Definition: A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Examples of Representative Democracy:
United Kingdom (UK)
Dictatorship
Definition: A form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique.
Example of a dictator discussed in class: Idi Amin
Social Contract Theory
Definition: A philosophical concept in political theory where individuals agree to form a society by relinquishing some of their freedoms in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.
Relevant phrases from American History / Government:
"Our forefathers brought forth a new nation conceived in Liberty…"
"Give me Liberty or give me death…"
"We hold these truths to be self evident…"
"We the people…"
Types of Government Structure
Federal System: A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states or provinces).
Confederate Government: A government consisting of a weak central authority created by member states that are sovereign.
Unitary Government: A centralized government where most of the power resides with the central authority.
Parliamentary System: A system where the government derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the parliament.
Theories of State Origin
Force Theory: The belief that states emerge through force or coercion.
Divine Right Theory: The belief that monarchs derive their authority from God.
Social Contract Theory: The belief that states arise from an implicit contract among individuals to create a government.
Evolutionary Theory: The belief that states develop naturally out of the early family structures.
Purpose of American Government
Fundamental purposes include:
Forming a More Perfect Union
Establishing Justice
Providing for the Common Defense: Requires the maintenance of a powerful military.
Promoting the General Welfare
Maintenance of Military
Importance: To protect the nation from external threats and ensure national security.
Historical Context and Documents
Declaration of Independence: Key document outlining foundational principles and social contract theory.
The Preamble: States the purposes of the government, including justice and defense.
Bill of Rights: Lists individual rights and governmental limitations.
Characteristics of a State
A state must have:
Population: Number of people living within its borders.
Territory: Defined geographical area.
Government: An organized political structure that provides order and services.
Sovereignty: The ability to govern oneself without external interference.
Judicial Branch of Government
Most associated with: Establishing justice and ensuring the fair application of laws.
Qualification of a State
True or False Question: To qualify as a 'state,' a state must have a population of at least 1 million people?
Answer: False (There is no minimum population requirement for recognition as a state.)