Hobbes

Believed people are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler to keep order

Hobbes

Believed people are naturally selfish and need a strong ruler to keep order

john locke

Believed people are born with natural rights like life, liberty, and property.

nation state

A country where people share a common culture and government.

sovereignty 

The power of a country to govern itself without outside control.

popular sovereignty

The idea that the people have the ultimate power in government.

government 

The system that makes and enforces laws for a society.

autocracy

One person has all the power.

oligarchy

A small group of people share the power.

social contract

An agreement between people and their government: people give up some freedom in exchange for protection.

constitution 

A written plan that outlines how a government works.

ratification

Official approval of a law, treaty, or constitution.

amendment 

A change or addition to a constitution or law

constitutional government

A government limited by a constitution that protects people’s rights.

anarchy

No government or laws; total disorder.

Absolute Monarchy

A king or queen has all the power and isn’t limited by laws.

Constitutional Monarchy

A king or queen shares power with a government limited by a constitution.

Direct democracy 

Citizens vote directly on laws and decisions

representative democracy

Citizens elect leaders to make decisions for them.

Federalism

Power is shared between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government power into branches so no one branch gets too strong.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government can limit the power of the others.

Socialism

The government owns or controls major industries to promote equality.