Unit 1 Civics

power

The ability to influence or control the behavior of others.

Government

An institution that maintains order, provides public services, and enforces laws within a society.

legitimacy

The acceptance and recognition of a government's authority by its people.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle is that the power of the government comes from the consent of the people.

nation-state

A political entity with defined borders, a stable population, and sovereignty over its territory.

separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

representative democracy

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

constitutional monarchy

A form of monarchy in which a constitution limits the ruler's powers.

(The monarch acts as a ceremonial figure, while elected officials govern according to a constitution.)

market economy

An economic system where individuals and businesses make most of the economic decisions.

(Economic decisions are made by individuals and businesses based on supply and demand.)

federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).

democracy

A political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

direct democracy

Citizens vote directly on laws.

constitutional democracy

A democracy governed by a constitution.

monarchy

A government in which power is in the hands of a single person

absolute monarch

The monarch holds complete power.

dictatorship

A single leader or party holds absolute power.

Totalitarism

The government controls all aspects of life, both public and private.

communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where all property is publicly owned.

theocracy

A government controlled by religious leaders, where laws are based on religious doctrine.

Declaration of Independence

Issued in 1776, it declared the American colonies independent from British rule.

articles of confederation

The first Constitution of the United States created a weak national (federal) government.

Constitution

Ratified in 1789, it established the framework for the current U.S. government, including the separation of powers.

federalists

Supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Antifederalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing it lacked protections for individual rights.

bill of rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms.

command economy

The government controls all major aspects of the economy, including production and pricing.

traditional economy

Economic decisions are based on customs, traditions, and beliefs

mixed economy

Combines elements of market and command economies

rule of law

The principle that all members of society, including government officials, are subject to the law.

limited government

A government whose powers are restricted by laws or a constitution.

individual rights

Rights guaranteed to individuals, such as freedom of speech and religion

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

The majority makes decisions, but the rights of the minority are protected; the U.S. Constitution was designed with safeguards to protect minority rights against the tyranny of the majority, recognizing that pure democracy could lead to oppression of minority viewpoints. Features such as The Bill of Rights, due process, separation of powers, checks and balances, and an electoral college are all intended to provide these protections.

checks and balances

A system where each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful