Ch 1 Foundations of American Government

state

political community that occupies a definite territory and is organized under one government.

nation

any sizable group of people who are united by common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition and sometimes religion

nation-state

territorial boundaries of modern states and nations the same

consensus

agreement about basic beliefs or values among individuals in a society, often forming the basis for social cohesion.

sovereignty

state has supreme and absolute authority within its boundries

government

institution through which the state maintains social order, provides public services and enforces decisions

social contract

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that provides order and protection in exchange for certain freedoms. (JOHN LOCKE)

Unitary system

government gives all key powers to the national or central government

Federal System

government divides powers of government between the national government and state

confederacy

loose union of independent states

constitution

plan that provides the rules for government and establishes the framework for political structure and authority.

constitutional Government

a government in which constitution has authority to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern.

preamble

The introductory statement to the Constitution, outlining its purpose and guiding principles, and goals

constitutional Law

involves the interpretation and application of constitutional principles and rights within a legal context.

politics

effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government and its officials.

industrialized Nation

A country characterized by a strong economy, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a high standard of living for its citizens.

developing nation

Nation just beginning to develop its economy and infrastructure, often characterized by lower levels of industrialization and income.

autocracy

a system of government where one person or a small group holds absolute power over the state.

monarchy

A form of government where a single person, usually a king or queen, rules the state, often for life and by hereditary right.

oligarchy

any system of government in which a small group hold the power. The group derives power from wealth, military power, social position, or a combination of these factors

democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

republic

voters are the source of government’s authority and elected representatives are responsible for making laws and policies on their behalf.

political party

An organized group of individuals who share similar political beliefs and seek to influence government policy by nominating candidates for office and winning elections.

free enterprise

opportunity to control one’s economic decisions provides a base for making independent political decisions

economics

the study of human efforts to satisfy unlimited wants through limited resources, including the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

capitalism

free enterprise system characterized by private ownership and free markets.

free market

buyers and sellers are free to make unlimited economic decisions in the marketplace with minimal government intervention.

laissez-faire

French term meaning to let alone “hands off” approach where the government minimizes its intervention in the economy.

socialism

government owns the basic means of production and distribution, aiming to achieve greater economic equality and provide for the welfare of all citizens.

bourgeoisie

proletariat

communism

one class would evolve, property would all be held in common, and there would be no need for government

command economy

government planners decide how much to produce, what to produce, and how to distribute the goods and services produced