Unit 1: Power, Authority, and the Foundations of Government - Fill-in-the-Blank Flashcards

Flashcards covering key terms, concepts, and documents from Unit 1: Power, Authority, and the Foundations of Government. Fill-in-the-blank style to reinforce recall of core definitions.

The term for the ability to influence or control the behavior of others is __.

Power

An institution that maintains order, provides public services, and enforces laws within a society is called __.

Government

The acceptance and recognition of a government's authority by its people is known as __.

Legitimacy

The principle that the government's power comes from the consent of the people is called __.

Popular Sovereignty

A political entity with defined borders, a stable population, and sovereignty over its territory is a __.

Nation-State

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power is known as __.

Separation of Powers

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf is called __.

Representative Democracy

A form of monarchy in which a constitution limits the ruler's powers is __.

Constitutional Monarchy

An economic system where individuals and businesses make most of the economic decisions is a __.

Market Economy

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states) is called __.

Federalism

In a __, citizens vote directly on laws.

Direct Democracy

In a __ Democracy, citizens elect officials to represent them.

Representative Democracy

A democracy governed by a __ is a Constitutional Democracy.

Constitution

The monarch holds complete power in an __.

Absolute Monarchy

A government that is led by a single leader or party that holds absolute power is a __.

Dictatorship

A system in which the government controls all aspects of life, both public and private, is __.

Totalitarianism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where all property is publicly owned is __.

Communism

A government controlled by religious leaders, where laws are based on religious doctrine is a __.

Theocracy

Issued in 1776, it declared the American colonies independent from British rule is the __.

Declaration of Independence

The first Constitution of the United States created a weak national (federal) government is the __.

Articles of Confederation

Ratified in 1789, it established the framework for the current U.S. government, including the separation of powers is the __.

Constitution

Federalists: Supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing it lacked protections for individual rights is __.

Anti-Federalists

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms is the __.

Bill of Rights

In a __ economy, the government controls all major aspects of the economy.

Command Economy

A market-based system where decisions are based on customs, traditions, and beliefs is a __ economy.

Traditional Economy

A type of economy that blends market and command features is a __ economy.

Mixed Economy

The principle that all members of society, including government officials, are subject to the law is the __.

Rule of Law

A government whose powers are restricted by laws or a constitution is a __.

Limited Government

Fundamental rights guaranteed to individuals, like freedom of speech and religion, are called __.

Individual Rights

The principle that the majority makes decisions, but the rights of the minority are protected is __.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful is __.

Checks and Balances