10 - Civics, Government, and Economic Choices Flashcards
This deck emphasizes the understanding of major government systems, the U.S. political system, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and key economic principles. It explores how economic factors influence individuals and nations, and how these factors interact with geographical and cultural aspects. (124 cards)
1
Q
Define:
government
A
- Administering authority or political body for a community, society, state, nation or country.
- Consists of a leader and supporting officials who organize the economy and maintain order in society.
2
Q
Explain:
Primary purpose of government.
A
- To protect its people.
- Keep society safe, organized and stable.
3
Q
Explain:
Effects when government fails to maintain order.
A
- Society may fall into chaos.
- May lead to potential rebellion or revolt against the government.
4
Q
Explain:
Why were early governments necessary?
A
Basic survival of communities to protect against invasions and disasters.
Early societies relied on leaders they believed could provide physical and spiritual protection.
5
Q
Describe:
An oppressive government
A
- Does not share power with its people.
- May use violence as a means of control.
6
Q
Describe:
What could happen to a society without a government?
A
It could fall into anarchy, lacking laws and officials to maintain order.
7
Q
Describe:
The role a government plays in the lives of its citizens.
A
- Influences lives.
- Determines rights.
- Enforces laws.
- Implements policies for improvement.
8
Q
Define:
federal republic
A
A system with a central government that also relies on smaller state governments.
The United States is an example of a federal republic.
9
Q
Describe:
theocratic republic
A
Leaders rule based on religious principles.
Examples: Afghanistan, Iran
10
Q
Define:
monarchy
A
A system where one leader, such as an emperor or king, has absolute rule.
Saudi Arabia and Brunei are monarchies.
11
Q
Define::
constitutional monarchy
A
A government with a monarch as head of state, whose power is limited by a constitution.
Examples: England and Japan.
12
Q
Define:
democracy
A
A system where leaders are elected and citizens have the power to make decisions with the government.
The concept of democracy originated in ancient Greece.
13
Q
Identify:
5 types of governments.
A
- federal republic
- theocratic republic
- monarchy
- constitutional monarchy
- democracy
14
Q
Describe:
communism
A
- Political and economic doctrine that aims to replace private property and a profit-based economy with public ownership.
- Communal control of major means of production and the natural resources of a society.
15
Q
Define:
dictatorship
A
A government where one leader makes all decisions, supported by military enforcement.
16
Q
Identify:
What are questions that can help determine if a society is a democracy?
A
- Are citizens able to vote for leaders?
- Are human rights acknowledged?
- Do citizens feel safe?
- Is there a sense of freedom?
- Is there transparency from the government?
17
Q
Identify:
What is the main focus of comparative politics?
A
It focuses on the differences between countries to better understand their societies.
It examines various aspects of governments to analyze their effectiveness and structure.
18
Q
Identify:
3 factors used to compare governments.
A
- Structure
- Function
- Political culture
These frameworks help in systematically understanding different political systems.
19
Q
Explain:
structure of government
A
- Separation of Powers: Most modern governments are structured with a division of power between different branches.
- Checks and Balances: Each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches.
20
Q
Explain:
How does political culture affect a society?
A
It reflects how passionate a population is about the political process within a government.
It influences how political discussions occur and the importance of political views in daily life.
21
Q
Explain:
separation of church and state
A
- Government Neutrality: The government should not favor any one religion over another, nor should it favor religion over non-religion.
- Individual Religious Freedom: Citizens have the right to practice their religion freely without government interference, as long as their practices do not harm others.
- Limited Government Involvement in Religious Matters: The government should avoid excessive entanglement with religious institutions.
This separation is a fundamental aspect of the U.S. political system.
22
Q
Describe:
political culture
A
It encompasses the values, beliefs and norms that shape political behavior and attitudes in a society.
It is crucial for understanding how citizens engage with their government.
23
Q
Identify:
The 3 branches of government in the United States.
A
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
These branches are designed to limit the concentration of power.
24
Q
Identify:
Aristotle’s original term for the separation of powers.
A
mixed government
He defined it as a mix between an oligarchy and a democracy.
25
# Identify:
What was the **historical document** that promoted a **separation of powers** between the monarch and the aristocracy?
The Magna Carta
## Footnote
Signed in 1215, it placed constitutional restrictions on the king.
26
# Identify:
Who argued for the **rights of citizens** and supported the idea of **self-governance**?
John Calvin
## Footnote
He believed it was a divine gift for people to elect their own government.
