American Government A Complete Coursebook Flashcards
(21 cards)
Government
The institutions, people, and processes by which a nation-state or political unit is ruled and it’s public policy created and administered.
Nation-state
A political unit with a defined territory, organized under government and having to authority to make and enforce the law.
Politics
The methods or tactics involved in managing government and gaining power.
Sovereignty
The authority of a nation-state’s right to rule itself.
Divine right
The belief that rulers derived their authority directly from God and are accountable only to him.
Social contract
The concept that the government and those governing have obligations to each other, that the people being government will support the government, and that the government will protect the basic rights of the people.
Elite
A small and privileged group who have a disproportionate share of money or political influence.
Unitary government
A form of government in which all of the powers of the government are held by a single unit or agency.
Federal government
A form of government in which governmental powers are divided between a central authority and a number of regional political subdivisions.
confederation
A political system in which a weak central government has limited authority, and the states have unlimited power.
parliamentary government
A form of government in which the executive leaders are chosen by and responsible to the legislature.
Presidential government
A form of government in which the legislative and executive branches are separate and function independently
Monarchy
Government in which the ruler’s power is hereditary
DictatorshipA form of government in which an absolute ruler controls the power, often through fear or force, and ignores the will of the people.
A form of government in which an absolute ruler controls the power, often through fear or force, and ignores the will of the people.
Democracy
A system of government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
Direct democracy
A democratic system of government in which all citizens participate in politics and decision-making, such as New England town meetings.
Limited government
A system in which the government‘s powers are restricted and individuals rights are protected.
representative government
A system in which policies are made by officials accountable to the people who elected them.
Charter
A legal document issued by a monarch or other authoritative power conferring certain rights and powers upon a person, people, or corporation.
But camera
Having or consisting of two legislative chambers or houses.
Unicameral
Having or consisting of one legislative chamber or house
