Government Unit 1

Anarchy

A state of society without government or law, where individuals act according to their own will, often leading to chaos and disorder. No government.

Monarchy

A form of government where a single person, the monarch, rules the state, often for life and by inherited rights. Monarchies can be symbolic or actual power. In a monarchy, the monarch holds significant authority, and the system can vary from absolute power to constitutional limitations.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter," and is not the private concern of the rulers. In a republic, officials are accountable to the public and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. Democracies emphasize individual rights and equality in political participation.

Elements of a Nation-State

1. Territory

2. Population

3. Government

4. Sovereignty

Legitimacy

The legal right for a government to exist. Governments must have. Recognized, accepted, real.

Sovereignty

The state exercises absolute power within its territorial boundaries. Knowing right from wrong

What is the connection between legitimacy and sovereignty

Legitimacy is essential for sovereignty, as it ensures that a government's authority is recognized and accepted by its population, allowing it to exercise absolute power effectively within its territorial boundaries.

Roles/Purposes of Government

1. Provide national security (keep you safe)

2. Maintain social order

3. Provide public services (clean parks)

4. Make economic decisions

Direct Democracy

A system of government in which citizens directly participate in decision-making and legislation, rather than electing representatives to do so.

Indirect Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.