Chapter+1+Outline (2)

Government

The formal institutions through which a land and its people are ruled.

Autocracy

A form of government where a single individual rules.

Oligarchy

A form of government where a small group of elites rules.

Democracy

A system of government where citizens play a significant role, typically by selecting leaders.

Political efficacy

The belief that ordinary citizens can affect what government does.

Constitutional government

A government that is limited by formal rules and laws.

Totalitarian government

A system where rules have no checks, and challenges are eliminated.

Popular sovereignty

The concept that citizens have the power to rule themselves.

Pluralism

The idea that different groups and ideas compete for influence in government.

Political knowledge

Understanding political issues and the workings of government is crucial for effective citizenship.

Bill of Rights

A list of rights guaranteed to citizens, foundational to many constitutions, including Texas.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for partisan advantage.

Bicameralism

A legislative body composed of two chambers or houses.

Impeachment

The formal charge against a state official that may lead to their removal from office.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

Separation of powers

A governance model dividing powers among separate branches to prevent concentration of power.

Checks and balances

A system that prevents any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

Representative democracy

A system of government where citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.

Direct democracy

A form of democracy where citizens vote directly on policies and decisions.

Civil War Amendments

Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments aimed at protecting the rights of formerly enslaved individuals in the U.S.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution, addressing the need for a stronger national government.

The Great Compromise

An agreement to create a bicameral legislature combining equal representation and population-based representation.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise that determined how enslaved individuals were counted for representation in Congress.

What is an Autocracy?

A form of government where a single individual holds all the power.

What defines Oligarchy?

A government system where a small group of elites rules over a larger population.

What role do citizens play in a Democracy?

Citizens select leaders and significantly influence government decisions.

What is Political efficacy?

The belief in the ability of ordinary citizens to influence government actions.

What characterizes a Constitutional government?

A government that operates under a set of established laws and rules.

What is a Totalitarian government?

A system where the government has no checks and all opposition is suppressed.

Define Popular sovereignty.

The principle that the authority of government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

What does Pluralism imply in government?

The competition among diverse groups and ideas for influence over political decisions.

Why is Political knowledge important?

It enables effective citizenship through understanding political processes and issues.

What is Gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor a particular political party.

What is Federalism?

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments.

What is Separation of powers?

A governance model dividing powers among separate branches to prevent concentration of power.

What are Checks and balances?

A system that prevents any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What is a Representative democracy?

A system of government where citizens elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.

What is Direct democracy?

A form of democracy where citizens vote directly on policies and decisions.

What are the Civil War Amendments?

Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments aimed at protecting the rights of formerly enslaved individuals in the U.S.

What was the Constitutional Convention?

A meeting where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution, addressing the need for a stronger national government.

What is The Great Compromise?

An agreement to create a bicameral legislature combining equal representation and population-based representation.

What is The Three-Fifths Compromise?

A compromise that determined how enslaved individuals were counted for representation in Congress.

What is the Bill of Rights?

A list of rights guaranteed to citizens, foundational to many constitutions, including Texas.