Gov./Econ, Terms and Notes to Know 1A

Public Policy

All the actions the government takes to try and address the concerns of the people

Legislature Power

Law making power

Executive Power

The power to execute, enforce, or administer the laws created by the legislative branch

Judicial Power

The power to interpret laws, decide their meaning and settle disputes in society

Constitution

The body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and process of government

Nation State

A country with well-defined borders, a sovereign government and a connected population

Sovereign

Having supreme power in its own territory; not subordinate to any other power

Unitary Government

A centralized government in which all government powers belong to a single, central agency

Federal Government

Form of government where the powers for governance are divided between the National government and State/local governments

Separation of Powers

The division of the legislative, judicial and executive powers between the three, co-equal branches of government

Confederation

A loose organization of mostly sovereign States for the purpose of defense and peace

Compromise

To come together, usually by sacrificing part of what one desires

Free Enterprise System

Economic system characterized by private ownership of capital good and investments that are controlled by prices; Constitutional requirement governmental direction

Mixed Economy

An economy that mixes private and public ownership of capital goods and production

Tyranny

Also known as the “Left” side; gives the people little to no power (Less Freedom, More Safety)

Anarchy

Also known as the “Right” side; gives the people lots of freedom (More freedom, Less Safety)

This branch of government Makes Laws

Legislative Branch

This branch of government Enforces Laws

Executive Branch

This branch of government Interprets Laws and Settles Disputes

Judicial Branch

“States”

• Sovereign Gov’t

• Population

• Clear Borders

Dictatorships

• Autocratic oligarchy (rule by the few)

Democratic

• Popular Sovereignty (rule by the people)

U.S.A

• Federal Republic: its goals are defined in Preamble