Chapter 1 gov vocab

Government

A group of people or system that makes and enforces laws and rules for a country, state, or community.

Politics

The activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence decisions.

Authority

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce rules.

Public Service

Work done by the government or organizations to help and benefit the public.

Pandemic

A disease that spreads across many countries or the entire world.

Sovereignty

The supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself.

National Sovereignty

A nation’s right to control its own government and land without outside interference.

Divine Right Theory

The belief that a ruler’s authority comes directly from God.

Enlightenment

A period in history when people emphasized reason, science, and individual rights.

Social Contract Theory

The idea that people agree to follow rules and laws in exchange for protection and order from the government.

Autocracy

A system of government where one person has absolute power.

Dictatorships

A government ruled by one person or a small group with total control.

Totalitarianism

A government system where the state has complete control over all aspects of public and private life.

Communism

A political system where property and resources are owned collectively, and there is no private ownership.

Democracy

A system of government where power is held by the people, often through voting.

Initiative

A process where citizens can propose new laws or changes to existing laws.

Referendums

A vote by the people to approve or reject a law or policy.

Republic

A form of government where people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Constitutional Republic

A government where representatives are elected, and their power is limited by a constitution.

Limited Government

A government whose power is restricted by laws or a constitution.

Organic Laws

Fundamental laws that form the foundation of a government or legal system.

Precedent

A past decision or ruling that guides future decisions in similar cases.

Political Culture

The shared beliefs, values, and attitudes about how government and society should work.

Bill of Rights

A list of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

Liberty

The freedom to act, speak, or think without unnecessary restrictions.

Equality

The idea that everyone should have the same rights and opportunities.

Capitalism

An economic system where businesses and property are privately owned, and prices are set by supply and demand.

Partnership

A relationship where two or more parties work together for a common goal.

Political Ideology

A set of beliefs about how society and government should work.

Conservatism

A political ideology that favors tradition, limited government, and cautious change.

Liberalism

A political ideology that supports individual rights, equality, and government intervention to solve social problems.