ch 1. principles of government quiz

Constitution

body of fundamental principles of rules

executive power

the power to enforce and administer laws (president)

Unitary government

all power belongs to one central agency

parliamentary government

a government in which the executive branch is part of the legislative branch and subject to its control

legislative power

the power to make laws

government

the institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies

a single individual or small group

Who does the supreme authority rest with in a dictatorship?

population, territory, sovereignty, government

What are the defining characteristics of a state?

democracy

which system of government is "government of the people, by the people, for the people?"

Which system of government has the interests of the many more important than the interests of the few?

forms a more perfect union and establishes justice

What are the broad purposes of the United States government spelled out in the Preamble of the Constitution?

divine right theory

What idea was challenged in the theory that supported modern democracy?

state

What is the dominant political unit in the world today?

divided between central and several local governments

Describe the power found within a federal government.

the people

In a parliamentary government, the legislature is subject to control from who?

information

How does the Internet seem to satisfy the needs in a democracy?

lawmakers do not like the citizens to have too much information

What are some worries that arise from increased use of the internet in a democracy?

providing the common defense

Which purpose of government is mainly concerned with other nations?

establishing schools

Give an example of a direct result of the government's concern about the general welfare of its citizens.

--divides executive and legislative power between two branches
-Each of the branches is regularly given several powers with which it can block actions of the other branch.
-The two branches are independent of one another and coequal.
- The chief executive (the president) is chosen by the people, independently of the legislature.

-He or she holds office for a fixed term, and has a number of significant powers that are not subject to the direct control of the legislative branch.

What are the principal characteristics of a presidential form of government ?

force

What is a typical way for a dictate to gain power?

-recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person
- respect for the equality of all persons
-faith in majority rule and an insistence of compromise
-acceptance of the necessity of compromise
- insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom

What are the basic concepts of democracy?

regulation and promotion

What are the roles of the government in a mixed economy?

compromise

How does a democracy serve the varied needs of its citizens when forming public policies?