American government

Democracy

government by citizens

Socialism

Advocates public or government control

Oligarchy

small class of elites control government

capitalist system

private businesses produce and sell consumer goods and services

Monarchy

A single ruler that is usually heriditary

civic engagement

speaking out on important issues

sovereignty

Authority to govern that territory

Elite theory

small groups of elites control power

pluralist theory

interest groups influence the government

when was the declaration of independence signed

July 4th 1776

Federalism

system where power is divided between central authority and smaller political units

Unitary system

All government is a single controlled authority