27
# Identify:
**Montesquieu**'s contribution to the concept of **separation of powers**.
He argued that powers should be **independent branches**.
28
# Explain:
What is the purpose of **checks and balances** in government?
To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
## Footnote
This principle was emphasized by **Montesquieu** and **Polybius**.
29
# Identify:
**executive branch** powers
To **execute** or **enforce** the **laws** of the government.
## Footnote
This branch includes the **president** and **federal agencies**.
30
# Identify:
**legislative branch** powers
* Draft **laws**
* Raise **taxes**
* Declare **war**
* Ratify **foreign treaties**
* **Impeach** the president
## Footnote
The legislative branch includes **both houses of Congress**.
31
# Identify:
**judicial branch** powers
* Determine the **constitutionality of laws**
* Settle **legal disputes**
* Protect the legal **rights of citizens**
* Compel **testimony**
32
# Define:
judicial review
The power to determine the **constitutionality of laws**.
## Footnote
This power is notably held by the judicial branch, including the Supreme Court.
33
# Identify:
The type of government of the **United States**
federal republic
## Footnote
**States** have the power to create their own **local laws**.
34
# Identify:
What is the main restriction on the creation of **state laws**?
| Context: United States
Cannot violate national laws.
## Footnote
States can set their own taxes but **cannot contradict federal laws**.
35
# Identify:
**Leader** of a **state government's executive branch**.
| Context: United States
governor
36
# Identify:
The **document** that outlines the **laws and powers of each state**.
state constitution
## Footnote
Each state writes its own constitution.
37
# Identify:
The **amendment** that grants **power to the states**.
The Tenth Amendment
## Footnote
States have all power not given to the federal government.
38
# Identify:
The **significant change** that occurred regarding **state power** over time.
Federal government grew more powerful.
## Footnote
This resulted in **more federal laws and restrictions** on state decisions.
39
# Identify:
Historical example of a **state law** that **contradicted federal policy**.
**Wyoming** allowing **women to vote** in 1890.
## Footnote
This was before women could vote nationally.
40
# Explain:
How do states maintain **national unity**?
By working with the **federal government**.
## Footnote
This can involve adopting federal policies.
41
# Identify:
One method the **federal government** uses to influence **state policies**.
federal funding
## Footnote
States may lose funding if they do not comply with federal policies.
42
# Identify:
A primary responsibility of **state governments**
Overseeing **daily administration** of the state.
## Footnote
They focus on specific issues that matter to their **residents**.
43
# Explain:
2 conflicts between state and federal powers.
## Footnote
The US Constitution outlines powers reserved for the federal government, powers reserved for the states, and concurrent powers shared by both. However, the boundaries between these powers are often unclear and subject to interpretation, leading to ongoing conflict.
1. **Preemption**: The **Supremacy Clause of the Constitution** states that federal law is supreme to state law. This can lead to conflicts when states pass laws that contradict or interfere with federal laws.
1. **Mandates and Funding**: The federal government often provides funding to states for specific programs (e.g., education, healthcare). However, this funding often comes with conditions and mandates that states may find burdensome or intrusive on their own authority.
## Footnote
This has been a contentious issue since the nation's founding.
44
# Define:
local government
The **government of a town, city or county**, subordinate to state and federal governments.
45
# Identify:
Common responsibilities of **local governments**.
* Running the **police** department
* Running the local **schools**
* Running the **trash collection** service
* Running the **fire** department
* Issuing and collecting property **taxes**
* **Animal control**
* Passing **ordinances**
* **Plowing snow**
* Maintaining **roads**
* Zoning **property**
* Issuing **licenses** and **permits**
* Maintaining **public spaces**
* Running **municipal utilities**
* Running **libraries**
46
# Describe:
2 ways **local governments** receive **funding**.
* property taxes
* sales taxes
47
# Explain:
The main role of **county governments**.
They act in a **support role for municipalities** and have varying responsibilities by state.
48
# Identify:
**Differences** between *municipal governments* and *county governments*.
* **Municipal**:
* Govern a specific city or town within a county.
* Focus on local issues like zoning, building permits, police and fire protection within city limits, and providing services like parks and recreation.
* **County**:
* Govern a larger geographic area encompassing multiple cities and towns.
* Responsible for broader regional issues such as:
* Administration of justice: Courts, jails
* Social services: Welfare, public health
* Road maintenance (outside city limits)
* Property records
49
# Define:
ordinance
A **law** passed by a **local government**.
