Chapter 1: Foundations of Government

Government

The formal structures and institutions through which a territory and its people are ruled

Sovereignty

Ultimate, supreme power

Functions of Government

Ensure national security, maintain order, resolve conflict, provide services, & provide for the public good

Legislative Power

Makes laws

Executive Power

Carry out, enforce, & administer laws

Judicial Power

Interpret laws and settle disputes

Legitimacy

Seen as right and proper by majority of the population

Divine Right

Belief that a rulers authority comes directly from god.

Social Contract Theory

a theory on the origin of government that states people will submit and obey the government and the government will provide protection and support for the people

Natural Rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property

Autocracy

Rule by one person; examples include: Absolute Monarchy, Constitutional Monarchy, & Dictatorship

Absolute Monarchy

A system of government in which the head of state is a hereditary position and the king or queen has almost complete power

Constitutional Monarchy

A King or Queen is the official head of state but power is limited by a constitution.

Totalitarian Dictatorship

a form of autocratic government where a single leader comes to power using force and the government seeks to control all aspects of life (Example: Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union)

Oligarchy

Rule by a small group of people; examples include: Aristocracy and Theocracy

Democracy (Direct)

Rule by the people;

Direct Democracy

All citizens vote on every issue or decision in the country

Republic (Indirect Democracy)

People elect representatives who vote on issues

Presidential System

President is in charge of executive branch and President's power is balanced by the elected legislative branch

Parliamentary System

Executive and legislative branches are combined

Liberty

the ability of people to act and think as they choose, so long as their choices do no harm to the liberty or well-being of others

Majority Rule

Cannot be used to deprive minority rights in a republic

Rule of Law

principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern

Policy

Goals of the gov. set through actions, laws, and programs in certain areas

Politics

process in which gov. makes and carries out decisions.

Ideals of American Democracy

Liberty, Equality, and Self-Government.

Principles of American Democracy

Worth of the individual, Rule of Law, Majority Rule, Minority Rights, Compromise, and Citizen Participation.

Equality

The principle that all people possess a fundamental moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity in all aspects of life

Self-Government

The belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves and do so as political equals.

Majority Rule

Majority sets policy

Minority Rights

minority still have rights to oppose the leadership

Liberal Democracy

A form of democracy that protects the rights of the minority.

Free Enterprise System (Capitalist)

Allows for people and businesses to make their own economic choices about how to produce, distribute, and exchange goods and services with limited interference from gov.