Government Systems
What is a government system where one leader or a small group holds significant power?
Dictatorship
What does the term "democracy" mean?
System of government in which power is vested in the people.
What is the Magna Carta?
Document that limited the powers of the king
What are charter colonies?
Operated largely independently.
What is limited government?
governmental power is restricted by law to protect individual rights.
Name a country that is currently considered an authoritarian regime.
China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia
What ancient civilization is known for its early form of democracy?
Greece
What rights were established by the English Bill of Rights? (name at least 2)
The English Bill of Rights established rights such as the right to petition the government and the right to a fair trial., excessive bail or fines, freedom of speech.
Name one characteristic of proprietary colonies.
Leader chosen by king, laws chosen by king, limited freedoms.
Explain the separation of powers.
division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising too much power.
What is the main difference between authoritarian and nonauthoritarian systems?
Authoritarian systems concentrate power in a single authority, while nonauthoritarian systems promote broader participation and individual rights.
Define "popular sovereignty."
authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, for what's best for the territory determined by the majority.
What was the purpose of the Petition of Right?
limit the power of the king and protect the rights of subjects against unlawful imprisonment and taxation without consent. and establish parliament
What was the First Continental Congress?
Group of colonial leaders to discuss and plan the American Revolution.
What are checks and balances?
systems put in place to ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful, allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
Describe a characteristic of authoritarian governments.
limited political participation and restricted civil liberties
What are two key principles of democracy?
Majority Rule, Protection of minorities, popular sovereignty, rule of law, individual liberty, equality
Describe the significance of the Declaration of Independence.
Open letter to the world, expose the kings actions, justify the American revolution.
What was the outcome of the Second Continental Congress?
the creation of the Continental Army and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
What are the Federalists known for?
The Federalists were known for advocating for the ratification of the Constitution and a strong central government.
What is the impact of authoritarian systems on individual freedoms?
suppression of dissent, limited freedom of speech, and restricted rights.
Explain how democracy promotes individual liberty.
Democracy promotes individual liberty by ensuring that citizens have rights and freedoms, and a voice in governance.
What were the Articles of Confederation and why were they replaced?
First Constitution, did not address the economy, state governments, and individual liberties
How did royal colonies differ from the other types of colonies?
Most restrictive
What is the Bill of Rights, why is it important, and who advocated for it?
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights.