Government, Politics & Social Movements – Full Study Guide

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts in government, politics, and social movements.

Government

The system that makes and enforces laws and organizes society.

Politics

The process concerning the distribution of power and decision-making.

Representative democracy

A system where citizens vote for representatives.

Secular state

A government structure where laws are not based on religion.

Levels of Government

Different tiers of government: federal, provincial, and municipal.

Federal government

Handles national issues.

Provincial government

Deals with areas like healthcare and education.

Municipal government

Manages local rules and services.

Branches of Government

The three divisions of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Legislative branch

The branch responsible for making laws.

Executive branch

The branch that enforces laws.

Judicial branch

The branch that interprets laws.

Social Contract

The agreement where individuals give up natural rights for safety and civil rights.

Hobbes

Philosopher who believed humans are selfish and need a strong government.

Rousseau

Philosopher who believed humans are inherently good and that society corrupts.

Government Power

The legitimate right of the government to use force, such as police and military.

Structural Functionalism

The sociological perspective that examines how societal structures function and their impact.

Social Movements

Organized efforts to create change despite resistance.

Stages of Movements

The phases through which social movements evolve: emergence, growth, organization, resistance, and success or failure.

Types of Movements

Different categories of social movements: alternative, redemptive, reformative, and transformative.

Political Ideologies

Belief systems regarding the role of government, such as capitalism and socialism.