Government Final Study Guide

Parliamentary Government

Citizens elect a legislature, the Prime Minister is chosen from members of parliament, and must resign if they lose the support of the people.

Presidential Government

A form of government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate, independent, and coequal.

Unitary Government

A state governed as a single power where the central government is supreme and regional authorities only exercise powers delegated by the central government.

Federal Government

A system of government in which the national and state governments share power.

Confederate Government

A system where smaller governments hold the majority of the power, with individual states having more power than the central government.

Direct Democracy

A system where everyone gets a chance to vote directly on laws and policies.

Indirect Democracy

A system where people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Divine Right Theory

The idea that rulers derive their authority from God.

Force Theory

The theory that states are born out of force and coercion.

Social Contract Theory

Philosophy that people give up certain rights for protection and governance.

Characteristics of State: Territory

A defined area with borders where a government has authority.

Characteristics of State: Population

The number of people living in a defined area, essential for forming a state.

Characteristics of State: Government

The organized structure that governs the population and territory.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Preamble to the Constitution

Establishes justice, promotes general welfare, ensures domestic tranquility, provides for common defense, and secures liberty.

Montesquieu

A philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers in government.

Rousseau

Supported the Social Contract Theory, emphasizing the collective will of the people.

Thomas Paine

Wrote 'Common Sense,' advocating for American Independence.

Hobbes

Believed in absolute monarchy and that people are naturally wicked.

Locke

Argued that human nature is selfish and advocated for the right to overthrow government.

The Constitution

The fundamental document outlining the principles, structures, and processes of the U.S. government.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S. which lacked the power to tax and create a military.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

Connecticut Compromise

Also known as the Great Compromise, it combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Amendment Process

Article V details the process for amending the Constitution.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedoms of religion, assembly, press, petition, and speech.

Second Amendment

Guarantees the right to bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of troops in private homes.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Rights of the accused including Miranda rights and due process.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial and an attorney.

Seventh Amendment

Guarantees the right to trial by jury in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment or excessive bail.

Ninth Amendment

Affirms that citizens have rights not specifically listed in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not granted to the federal government belong to the states.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery.

Fourteenth Amendment

Defined national citizenship and protected citizens' rights.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race or color.

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

Twenty-second Amendment

Limits the presidency to two terms.

Twenty-fourth Amendment

Abolished poll taxes in federal elections.

Twenty-sixth Amendment

Established 18 years as the voting age.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to gain political power by winning elections.

Voter Breakdown: Democrat

Typically includes union members and minorities.

Voter Breakdown: Republican

Typically includes wealthy business people and more religious individuals.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political opinions.

Nomination Process

The procedure by which political parties select their candidates for office.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence government policy.

FEC (Federal Election Commission)

Regulates campaign finance and electoral processes.

Voter Qualifications: Citizenship

Citizenship is required to vote in elections.

Voter Apathy

The lack of interest among the population in voting or political participation.

Historical Expansion of Suffrage

Key amendments (13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, 26) and civil rights acts expanded voting rights.

Legislative Branch

Made up of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

Has 435 members with 2-year terms.

Senate

Has 100 members with 6-year terms, two from each state.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Budget Process

The procedure by which the federal government creates its budget, primarily from taxes.

Impeachment Process

A process by which a government official can be charged with misconduct.

Congressional Committees

Special groups within Congress that handle specific tasks.

Bill Making Process

The journey of a proposed law through Congress, starting in the House.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the president.

Presidential Requirements

Must be 35 years old, a 14-year US resident, and a natural born citizen.

Presidential Succession

The order in which individuals may assume the presidency.

Treaty Process

Requires a two-thirds Senate vote to ratify treaties.

War Powers Resolution

Limits the president's ability to engage in military action without congressional approval.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Supreme Court Precedents

Important court decisions that guide future case law.

State Constitutions

Fundamental laws of individual states, typically longer and easier to amend than the US Constitution.

Types of Local Government

Includes Mayor-Council government, where an elected mayor leads the executive branch.

State Funding

Primarily comes from property taxes to fund schools and public services.

Recall Election

A special election in which voters can remove an official from office.

Referendum

A vote where citizens can approve or reject proposed laws.

Initiative

A process that allows citizens to propose legislation.