Flashcards for Political Science: SS.7.CG.1.1 - Key Concepts and Definitions

ancient Greece

ancient civilization that influenced America's constitutional republic in areas such as civic participation, legislative bodies, voting rights, and a written constitution

ancient Rome

ancient civilization that influenced America's constitutional republic in areas such as civic participation, republicanism, rule of law, representative government, and separation of powers

civic participation

participation in issues of public concern; also known as civic engagement

civic virtue

the good characteristics, attitudes, practices, and activities of participants in a political system

constitution

the basic principles and laws of a nation or state that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it; usually a written document

constitutional republic

a form of government in which there is democratic voting, but governmental power is limited by the existence of a constitution that protects the rights of citizens

democracy

a form of government in which political power is held by the people; may be direct or indirect

Judeo-Christian tradition

the beliefs and practices of those following the Jewish and Christian religions such as ethical ideas of justice, individual worth, personal responsibility and rule of law

legislative bodies

governing body responsible for making laws

polis

a city-state in ancient Greece

representative government

a form of government that allows people to vote and elect government officials to represent their beliefs and make decisions on their behalf

republicanism

the political belief that supports the idea of republican government where citizens choose their representatives and leaders and actively participate in civic life for the common good of the nation/community

rule of Law

a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws; no one is above the law

separation of Powers

a principle of government that sets up a structural division of responsibilities within distinct branches, each with their own powers and processes

Voting

to formally record one's choice or opinion in an election or on a specific question