Unit one Study Guide

The foundations of American Government Study Guide

What are the functions of government?

To help maintain order, enforcing laws, providing security and safety, public services, and providing economics and leadership.

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher. His main beliefs were natural human rights, living under the protection of government to maintain safety and security, and without government, people would be crazy.

John Locke

English philosopher and his beliefs were the government should be governed by the people

Major Systems of Government

Unitary, that is single central govt. that makes quick decisions but it may cause tyranny. Confederacy, that is a union that together but has their own sovereignty, it has strong local control but lacks central control. Federal, a group of people running the government, it protects against tyranny but causes more conflict, inequality, and inconsistent with laws.

Major Types of Government

Democracy, the government is ruled by the people/citizens. Monarchy, the government Is ruled by queens and kings. Oligarchy, the government is ruled by an elite or armed forces. Authoritarian/Totalitarian, government is controlled by one person often gained power by abuse or making people fear them.

The Major Principals of Democracy

The idea that citizens govern or have the power to choose their government: self-determination. Which means the citizens have the right to vote, choose a different leader, and create laws.

The Major Economics System

Market economy, Pure capitalism + capitalism. Pure capitalism, where the citizens use productions to deter-main parties. Pure capitalism, Privet ownership of business with possibility of profit lead. Mixed economy, capitalism + socialism.

Mayflower Compact

It was the first written framework for self-government and a chance for leaders to make their own laws.

English Bill of Rights

It shifted owners from monarchy to parliament and influenced the 13 colonies.

Magna Carta

It limited the kings powers and established no one was above the law.

Decloration of Independence

It established U.S as a sovereignty state cutting off ties with the kind “in pursuit of happiness”

Articles of Confederation

It was the first U.S Constitution that helped bring the states together and create”the league of friendship” it also helped later on create the constitution.