KAAC SS

Autocracy

Rule by a single individual, might be an emperor, tsar, president, or certain monarchs. Power is consolidated into one individual.

Dictatorship

A form of autocratic government where the ruler has seized power through force (usually military means) or manipulation. Dictatorships oppress civil liberties and political opposition, using police and military groups to carry out the desires of the ruler.

Autocracy

Rule by a single individual, might be an emperor, tsar, president, or certain monarchs. Power is consolidated into one individual.

Dictatorship

A form of autocratic government where the ruler has seized power through force (usually military means) or manipulation. Dictatorships oppress civil liberties and political opposition, using police and military groups to carry out the desires of the ruler.

Totalitarian Government

A government that will seek to control every aspect of public and private life.

Monarchy

The monarch is head of state until death or abdication; usually a hereditary position. Absolute monarchy might be synonymous with autocracy. Modern monarchs are usually part of a constitutional monarchy with limited roles and power.

Democracy

Governance by citizens, where citizens vote for legislation - direct democracy - or representatives to make laws on their behalf. Akin to a constitutional republic.

Representative Democracy

Elected officials serve in legislative positions, and might serve in executive positions as well.

Parliamentary System

A system of representative democracy where voters ballot for a party, the majority which will appoint the chief executive (usually named prime minister).

Presidential Democracy

The executive branch (president) is separate from the legislative branch (congress or parliament). The president is typically elected independently of the legislative body and serves a fixed term.

Semi-Presidential Democracy

A system where there are both a president and a prime minister. The president is often the head of state with symbolic duties, while the prime minister is the head of government.

Federal Democracy

In a federal democracy, power is shared between a central government and smaller subnational units, such as states or provinces. Each level of government has its own authority and responsibilities.

Theocracy

Government that is ruled by a religious leader or religious institution. Religious principles and beliefs guide the government's policies and decision-making.

Oligarchy

A system where a small group or class holds political power and makes decisions for the entire state. Power is concentrated among families or individuals, leading to limited political participation for the general population.

Plutocracy

A system where society is controlled by the wealthiest people. This term has been used to describe wealth gaps in nations, including pre-WWII Japan, the current United States, and the City of London.

Legislative Bodies

Elected legislative bodies tend to be either unicameral (one house) or bicameral (two houses).

United Nations (UN)

An organization promoting international cooperation, security, economic development, and peace. Founded in 1945 with 193 member states.

European Union (EU)

An organization promoting economic and political integration among European countries. Founded in 1951.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

An organization for collective defense and security cooperation among North American and European nations.

Roman Empire

A historical example of an autocratic government.

France

An example of a monarchy under Louis XIV and a parliamentary democracy.

Russia

An example of an oligarchy and a modern autocratic government.

China

An example of an autocratic government under Mao Zedong.

North Korea

An example of an autocratic regime under Kim Jong-un.

Cambodia

An example of an autocratic regime under the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot.

Soviet Union

An example of a totalitarian government during the Stalinist era.

India

An example of a federal democracy.

Germany

An example of a federal democracy.

Norway

An example of a constitutional monarchy.

Great Britain

An example of a constitutional monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II.

Founded

1949

Headquarters

Brussels, Belgium

Membership

United States - 1949, Canada - 1949, United Kingdom - 1949, France - 1949, Norway - 1949, Denmark - 1949, Belgium - 1949, Netherlands - 1949, Luxembourg - 1949, Italy - 1949, Portugal - 1949, Iceland - 1949, Greece - 1952, Turkey - 1952, Germany - 1955, Spain - 1982, Hungary - 1999, Czech Republic - 1999, Poland - 1999, Bulgaria - 2004, Estonia - 2004, Latvia - 2004, Lithuania - 2004, Romania - 2004, Slovakia - 2004, Slovenia - 2004, Croatia - 2009, Albania - 2009, Montenegro - 2017, North Macedonia - 2020

African Union (AU)

Promote peace, stability, and development in Africa.

Key Bodies

African Union Commission, Peace and Security Council.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Facilitate international trade and resolve trade disputes.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Promote international monetary cooperation, exchange rate stability, and economic growth.

World Bank Group

Provide financial and technical assistance for development projects in developing countries.

Organization of American States (OAS)

Promote democracy, human rights, and cooperation among countries in the Americas.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Promote solidarity among Muslim countries and address issues facing the Muslim world.

