Exam 1, Federal History

Autocracy

Government by a single, non-elected leader.

Aristocracy

Rule by "the best," often meaning the wealthiest and most well-educated.

Oligarchy

Government by a small group not accountable to citizens, often the result of a corrupt aristocracy.

Democracy

A system that allows citizens to select their leaders.

Totalitarian System

Governments recognizing no limits to their power, where dictators have total power.

Authoritarian Systems

Governments that recognize no limits to their power but are constrained by other institutions.

Constitutional Governments

Governments limited by substantive and procedural boundaries set by a constitution.

Federalists

Elites who supported ratification of the US Constitution, concerned about excessive democracy.

Antifederalists

Mainly middle-class and poor individuals skeptical of a strong federal government, favoring local governance.

Continental Congress of 1777

limiting the powers of centeral gov.

Congress could appoint army officers but not…

a standing army

subunits of government retain sovereignty and virtually all government powers

the E.U. and member states

issues faced by farmers

slavery

veto, approve presidential appointments, and judicial review

checks and balances