
Power held by one central authority.
Unitary Government
Branch of government that makes laws.
Legislative
Common people of Rome, often excluded from office.
Plebeians
Economic system where colonies provided resources to the mother country.
Mercantilism
Government ruled by a small group.
Oligarchy
Power divided between central and regional governments.
Federal Government
Branch of government that enforces laws.
Executive
Political/economic system of medieval Europe based on land and loyalty.
Feudalism
Economic system with private ownership & free markets.
Capitalism
Government where one person holds absolute power.
Dictatorship
Independent states join together in a loose alliance.
Confederation
Branch of government that interprets laws.
Judicial
Ruler’s authority comes from God.
Divine Right of Kings
Recognition by other states that a government has the right to rule.
Legitimacy
Citizens elect representatives who choose the Prime Minister.
Parliamentary Government
Principle that powers are split among branches of government.
Division of Powers
The actions a government chooses to take (ex: defense, education).
Public Policies
Full right and power of a governing body without interference.
Sovereignty
Government ruled by one person with unlimited power.
Autocracy
Citizens elect legislature and a separate executive.
Presidential Government
A state that can make/enforce laws without outside control.
Sovereign State
Group of people, in defined territory, politically organized, with power to make laws.
State