Foundations of Government: Types, Philosophers, and Key Documents

What is the distribution of power in a federal system of government?

Powers are divided between a central government and local governments.

What characterizes a confederal system of government?

It is an alliance of independent states.

What defines a unitary system of government?

All powers belong to a single central agency.

What was the Magna Carta and why was it necessary?

The Magna Carta, passed in 1215, was the first document to limit the power of the king in England.

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To declare independence from Great Britain due to King George's tyranny.

What was the main purpose of the English Bill of Rights?

To establish individual rights.

What is popular sovereignty?

The principle that the people have the power in government.

What are unalienable rights?

Natural rights that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What is the social contract?

An agreement between the people and government, allowing the people to alter or abolish the government if it becomes destructive.

What does limited government mean?

Government power is not absolute and is subject to restrictions.

What is the separation of powers?

The division of government powers into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

What did John Locke believe about government?

He believed in the social contract and that the government's job is to protect natural rights: life, liberty, and property.

What was Thomas Hobbes' view on the social contract?

He believed it was necessary to protect and maintain order because people were born evil.

What did Baron de Montesquieu advocate for?

He advocated for the separation of powers and checks and balances.

What was Jean Jacques Rousseau's belief regarding democracy?

He believed in popular/direct democracy to protect the rights of the people.

How did Locke and Hobbes differ in their views on the social contract?

Locke believed it was to protect natural rights, while Hobbes believed it was to maintain order.

What is sovereignty?

The power to rule.

In a democracy, who holds the power?

Political power rests with the people.

Who holds power in a monarchy?

A king or queen holds power.

What defines a dictatorship?

A leader has absolute control over citizens' lives.

What is an oligarchy?

Power is held by a small, usually self-appointed elite.

What is a theocracy?

A government based on religious law where a divine being or God has all the power.

What is an autocracy?

A government in which a single person holds unlimited political power.

What is the role of citizens in a democracy?

To elect leaders.

What is the difference between direct and indirect democracy?

In direct democracy, people vote directly on issues; in indirect democracy, they elect representatives to make decisions.

What is the difference between a presidential and parliamentary system of government?

In a presidential system, the president is elected by citizens; in a parliamentary system, the prime minister is selected by the majority party in government.