Civics - Unit 1

Human Rights

Rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status

Confederation

An organization which consists of a number of parties united in an alliance

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state

Parliament

The highest legislature in Britain, consisting of the House of Lords, Sovereign, and the House of Commons

Federalism

A system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government

Compromise

An agreement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions

Ratification

The action of signing or giving formal consent to a contract, making it officially valid

Federalists

A person who advocates or supports a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority

Anti-Federalists

Someone who opposes a strong central government

Preamble

Introductory part of statute and deed, stating its purpose, aims, and justification

Limited Government

Government only has powers delegated by law, often through written constitution

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit abuse of power

Checks and Balances

Separation of power in the government through the three different branches; executive, judicial, and legislative

Individual Rights

Idea that human beings possess certain and unalienable rights. These rights are protected by government

Consent of the Governed

Concept that the people are the source of all power in a society. People give their consent to be governed in a social contract (constitution)

Republicanism

Ideal that people should elect representatives to speak on their behalf and that citizens have duties such as voting, being educated, and obeying the laws

Popular Sovereignty

People have the right to rule and express their opinion by voting

Public Policy

A system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, and funding priorities aimed at addressing societal issues

Dictatorship

A form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or small clique

Democracy

A system of government where people choose their leaders through voting

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens directly participate in decisions

Representative Democracy

Type of democracy where elected people represent a group of people

Legislature

An assembly with the authority to make laws for a political nation or people

Monarch

A single individual, often a king or queen, who holds absolute power in a monarchy

Repeal

The action of revoking a law or congressional act

Delegate

A person sent to represent others to a conference

Constitution

Basic rules for a government and citizen rights

Bicameral

Two-chambered legislative system

Confederation

Loose alliance of independent statesR

Amend

Make changes to a document or law

Majority rule

Decisions by most people

Independence

Freedom from control

Rule of Law

Everyone, including officials, follows the law

Civics

The study of citizens and government

Citizen

A legally recognized member of the country (Native or naturalized)

6 Functions of the Government

Providing leadership, maintaining order, providing national security, economic security, and providing economic assistance

Oligarchy

A form of government where power is held by a small group of individuals who have control over decision-making and resources.

Autocracy

A form of government where one person holds unlimited power and authority, often obtained through inheritance or force.

Communism

Economic system where all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Theocracy

A form of government where religious leaders have the ultimate authority and rule in the name of a divine power.

Socialism

An economic system where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole, aiming for equitable distribution of wealth and resources.

Constitutional Monarchy

Type of government where a monarch serves as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution, limiting their powers and ensuring a democratic system.

Absolute Monarchy

Type of government where a single ruler holds all the power and authority. The ruler inherits their position and has complete control over the government and its policies.

Magna Carta

An important document signed in 1215 in England, limiting the power of the king and establishing certain rights for the nobles and citizens. It laid the foundation for modern constitutional law and influenced the development of human rights and democracy.

English Bill of Rights

Document passed in 1689 that limited the powers of the monarchy and established the rights of English citizens, such as freedom of speech, fair trials, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

Mayflower Compact

Document signed by Pilgrims in 1620 on the Mayflower ship. Established self-government and majority rule in Plymouth Colony. First written framework of government in North America.

Declaration of Independence

Document written in 1776 by American colonists declaring their independence from Britain. Stated grievances against King George III and asserted natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Led to the American Revolution and establishment of the United States as an independent nation.

Articles of Confederation

First constitution of the United States, created in 1777. It established a weak central government with limited powers, granting most authority to the states. The Articles lacked the ability to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, leading to many challenges and ultimately replaced by the Constitution in 1789.

Enlightenment Ideas

\
Intellectual movement in 18th century Europe that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. It promoted concepts like liberty, equality, and religious tolerance

John Locke

Advocated for natural rights: life, liberty, property. Believed in limited government and consent of the governed. Argued that government's purpose is to protect individual rights

Montesquieu

Enlightenment philosopher who proposed the theory of separation of powers in government. Argued for a system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of power. Influenced the development of modern democracies.

Rousseau

Emphasizes social contract, popular sovereignty, and general will. Advocates for direct democracy and equality among citizens

Hobbes

Social contract theory. Humans in a state of nature = selfish, violent. Need strong government to maintain order. Absolute monarchy preferred

Voltaire

Freedom of thought and expression. Strong belief in religious tolerance and free speech.

Beccaria

Argued against brutal punishments. Those accused of a crime should receive a fair and speedy trial. No torture or death sentence. Punishment should fit the crime.