Forms of Government & Economic Systems Study Guide

Comprehensive question-and-answer practice flashcards covering forms of government, economic systems, philosophical concepts of the social contract, the elements of the rule of law, and principles limiting government authority.

What term describes lawlessness resulting from the absence of power or government?

Anarchy

What is a junta?

Rule by a small military group that seizes power by force.

How is a theocracy defined?

Rule by God, a higher power, or religious authority.

What is a dictatorship?

Rule by a single individual who gains and holds power through force.

How is a monarchy defined?

Rule by a king or queen with hereditary power.

What is a representative democracy?

A system where citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern.

What is an oligarchy?

A government where power is held by a small, elite group of people.

How is communism defined as an economic system?

An economic system with complete, total government control of the economy.

What is socialism?

An economic system where government regulates key parts of the economy.

How is democracy defined, and what is provided as an example?

A system of government where power is held by the people (such as the United States).

What defines capitalism as an economic system?

An economic system guided by supply and demand with private ownership.

What was the State of Nature, and which two philosophers studied it as a primary topic?

How people lived before government existed, characterized by no laws and chaos; it was a primary topic of study for Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

What are the three fundamental natural rights that all human beings share?

Life, Liberty, and Property.

How is liberty defined in the context of natural rights?

The idea that citizens want to be free to make their own decisions.

What is a social contract or agreement?

An agreement where citizens give up a small amount of freedom in exchange for government protection of everyone's rights.

How is government defined?

A system of laws created to maintain order and protect citizens.

What is the consent of the governed, and how is it typically given?

A principle where citizens give their permission for the government to operate (typically through voting).

What is the general requirement of the Rule of Law?

It requires everyone—including government officials—to follow established laws.

In the context of the Rule of Law, what is legitimacy?

Citizens accept and follow the legal system because it was rightfully created (e.g., Representatives from all states signed the U.S. Constitution).

What does equal application of the law mean, and what case example is provided?

Government officials must follow the law just like citizens (e.g., Marbury v. Madison established that government is subject to the Constitution).

What is procedural fairness / due process?

Standard fair processes must be followed before taking away rights (e.g., The Constitution guarantees no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process).

What is the definition and example of order and security under the Rule of Law?

Laws ensure peace and protection for all citizens (e.g., The Preamble states a key goal is ensuring a secure and peaceful country).

What does access to justice mean within the Rule of Law framework?

Enforceable laws are put in place to ensure safety and legal rights (e.g., Laws requiring children to attend school up to a certain age).

How are checks and balances defined under the Rule of Law, and what example is given?

One branch has the legal power to limit or review another branch (e.g., The Judicial branch striking down unconstitutional laws passed by Congress in Marbury v. Madison).

What are the five core principles used to prevent tyranny and limit government authority?

1. Constitution, 2. Separation of Powers / Checks and Balances, 3. Rights of the Minority, 4. Rule of Law, 5. Consent of the Governed.

How does a constitution function to limit government authority?

It explains what kind of government a country has and how it is organized.

What is the role of separation of powers / checks and balances in limiting government?

It ensures no single part of government gets too much control.

How does protecting the rights of the minority limit government authority?

It protects small, unpopular groups so they are treated fairly.

How do citizens use the consent of the governed to limit government action?

Citizens use their votes to direct and limit government action.