Forms of Government
This type of government gives citizens the most freedom and a voice in making laws.
What is a democracy?
In the United States, the national government and state governments share power. This system is called this.
What is federalism?
This document declared America’s freedom from Great Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Under British rule, colonists had to obey laws made by this person and Parliament, not by themselves.
Who is the King of Great Britain?
This principle means the government must obey the law and can only do what the Constitution allows.
What is limited government?
In this type of government, one person or small group has total control and people have few or no rights.
What is a dictatorship (or authoritarian government)?
The Constitution divides power among three branches so one branch can’t become too powerful.
What is separation of powers?
This document creates our national government and lists its powers.
What is the Constitution?
Under Great Britain, colonists had no voice in government. Under the Constitution, people have this right.
What is the right to vote for their leaders?
This principle protects freedoms such as speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.
What are individual rights?
A government ruled by a king or queen is called this.
What is a monarchy?
The three branches of government are legislative, executive, and ________________.
What is the judicial branch?
This part of the Constitution protects people’s freedoms like speech and religion.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The King could make and enforce any law he wanted. Under the Constitution, power is divided among this many branches.
What is three?
This principle means the government’s power is shared between the national government and the state governments.
What is federalism?
A disadvantage (weakness) of an authoritarian government is this.
What is a lack of individual freedoms (rights)?
The idea that each branch of government can limit the others’ power is called this.
What are checks and balances?
This document starts with the words “We the People,” showing that government power comes from the people.
What is the Constitution?
Colonists once paid unfair taxes without a say. Now citizens can do this to show disagreement with government decisions.
What is protest or vote?
This principle means each branch of government can limit the power of the others to keep any branch from becoming too strong.
What are checks and balances?
This government type protects people’s rights the best.
What is a democracy?
The news headline “County Government Purchases Plows and Salt for Snow Removal” shows this purpose of government.
What is providing public services?
One of the main purposes of the Bill of Rights is to do this.
What is limit the power of government and give freedoms to people?
Under Great Britain, citizens had few freedoms. Under the Constitution, people are guaranteed these.
What are individual rights or freedoms?
This principle divides government power among three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
What is separation of powers?