Foundations of Government

Census

Census - A systematic collection of data about a specific population, often used to gather information on demographics, economic factors, or social characteristics.

Citizen

A citizen is a legal member of a country who has rights and responsibilities. They contribute to society through voting, paying taxes, and obeying laws.

Civic Virtue

Civic Virtue - Refers to the dedication of citizens to the common good and the welfare of their community. It involves active participation in civic duties and responsibilities for the betterment of society.

Confederate Government

Confederate Government was the system of government used by the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. It was characterized by a weak central authority and strong state governments.

Demographics

Demographics refer to statistical data about a population, such as age, gender, income, education, and ethnicity. It helps understand and analyze the composition of a specific group for various purposes.

Dictatorship

Dictatorship is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of one individual or a small group, often ruling with absolute authority and control.

Direct Democracy

Direct Democracy: A form of government where citizens make decisions directly, without representatives. It allows people to vote on laws and policies themselves.

Federal Government

Federal Government - A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.

Government

The system or group of people governing an organized community, often with the authority to make, enforce, and interpret laws.

Immigrants

Citizen: Legal member of a country with rights and responsibilities. Immigrants: People who move to a new country to settle permanently.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another, often for the purpose of finding work, better living conditions, or escaping conflict or persecution.

Monarchy

System of government where a single ruler, often a king or queen, holds power, typically inherited.

Naturalization

Process by which a foreign citizen becomes a citizen of a new country. It involves meeting specific criteria set by the government, such as residency and language proficiency.

Oligarchy

A form of government where power is held by a small, elite group. Members of this group often belong to the same social, economic, or political class.

Parliamentary Government

A system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is accountable to the legislative branch. The head of government is usually the leader of the majority party in the legislature.

Presidential Government

Presidential Government Definition: A system where the executive branch is separate from the legislative branch, with the president serving as the head of state and government.

Quota

Quota: A specific amount of something that is expected or required to be achieved or produced within a certain period.

Refugees

• People forced to flee their country due to persecution, war, or violence

• Seek safety in another nation, often facing challenges in resettlement

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf in government, rather than voting on every issue directly.

Resident Alien

Resident Alien - A foreign national living in a country legally but not possessing citizenship.

Theocracy

Theocracy: A system of government where religious leaders rule in the name of a deity, and religious laws are used to govern society.

Unitary Government

A system where power is concentrated in the central government, with local governments having limited authority. Decisions are made uniformly across the country.

What are the three foundational American values?

Foundational American values include liberty, equality, and democracy. These principles shape the nation's identity and guide its development.

What are our rights and responsibilities as American citizens?

Rights and responsibilities of American citizens include voting, obeying laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and respecting others' rights.

What are the possible classifications of people living in the US?

The classifications include race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, socio-economic status, and more.

How does a person become a US citizen?

Through birth, naturalization, or derivation from parents who are citizens at the time of birth."

Where have people been moving within the US since the year 2000?

Internal Migration in the US since 2000 has shown a trend of movement from the Northeast and Midwest to the South and West regions.

What are the justifications of birthright citizenship?

justifications include promoting inclusivity, ensuring equal rights, and fostering national unity.

What are the different types of government that exist?

Types of government include democracy, autocracy, oligarchy, monarchy, and theocracy, each with varying levels of citizen participation and power distribution.

In what ways were Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and the Renaissance influential on the American government?

Indigenous alliance formed in the late 18th century to resist American expansion in the Great Lakes region. Led by Shawnee chief Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, also known as the Prophet.

What are the “big ideas” or historical value of the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and English Bill of Rights?

: "Big ideas" of Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and English Bill of Rights: Magna Carta - limits on king's power, Mayflower Compact - self-government, English Bill of Rights - individual liberties and constitutional monarchy.

What are the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau?

Hobbes: Absolute monarchy for social order. Locke: Natural rights and limited government. Rousseau: Social contract and direct democracy.

What were the taxes placed on colonists by the British?

"What were the taxes placed on colonists by the British?" The taxes included the Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, and Tea Act, leading to colonial unrest and the American Revolution.

What were the options available to the colonists just before deciding on revolution against the British?

Options before revolution: Negotiation, protest, boycotts, and petitions were attempted by the colonists before resorting to armed conflict against the British.

What are the specific parts of the Declaration of Independence and what is its overall purpose?

Declaration of Independence - Parts: Preamble, Declaration of Natural Rights, List of Grievances, Resolution of Independence. Purpose: Asserting independence from British rule and justifying the colonies' separation.

What philosopher's ideas are present in the Declaration of Independence? Specific Examples?

Flashcard: Philosopher: John Locke Examples: "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," and the right to alter or abolish an oppressive government are influenced by Locke's ideas.

What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation and what were its weaknesses?

Purpose of Articles of Confederation: First US constitution to unite states. Weaknesses: Weak central government, no power to tax or regulate trade effectively.