50
# Identify:
What is the largest **subdivision** within a **state**?
county
51
# Define:
civic duty
**Actions** that **individuals must take** to be citizens of a country.
## Footnote
Civic duties are **necessary for receiving rights and privileges** in society.
52
# Identify:
4 consequences of **failing** to fulfill one's **civic duty**.
1. Fines
1. Jail time
1. Denial of citizenship
1. Loss of access to social services
## Footnote
These consequences can **vary by country** and specific civic duties.
53
# Define:
civic virtue
A set of **qualities** that make individuals more willing to participate in civic duties and society.
54
# Identify:
Important **civic duties** in the United States.
* Following **laws**
* Paying **taxes**
* Attending **school**
* **Jury duty**
* **Testifying** in court
* **Selective service**
## Footnote
These duties apply to both citizens and non-citizens in some cases.
55
# Define:
jury duty
The **obligation to serve on a jury** when summoned in a court case.
## Footnote
This is essential for ensuring a fair trial as per the **Sixth Amendment**.
56
# Explain:
What happens when a person **refuses to testify in court**?
Charges of contempt of court that **can carry fines** and **jail time**.
57
# Explain:
Who is **required to register** for **selective service** in the U.S.?
**Men** between the ages of **18 and 25**.
## Footnote
Failure to register can result in fines and denial of federal services.
58
# Explain:
Is **voting** considered a **civic duty** in the United States?
No, **it is considered a civic responsibility**, not a civic duty.
## Footnote
**Voting is heavily encouraged** but not legally mandatory in the U.S.
59
# Describe:
civic responsibilities
**Duties** that people can and should do to **better serve their society**, but are not required.
## Footnote
Examples include volunteering and staying informed on issues.
60
# Identify:
Examples of **civic responsibilities**.
* **Volunteering** in the community.
* Following **public health orders**.
* **Donating blood**.
* **Staying informed** on issues.
* Practicing **tolerance**.
61
# Identify:
The difference between **civic duty** and **civic responsibility**
* Civic duties are **mandatory** tasks.
* Civic responsibilities are **optional**.
## Footnote
In the U.S., voting is an example of a civic responsibility.
62
# Identify:
The **consequence** of **failing** to fulfill **civic duties in the U.S.**
Potential legal consequences such as **fines** or **jail time**.
## Footnote
This includes failing to pay taxes or join the armed forces during a draft.
63
# Identify:
The most common form of **political participation in the United States**.
voting
## Footnote
Voting is the primary means through which citizens engage with the political system.
64
# Explain:
What **age** must a citizen be to **vote** in the **United States**?
18 years old
## Footnote
Citizens are expected to exercise their right to vote upon reaching this age.
65
# Identify:
The **type of voting** that involves individual citizens **voting on specific issues**.
direct elections
## Footnote
Direct elections determines the outcome based on the majority of votes.
66
# Define:
special interest group
A **private organization** focused on creating **specific political change**.
## Footnote
These groups often **advocate** for issues such as environmental protection.
67
# Define:
advocacy
| Context of **political participation**
Directly **talking with elected officials** to show support or opposition for an issue.
## Footnote
Advocacy is a key method **used by special interest groups** to influence policy.
68
# Identify:
Ways individuals can **participate in the political process**.
* Voting
* Contacting Elected Officials
* Letters and emails
* Phone calls
* Attending town halls and public meetings
* Advocacy
* Joining interest groups
* Volunteering for campaigns
* Donating to campaigns
* Civic Engagement
* Staying informed
* Participating in community events
* Protesting peacefully
* Running for Office
## Footnote
These actions help individuals engage with and influence political issues.
69
# Describe:
Purpose of a **republic**.
To elect officials who **represent the people** in government.
## Footnote
This ensures that the citizens' views are considered in political decisions.
70
# Explain:
The main benefit of **political participation**.
Protecting the **rights of the people** against government power.
## Footnote
Active participation ensures that the government remains accountable to its citizens.
71
# Define:
civil society
A **network of communities and groups** existing between the government and the individual.
## Footnote
It includes NGOs, unions, identity groups and faith-based organizations.
72
# Identify:
The difference between **political civic participation** and **non-political civic participation**
* **Political** civic participation seeks to **influence government**.
* **Non-political** arises from **personal responsibility**.
73
# Identify:
Examples of **political civic participation**.
* Voting
* Registering voters
* Canvassing for a political candidate
* Contacting one's congressperson
* Signing a petition
* Paying taxes
## Footnote
These activities aim to influence government at various levels.
