Civics Chapter 1

Four essential features of a state

population—the people
territory—established boundaries
sovereignty—supreme and absolute authority within its boundaries
government—central institution

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people surrendered their freedom to the state, but in return they received order and security.

unitary system

System of government in which all power is invested in a central government.

federal system

A government that divides the powers of government between the national government and state governments

Democracy

the government is elected by the people.

Autocracy

a system of government by one person with absolute power.

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a few powerful people

Totalitarianism

This is a country with only one political party.
People are forced to do what the government tells them

State

a political community in a precise territory.

Nation

a sizable group of people united by common race, language, custom or religion.

Sovereignty

its government makes and enforces its own laws without approval from any other authority.

Evolution Theory

state developed naturally out of the early family

Force Theory

Government emerged when all the people of an area were brought under the authority of one person or group.

Divine Right Theory

God created the state and that God had given those of royal birth a "divine right" to rule

John Locke

believed that in a state of nature, men and women had certain natural rights

Confederation

Loose union of Independent States

Republic

A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen

Dictatorship

A country ruled by a single leader. The leader has not been elected and may use force to keep control.

anarchy

absence of government

Capitalism

free-market country, people can own their own businesses and property.

Communism

the government owns property such as businesses and farms.