American Gov Chapt 1-4

Government

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

Public Policy

All the things a government decides to do, including taxation, defense, education, crime, healthcare, etc.

Legislative Power

The power to make law and to frame public policy.

Executive Power

The power to execute, enforce, and administer law.

Judicial Power

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

Constitution

The body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which the leader has absolute, unlimited power and rules by force.

Democracy

A system of government in which supreme political authority rests with the people.

Unitary Government

A government in which all powers are held by a single, central agency.

Federal Government

A government in which powers are divided between a central government and several local governments.

Confederate Government

A loose union of independent states that agree to cooperate on certain matters.

Presidential Government

A form of government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate, co-equal, and independently elected.

Parliamentary Government

A form of government in which the executive branch is made up of the prime minister and cabinet members who come from the legislature.

State

A body of people living in a defined territory with an organized government and sovereignty.

Sovereignty

Supreme and absolute power within a territory; the authority to govern without external control.

Social Contract

An agreement among the people to form a government and give it certain powers in exchange for protection of natural rights.

Natural Rights

Rights that belong to all people from birth; life, liberty, and property (John Locke).

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental authority among the three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to determine whether laws and government actions are constitutional.

Supremacy Clause

Article VI of the Constitution; declares that the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

Federalism

A constitutional system dividing power between a central national government and regional state governments, each holding independent authority over specific domains.