74
# Identify:
Examples of **non-political civic participation**.
* Working for volunteer organizations
* Volunteering at shelters
* Teaching English classes
* Donating food
* Coaching youth sports
* Mowing the lawn for neighbors
75
# Define:
civil society organization
| (CSO)
**A group of citizens** working toward **common goals** without seeking profit or political office.
## Footnote
CSOs can be voluntary and may operate at international, national or local levels.
76
# Identify:
Elements of a successful **civil society organization**.
* Consistent funding
* Networking and partnerships
* Training
* Transparency and accountability
* Diversity
* Ownership and agency
* Legality
## Footnote
These elements help ensure **effectiveness** and **accountability** in serving communities.
77
# Define:
grassroots organizations
Groups of citizens taking a bottom-up approach to **advocate for change** at local or broader levels.
78
# Explain:
The importance of **civic participation**.
It promotes accountability, informed citizens, community involvement and reduces violence.
## Footnote
Civic participation fosters a sense of **community pride** and **improves living conditions**.
79
# Explain:
How can **civic participation** impact individuals?
It can reduce social isolation and improve mental health.
## Footnote
Engagement in community activities leads to **empowerment** and **belonging**.
80
# Define:
taxation
How a government or a taxing **authority imposes compulsory levies** on its citizens or residents.
81
# Identify:
The main **principles of taxation** according to **Adam Smith**.
* Efficiency
* Convenience
* Certainty
* Fairness
## Footnote
Adam Smith also developed the concept of the **invisible hand**.
82
# Explain:
The main goal of **taxation**.
To **raise revenue** for the government.
83
# Identify:
Uses of **tax revenue**.
* Developing **infrastructure**.
* Providing **services** to citizens.
* Developing **human capital**.
* **Redistributing wealth**.
84
# Define:
federal taxes
Taxes **collected by a federal government** (such as the U.S.) from all people across the country.
85
# Explain:
How are **federal income taxes** structured in the U.S.?
They are **progressive**, meaning they increase with an increase in income.
86
# Describe:
The **pay-as-you-go method** of taxation.
Taxes are **deducted** through **payroll** and other deductions from every **paycheck**.
87
# Define:
local taxes
Taxes **imposed by local governments**, such as school districts, counties or cities.
88
# Explain:
The **benefit principle** of taxation.
Citizens should pay **income taxes** based on how much they **benefit from government expenditure**.
89
# Explain:
The ability-to-pay principle.
Taxes should be imposed based on an individual's or business's **income** or **ability to pay**.
90
# Identify:
The three **types of tax systems**.
* Proportional taxes
* Progressive taxes
* Regressive taxes
91
# Define:
progressive tax
A tax system where **taxes increase as income increases**.
92
# Define:
proportional tax
A tax system that imposes an **equal rate** on every taxpayer regardless of income level.
93
# Define:
regressive tax
A tax system that takes a **larger proportion** of income from **lower-income taxpayers**.
94
# Identify:
The main sources of **state tax revenue**.
* Income tax
* Sales tax
95
# Identify:
The primary challenge of implementing the **benefit principle**.
Most citizens are unwilling to pay for social amenities.
96
# Define:
sin tax
**Excise tax** specifically levied on certain **goods** or services **deemed harmful** to society and individuals.
## Footnote
It is collected on goods that society considers harmful such as alcohol and tobacco.
97
# Define:
economics
Social science that studies the **production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services**. Focuses on:
* Scarcity
* Decision-Making
* Production
* Distribution
* Consumption
* Markets
* Supply and demand
* Market structures
98
# Identify:
The two major **subsections of economics**.
1. Microeconomics
1. Macroeconomics
## Footnote
Microeconomics analyzes scarcity on a smaller scale, while macroeconomics studies scarcity between whole economies.
99
# Explain:
The concept of **no free lunch**.
Nothing in life is free; **everything exists in limited supply** and has value.
## Footnote
This principle highlights the importance of **scarcity** in economics.
100
# Define:
allocative efficiency
**Ensuring that resources are allocated in the best possible way**, making a good worth to the buyer what it is worth to the seller.
## Footnote
An example is selling a loaf of bread by transforming it into croutons instead of letting it mold.
101
# Define:
technical efficiency
Making the **most goods** possible for the **smallest cost**.
## Footnote
For instance, putting an encyclopedia online to reach more users at a reduced production cost.
102
# Define:
Equity standard in economics
The idea that the **economy should produce fairly**.