Commonwealth of Nations

Foster cooperation and development among countries that share historical ties to the British Empire.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Fosters political and economic integration among its 10 members.

International relations (IR)

An umbrella term for the variety of ways nations may interact with one another.

Diplomacy

The practice of managing international relations, often through negotiations and discussions, to promote peace, cooperation, and resolution of conflicts.

International Law

A set of rules and regulations that govern the behavior of states in their relations with one another.

Multilateralism

The practice of coordinating and working together with multiple countries to address global issues and challenges.

Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic and political interactions between two countries.

Geopolitics

The study of how geographical factors and international politics are interrelated.

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

A non-profit organization that operates independently of any government.

Soft Power

The ability of a country to influence others through culture, values, and policies.

Hard Power

The use of military and economic force to exert influence or control over other countries.

Globalization

The process by which societies, economies, and cultures become more interconnected and interdependent on a global scale.

Arms Control

Agreements or measures taken to limit or regulate the development, production, and use of weapons.

Humanitarian Intervention

The use of military force by one or more countries to protect people in another country from gross violations of human rights.

Balance of Power

A concept in international relations where states seek to maintain a distribution of power to prevent any one country from becoming too dominant.

State Sovereignty

The principle that states have the ultimate authority and control over their own territory and domestic affairs.

Treaty

A formal agreement between states that is legally binding.

Superpower

A term used to describe a country with significant global influence.

Constitution

Ratified June 21, 1788.

Preamble

The constitution's principles and purpose, with an endorsement of democracy as the form of governance.

Article I

Legislative Branch - Bicameral, with a House of Representatives and Senate.

Representatives

Serve two year terms, minimum of 25 years of age, reside in the state they represent, and be a citizen of the U.S. for at least 7 years.

Senators

Serve for a six-year term, minimum of 30 years old of age, resident in the state they represent, and citizen of the U.S. for at least 9 years.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Power to create laws to allow Congress' powers can be carried out.

Article II

Establishes the executive power in the President and defines the President's role.

Impeachment

The process by which the President, Vice President, and other officers can be removed from office for 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors.'

Federal Judiciary

Created by Article III, it vests the judicial power of the United States in one Supreme Court and any lower courts that Congress may establish.

Lifetime Appointment of Federal Judges

Federal judges are appointed for life and their salaries cannot be reduced while they hold office.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

Includes controversies between states, cases involving federal laws, and cases affecting ambassadors and public ministers.

Trial by Jury

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury.

Treason

Defined as a crime against the United States, requiring the testimony of two witnesses or a confession in open court for conviction.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires each state to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Ensures that citizens of one state are entitled to the same privileges and immunities as citizens in other states.

Extradition Clause

Requires states to return individuals who have fled from one state to another to face criminal charges.

Fugitive Slave Clause

Required the return of escaped slaves to their owners (no longer applicable).

Admission of New States

The process for admitting new states to the Union, allowing for the creation of new states within the jurisdiction of existing states with agreement from state legislatures and Congress.

Republican Form of Government

Guaranteed in each state, with protection from invasion or domestic violence.

Amendment Process

The Constitution can be amended through proposals by Congress or a national constitutional convention, followed by ratification by state legislatures or conventions.

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land.

Oath of Office

Requires all federal and state officials to take an oath to support the Constitution.

Religious Test

No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the United States.

Ratification of the Constitution

The Constitution would go into effect once ratified by conventions in at least nine of the thirteen original states.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes during peacetime without the owner's consent.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring warrants with probable cause.

5th Amendment

Ensures due process, prohibits double jeopardy, and protects against self-incrimination and taking of private property without just compensation.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial, including the right to legal counsel and a jury trial.

7th Amendment

Ensures the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail or fines.

9th Amendment

States that rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution are retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Limits federal jurisdiction over lawsuits against states.

12th Amendment

Alters the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, requiring separate ballots for each office.

13th Amendment

Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship, guarantees equal protection under the law, and addresses civil rights violations by the states.

15th Amendment

Prohibits the denial of voting rights based on race, color, or previous servitude.

16th Amendment

Grants Congress the power to tax income.

17th Amendment

Establishes the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people of each state.

18th Amendment

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages (later repealed by the 21st Amendment).