Gov CH 1

Native Americans

Indigenous peoples who lived in America for over 30,000 years before the arrival of colonists, with diverse cultures and political systems.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in Virginia, established in 1607 by a joint stock company.

Puritans

A group of Protestants who left Europe on the Mayflower in 1620 for religious reasons, landing in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Maryland

A Catholic colony established in 1632 by George Calvert, granted a charter by King Charles I.

Pennsylvania

A colony founded by William Penn in 1681, known as Penn’s Woods, which promoted religious tolerance.

Monarchy

A government system where a single ruler with hereditary authority holds absolute power, exemplified by Saudi Arabia.

Constitutional Monarchy

A system where a monarch serves as a figurehead with limited power, as seen in the United Kingdom and Japan.

Dictatorship

A government system where an individual ruler has absolute authority, often gained through violent means, such as in North Korea.

Oligarchy

A form of government where a small group of wealthy or powerful individuals controls most decisions, as in South Africa under apartheid.

Pluralism

A political system with multiple centers of power competing for authority, characteristic of the United States and Canada.

Pure Democracy

A system where citizens make all governmental decisions directly, seen in some Swiss states and New England towns.

Representative Democracy

A government where citizens elect representatives to perform governmental functions, as in the United States and France.

Totalitarian Regime

A government where leaders have no limits on their authority, exemplified by Nazi Germany.

Authoritarian System

A government with no formal legal restraints on authority, limited by informal forces, such as in South Korea and Taiwan.

Constitutional System

A government with both informal and legal restraints on the exercise of power, as in the United States and Mexico.

Preamble to the Constitution

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution outlining its purposes, starting with "We the People."

Establish Justice

A function of government to create a system of laws and a federal judicial system, including the Bill of Rights.

Ensure Domestic Tranquility

The government's role in maintaining safety and order during crises through various agencies and forces.

Provide for the Common Defense

The government's responsibility to defend against foreign aggression, with Congress raising an army and the President as commander in chief.

Promote the General Welfare

A government function that has evolved to include social programs and infrastructure, beyond the framers' original vision.

Secure the Blessings of Liberty

The protection of individual liberties and rights, allowing Americans to petition and disagree with the government.

Racial & Ethnic Composition

The diverse makeup of the American population, shaped by waves of immigration and historical events.

Aging Population

Changes in demographics leading to an older population, impacting government costs and social services.

Religious Beliefs

The evolution of religious diversity in America, from predominantly Christian roots to a wide array of faiths today.

Regional Growth & Expansion

The historical sectionalism in America, characterized by differences between the South and North, and urban versus rural areas.