Government Flashcards
Direct Democracy
Permits citizens to vote directly on laws and policies
Representative Democracy
The populace selects representatives, who play a significant role in governmental decision making
Government
Institutions and procedures in which a territory and its people are ruled
Politics
Conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments.
Public Goods
Defence against foreign aggression, maintain public order, stable currency, enforcement of contractual obligations, property rights, guarantee of some measure of social justice.
Autocracy
A form of government which a single individual- king, queen, or dictator rules.
Oligarchy
A form of government in which a small group controls most of the governing decisions.
Democracy
A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials.
Constitutional government
a system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of government
Authoritarian government
a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restained by the power of other social institutions
Totalitarian government
a system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it
Why government?
Provide order against external threats, “Provide for the common defense”
Against internal threats - Insure domestic tranquility
Freedom V Order
How much order? How much freedom?
Provide public goods
Environmental regulations, education
Limited Government
A government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution
