Vocabulary

Direct Democracy

Citizens directly participate in decision making and vote on laws and policies themselves.

Representative Democracy

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions and create laws on their behalf.

Republic

A representative democracy where citizens elect officials to make decisions.

Monarchy

A government led by a king or queen; can be absolute or constitutional.

Theocracy

A government ruled by religious leaders or based on religious laws.

Oligarchy

A government where a small group of people hold power.

Dictatorship

One leader holds absolute power, often taken by force.

Unitary System

Central government holds all key powers; local governments have little independence.

Federal System

Power is divided between national and state governments.

Confederate System

A weak central government with strong state or regional control.

Capitalism

Economic system based on private ownership and free markets.

Socialism

Economic system where the government owns major industries; promotes economic equality.

Communism

A system where the government owns all property and production; classless society.

Mixed Economy

Combines elements of capitalism and government regulation.

Immigrant

A person who moves to a new country to live.

Refugee

Someone fleeing danger or persecution.

Push Factor

Reasons to leave a place (e.g., war, poverty).

Pull Factor

Reasons to move to a new place (e.g., jobs, safety).

Law of Soil

Citizenship by being born in a country.

Law of Blood

Citizenship through parents' nationality.

Naturalization

Legal process to become a citizen.

Obligation

Legal requirement (e.g., taxes, obeying laws).

Responsibility

Voluntary civic duties (e.g., voting, being informed).

Jury Duty

Obligation to serve as a juror in a court case.

Taxes

Money citizens must pay for government services.

Selective Service

Men 18+ must register for potential military draft.

Civic Engagement

Active participation in the community and politics.

State Government

Governs an individual state; includes governor, legislature, courts.

Local Government

Manages cities/towns; includes mayors, councils, school boards.

Florida Constitution

State's legal framework.

Ordinance

A local law.

Referendum

Citizens vote directly on laws.

Electoral College

Elects the president based on state votes.

Ballot

The form used to vote.

Preamble

Introduction stating Constitution’s goals.

Separation of Powers

Division into Legislative, Executive, Judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Each branch limits the others.

Bill

A proposed law.

Veto

President rejects a bill.

Committee

Group that studies and edits bills.

Political Party

Organization seeking to influence government (e.g., Democrats, Republicans).

Platform

A party’s official stance on issues.

PAC

Raises and donates money to campaigns.

Lobbying

Trying to influence lawmakers.

Civil Liberties

Freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

Civil Rights

Protections from discrimination.