Intro to Government

Government

A system that makes and enforces laws, manages public affairs, and directs a political group or state

Constitution

The main list of laws, rules, and principles that tell how a country is governed

The Enlightenment

A European intellectual movement emphasized by reason, science, and individual rights

Separation of Powers

System that divides a government into three separate powers, which stops one branch from being more powerful than the others

Natural Rights

Rights that people are born with, and can't be determined by laws or governments

Social Contract

An agreement where people give up absolute freedom to a government for safety, food, and protected rights

Direct Democracy

A system of government where citizens vote on laws and leaders, instead of having representatives choose for them

Republic

A system of government where power is controlled by the people and their elected representatives

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central national government and individual regional governments

The Declaration of Independence

A historical document where the colonies broke away from Britain

Political Parties

Groups of people who share similar views on how a country should be governed

Interest Groups

Groups of people who share similar goals and work to shape public policy