Chapter 1 gov vocab

Sure! Here are simple definitions for government and related terms:

1. Government: A group of people or system that makes and enforces laws and rules for a country, state, or community.

2. Politics: The activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence decisions.

3. Authority: The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce rules.

4. Public Service: Work done by the government or organizations to help and benefit the public.

5. Pandemic: A disease that spreads across many countries or the entire world.

6. Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself.

7. National Sovereignty: A nation’s right to control its own government and land without outside interference.

8. Divine Right Theory: The belief that a ruler’s authority comes directly from God.

9. Enlightenment: A period in history when people emphasized reason, science, and individual rights.

10. Social Contract Theory: The idea that people agree to follow rules and laws in exchange for protection and order from the government.

11. Autocracy: A system of government where one person has absolute power.

12. Dictatorships: A government ruled by one person or a small group with total control.

13. Totalitarianism: A government system where the state has complete control over all aspects of public and private life.

14. Communism: A political system where property and resources are owned collectively, and there is no private ownership.

15. Democracy: A system of government where power is held by the people, often through voting.

16. Initiative: A process where citizens can propose new laws or changes to existing laws.

17. Referendums: A vote by the people to approve or reject a law or policy.

18. Republic: A form of government where people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

19. Constitutional Republic: A government where representatives are elected, and their power is limited by a constitution.

20. Limited Government: A government whose power is restricted by laws or a constitution.

21. Organic Laws: Fundamental laws that form the foundation of a government or legal system.

22. Precedent: A past decision or ruling that guides future decisions in similar cases.

23. Political Culture: The shared beliefs, values, and attitudes about how government and society should work.

24. Bill of Rights: A list of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

25. Liberty: The freedom to act, speak, or think without unnecessary restrictions.

26. Equality: The idea that everyone should have the same rights and opportunities.

27. Capitalism: An economic system where businesses and property are privately owned, and prices are set by supply and demand.

28. Partnership: A relationship where two or more parties work together for a common goal.

29. Political Ideology: A set of beliefs about how society and government should work.

30. Conservatism: A political ideology that favors tradition, limited government, and cautious change.

31. Liberalism: A political ideology that supports individual rights, equality, and government intervention to solve social problems.