Forms of Government
A system that gives all key powers to the national or central government
What is a Unitary System of government?
This phrase, popularized in the Declaration of Independence, refers to a moral and legal framework believed to be inherent in the natural order of the world.
What is Laws of Nature and Nature's God?
This form of government is defined as a system where power is held by the people, who exercise it by voting for leaders and policies.
What is Democracy?
This branch makes the laws. It's composed of the U.S. Congress, which is a bicameral (two-house) legislature.
What is the Legislative Branch?
An example of a country with a Unitary System.
What is France?
These are fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or transferred to another person.
What is Unalienable Rights?
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution.
What is the key difference between a constitutional monarchy and an absolute monarchy?
This branch enforces the laws. It's headed by the President.
What is the Executive Branch?
It has too much centralized power
What is a disadvantage of a Unitary System?
This is a political and religious doctrine that asserts a monarch's authority comes directly from God.
What is Divine Right of Kings?
It aims to control all aspects of public and private life.
What is the characteristic of a totalitarian regime?
This branch interprets the laws and determines their constitutionality.
What is the Judicial Branch?
Divides power between national and state governments.
What does a Federal System do?
This is a philosophical concept that explores the origin of society and the legitimacy of government. It suggests that individuals voluntarily give up some of their freedoms.
What is Social Contract Theory?
To make decisions and govern on behalf of the citizens who elected them.
What is the primary role of representatives in a representative democracy?
A system that each branch can limit the power of the other two, preventing tyranny and maintaining balance.
What is Check and Balances?
The weakness of the central government.
What was the name of the system in the U.S. that failed before the Constitution was instituted?
This is the principle that citizens have a moral and sometimes legal right to resist or overthrow a government that has become tyrannical or has failed to protect the fundamental rights of its people.
What are the Rights of Resistance to Illegitimate Government?
Authoritarianism imposes authority on many aspects of citizens' lives, while totalitarianism aims to control all aspects.
What is the distinction between authoritarianism and totalitarianism?
The President can veto a bill passed by Congress.
What is when the Executive checking Legislative?