System of Governments & Principles of Democracy

Ch. 1 Gov

assembly

a gathering

institution

establishment practice, or social organization

unitary system

a government that gives all key powers to the national or central government

confederacy

a loose union of independent states

federal system

a government that divides the powers of government between the national government and state or provincial governments

constitution

a plan that provides the rules for government

constitutional government

a government in which a constitution has authority to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern

authoritarian

controlling all aspects of citizens' economic, political, and social lives

totalitarianism

a system of government in which the government has total control

dictatorship

a system of government in which power is in the hands of one person who has total control

oligarchy

a system of government in which a small group holds power

monarchy

a system of government in which a king, queen, or emperor exercises supreme powers of government

democracy

government in which the people rule

republic

a government in which voters hold sovereign power; elected representatives, responsible to the people, exercise that power

centralized power

advantage of a unitary system where power is concentrated in the central government

weak central government

disadvantage of a confederate system where the central government has limited power

sovereignty

the authority of a government to govern itself

supreme law

the highest form of law in a country, typically outlined in the constitution

written constitution

a constitution that is explicitly set out in a single document

unwritten constitution

a constitution based on laws, court decisions, and customs rather than a single written document

limited government

a government structure with restrictions on its power and actions

government censorship

the suppression or control of communication or information by the government

Riksdag

the Swedish national legislature

Authoritarian Governments

Leadership controls all aspects of citizens' lives; lacks political freedoms.

Totalitarian States

Governments with total control over citizens' lives.

Democratic Governments

Governments that give citizens economic, social, and political freedoms.

Citizen Participation

Essential for the functioning of a democratic system.

Dictatorship

Form of authoritarian government with power in one person's hands.

Oligarchy

Authoritarian government where power is held by a few individuals or a single party.

Monarchy

Form of government where one person inherits power, like a king or queen.

Autocrats

Monarchs who maintain power through intimidation or military force.

Constitutional Monarchies

Monarchies where the king or queen's power is limited by law.

Direct Democracy

Government system where citizens vote directly on laws and issues.

Representative Democracy

System where people elect representatives to make laws and govern.

Republic

Form of government without a monarch; the people elect representatives.

Civil Society

Network of voluntary associations crucial for a successful democracy.

Referenda

Special elections where people can vote directly on specific laws or issues.

Recalls

Special elections allowing citizens to remove elected officials from office.

Pericles

Great leader of ancient Athens who described democracy as government by the many.

Demos

Greek word meaning 'the people,' part of the origin of 'democracy.'

Kratia

Greek word meaning 'rule,' part of the origin of 'democracy.'

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to individuals.

Free Public Schools

Common in democratic nations to ensure education for all citizens.

Strong Civil Society

Essential for the success of democracy, composed of various voluntary associations.

Representatives

Individuals elected by the people to make laws and govern on their behalf.

Queen Elizabeth

Constitutional monarch and head of state of Great Britain.

Nicolae Ceausescu

Dictator of Romania executed in 1989, leading to a move toward democracy.

Civic Groups

Non-governmental organizations like American Red Cross, Sierra Club.

Regular Free and Fair Elections

Periodic voting for officials chosen freely and without obstacles.

Accepting Election Results

Acknowledging winners and losers in elections for peaceful transitions.

Rule of Law

Principle where everyone, including leaders, must obey laws.

Majority Rule with Minority Rights

Decision-making by majority while protecting minority rights.

Accountability

Elected officials being responsible and answerable to the people.

Transparency

Openness in government actions, allowing public awareness.

Limited Government and Bill of Rights

Restrictions on government power with a list of citizen freedoms.

Control of Abuse of Power

Preventing corruption and limiting government powers.

Economic Freedom

Allowing private ownership and choice in work and unions.

Equality

Equal rights and freedoms for all individuals regardless of differences.

Individual or Human Rights

Inherent rights of all humans, protected in democracies.

Independent Judiciary

Impartial courts free from influence by other government branches.

Competing Political Parties

Organized groups with varied interests and beliefs participating in elections.