Civics - Chapter 1

1 Government

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

2 Public policies

All the things a government decides to do, such as taxation, defense, education, and health care.

3 Legislative power

The power to make laws and frame public policies.

4 Executive power

The power to execute, enforce, and administer laws.

5 Judicial power

The power to interpret laws, determine their meaning, and settle disputes.

6 Dictatorship

A form of government where one leader or a small group holds absolute power and authority.

7 Democracy

A system of government where power lies with the people, who rule either directly or through elected representatives.

8 Aristotle

An ancient Greek philosopher who contributed to political theory and ideas about government.

9 State

A body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically with a government, and having the power to make and enforce laws without higher authority.

10 Sovereign

Having supreme and absolute power within a territory; the authority to govern without outside interference.

11 Thomas Hobbes

An English philosopher who believed in a strong central authority and the social contract.

12 John Locke

An English philosopher who argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) and the idea of government by consent.

13 Autocracy

A government in which a single person holds unlimited political power.

14 Oligarchy

A government in which a small group of people has all the power.

15 Unitary government

A centralized government where all powers are held by a single, central agency.

16 Federal government

A system that divides power between a national government and smaller regional governments (like states).

17 Division of powers

The separation of government powers between different levels (e.g., federal and state).

18 Confederation

An alliance of independent states with a weak central government.

19 Presidential government

A system where the executive and legislative branches are separate and equal.

20 Parliamentary government

A system where the executive branch is part of the legislative branch and the prime minister is chosen from the legislature.

21 Patricians

The wealthy, land-owning upper class in ancient Rome.

22 Plebeians

The common people or lower class in ancient Rome.

23 Feudalism

A political and economic system based on land ownership and personal loyalty during the Middle Ages.

24 Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority to govern oneself.

25 Divine right of kings

The belief that monarchs get their authority to rule directly from God.

26 Colonialism

The policy of acquiring and managing colonies for economic and political gain.

27 Mercantilism

An economic theory that emphasized accumulating wealth through trade and colonization.

28 Compromise

A way of resolving differences where each side gives up something to reach an agreement.

29 Free enterprise system

An economic system where private businesses operate in competition with little government interference.

30 Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

A U.S. Supreme Court Justice known for his influence on American common law and civil liberties.