## Footnote
Equity can be interpreted through different standards like contributive, equality, and needs.
103
# Explain:
The contributive standard
It states that **people should only get** out of an economy **what they put into** it.
## Footnote
This standard may exclude vulnerable populations who cannot contribute.
104
# Explain:
The equality standard
Providing an **equal amount for everyone** in the economy.
## Footnote
This raises concerns about fairness, especially regarding differing contributions to society.
105
# Explain:
The needs standard
Providing **extra** for those who **need it most**.
## Footnote
This standard contrasts with the contributive standard and may affect incentives for contribution.
106
# Define:
**Scarcity** in economics
It occurs when there is a significant divide between **finite resources** and **infinite demand** for those resources.
## Footnote
Scarcity is a central tenet in economics, addressing the relationship between **supply**, **demand** and **resource allocation**.
107
# Define:
The zero-price effect
It is the theory that **when the price of a good or resource is zero, its demand will rise exponentially**.
## Footnote
This contrasts with the concept that lower prices lead to higher demand.
108
# Identify:
The two **types of scarcity**.
* Relative scarcity
* Absolute scarcity
## Footnote
Relative scarcity depends on demand, while absolute scarcity refers to a finite number of resources.
109
# Define:
relative scarcity
It occurs when **a resource is limited by the demand** for that resource.
## Footnote
An example is lumber, which may be abundant now but could become scarce if demand increases.
110
# Define:
absolute scarcity
It refers to a **finite number of resources** left in existence.
## Footnote
Examples include Monet paintings and the limited hours in a day.
111
# Explain:
What causes **demand-driven scarcity**?
It occurs when the **demand for a resource outpaces its supply**.
## Footnote
This can happen due to factors that increase demand while the supply remains static.
112
# Explain:
supply-driven scarcity
It occurs when the supply of a resource drops, leading to **increased demand** and resulting **scarcity**.
## Footnote
This can happen due to factors that reduce availability of the resource.
113
# Define:
structural scarcity
It occurs when there is **uneven access to resources** based on location.
## Footnote
An example is the availability of rocks for construction in Maine versus Florida.
114
# Explain:
How does **scarcity** affects consumer choices?
It forces consumers to make choices about how to **allocate limited resources** based on needs and wants.
## Footnote
For instance, a consumer with $100 cannot purchase everything they desire.
115
# Explain:
The scarcity principle.
It states that consumers place a **higher value on resources that are scarce**.
## Footnote
**Adam Smith** illustrated this with the comparison of the **value of diamonds versus water**.
116
# Explain:
The relationship between **scarcity** and **economic choices.
Scarcity leads to economic choices as consumers must decide **how to use limited resources effectively**.
## Footnote
Choices are influenced by the balance between needs and wants.
117
# Explain:
What example illustrates the **difference in value** placed on **scarce versus abundant resources**?
The comparison of **diamonds and water** illustrates this difference.
## Footnote
Despite water's essential nature, its abundance results in a lower value compared to scarce diamonds.
118
# Describe:
economic development
The **continued, active efforts** of the public and private sectors of a country that **promote the standard of living and economic health** of the country.
## Footnote
Economic development relates to **economic growth** and the **freedom and competitiveness of the market**.
119
# Identify:
Some ways in which **economic development** improves the well-being of citizens.
* Health
* Education
* Security
* Freedom
* Self-sufficiency
## Footnote
These improvements are generally seen as a country becomes more economically developed.
120
# Explain:
How does **population growth** affect **economic development**?
A large population can create **more work and value** but can also **strain limited resources**.
## Footnote
Population growth can have positive or negative effects depending on the circumstances.
121
# Explain:
How does **conflict** affect **economic development**?
**Wars** create significant risks, can destroy infrastructure and create **instability**, which **deters private investment**.
## Footnote
Conflict in an area is generally **detrimental to economic development**.
122
# Identify:
What is an economic impact of **conflict**?
Wars can lead to the **development of new technologies** and **boost certain industries**.
## Footnote
For example, the development of the tank during wars also advanced automobile manufacturing.
123
# Explain:
What role geographic features play in **economic development**?
They significantly impact **economic development** by determining the **availability of natural resources**.
## Footnote
Countries with abundant resources can trade successfully, while those without may struggle.
124
# Identify:
What are types of natural disasters that hinder **economic development**?
* Earthquakes
* Volcanoes
* Hurricanes
## Footnote
Disasters can create **instability** and **deter settlement and business development**.
