Civics part 2

Unitary

Characterized by having a strong central government that exercises most of the political power

Example: The united kingdom is unitary because parliament has most of the power over the country

Federal

Characterized by sharing power between a central government and various smaller government

Example: The united states has a federal government because power is shared between the national government and state government

Confederate

Formed out of smaller, higher independent members such as tribes or states

Example: The European Union is made up of independent countries that work together

Parliamentary system

A system of representative democracy in which the people elect the legislative, whose members then chose a leader to head the government

Example: The united kingdom, people elect parliament, and parliament choose the prime minster to lead the government

Bicameral

In a legislative, having two separate houses or chambers

Example: The united states has a bicameral legislature because congress has two house: the house of Representatives and the Senate

Capitalism

An economic system in which individuals and private companies own the mans of production and operate for profit

Example: In the U.S. people can own businesses and make money

Socialism

An economic system in which the government or community collectively owns and control major industries
Example: Sweden provides government funded healthcare and education for its people

Communism

An economic system in which all property is publicly owned and the government makes all decisions about production and distribution

Example: North Korea controls all movie/ DVD production

Separation of Powers

Division of government into different branches with distinct responsibilities

The U.S. have 3 different branches, executive, legislative, and judicial

Checks and balances

Ways in which different branches of government limit (or check) each other powers

Example: The president can veto a law passed by congress, but congress can override the veto

Mixed economy

An economy that includes capitalistic elements of a free market as well as some government intervention in the interest of both economic stability and the public good

Example: The U.S. has private business, but the government also provides public services like schools

Due process

The principle that everyone is entitled to fair (due) consideration under the law, and specifically to a fair trial if accused of any wrongdoing

A person accused of a crime gets a fair trial before getting punished

Precedent

An action or decision that serves as an example for the future

Example: A court decision is used as a guide for future cases

Presidential system

A system of representative democracy in which the people elect both the legislature and the head of government

Example: The united states had a presidential system because people elect the president, who is the head of government

Political party

An organized group whose member support candidates for political office based on shared ideals and goals

The democratic party and republican party are political parties in the U.S.

Unicameral

In a legislature, having a single house or chamber

South Korea only has one house called the National Assembly