Chapter 1 - Foundations of Government

Question 1

The formal structures and institutions through which a territory and its people are ruled.

Answer 1

Government

Question 2

The government’s authority and ability to get things done.

Answer 2

Power

Question 3

Any decision made by government in pursuit of a particular goal.

Answer 3

Policy

Question 4

A political unit made up by a group of people that lives within a clearly defined territory.

Answer 4

State

Question 5

Ultimate, supreme power in a state; in the United States, it rests with the people.

Answer 5

Sovereignty

Question 6

The process by which government makes ad carries out decisions.

Answer 6

Politics

Question 7

Not limited by restriction.

Answer 7

Absolute

Question 8

Right and proper.

Answer 8

Legitimacy

Question 9

The theory that a monarch rules by sanction, or approval, of God.

Answer 9

Divine Right of Kings

Question 10

A system of rules/laws/rights derived from a natural world (we are given them by birth, being here).

Answer 10

Natural Law / Rights

Question 11

A theory of society in which government is a contract between a government and the governed to provide protection and support for the people; under this, a government is legitimate so long as the people voluntarily agree to hand over their power to the state.

Answer 11

Social Contract Theory

Question 12

A form of government in which political power is exercised by a single ruler, such as a king or queen, who exercises absolute authority under the claim of divine / hereditary right.

Answer 12

Monarchy

Question 13

A form of authoritarian government in which the government is ruled by religious leaders.

Answer 13

Theocracy

Question 14

The leader / King / Queen of a government has unlimited power.

Answer 14

Absolute Monarchy

Question 15

The leader / King / Queen has limited power, they are figureheads - limited by law. (UK)

Answer 15

Constitutional Monarchy

Question 16

An indirect form of democracy in which people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Answer 16

Republic / Direct Democracy

Question 17

A form of government in which citizens met regularly in a popular assembly to discuss issues of the day, pass laws, and vote for leaders. (Athens, Switzerland)

Answer 17

Direct Democracy

Question 18

“Rule by the people”

Answer 18

Democracy

Question 19

A system of rule in which one person, a dictator, or a small group of people can hold unlimited power over government, which is usually controlled by force.

Answer 19

Dictatorship

Question 20

“Rule by one person” (Cuba)

Answer 20

Autocracy

Question 21

Rule by a few short groups of people, usually member of the military or the economic elite. (Sparta)

Answer 21

Oligarchy

Question 22

A form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life. (China, North Korea)

Answer 22

Totalitarian

Question 23

A form of government in which all authority is vested in a central government from which regional and local governments derive their powers. (UK)

Answer 23

Unitary System

Question 24

An alliance of independent states manifesting a degree of national unity through a central government of united powers (e.g. the United States under the Articles of Confederation)

Answer 24

Confederal System

Question 25

A form of political organization in which power is divided among a central government and territorial subdivisions; in the US power is shared among the national, state, and local governments.

Answer 25

Federal System

Question 26

A form of government headed by a president who is elected by the people for a limited term of office and whose powers are balanced by an elected legislature. (US)

Answer 26

Presidential System

Question 27

A for of government in which the chief executive is the leader whose party holds the most seats in the legislature after an election or whos party forms a major part of the ruling coalition.

Answer 27

Parliamentary System

Question 28

Conception of something in its most perfect form.

Answer 28

Ideal

Question 29

The ability of people to act and think as they choose, so long as their choices do not harm to the liberty or well being of others.

Answer 29

Liberty

Question 30

The principle that all people posses a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity in all aspects of life - political, social, and economic.

Answer 30

Equality

Question 31

The belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves and do so as political equals.

Answer 31

Self-government

Question 32

A basic principle of democracy that decisions are made by a majority, by getting more than half the votes cast.

Answer 32

Majority rule

Question 33

The political rights held by groups that make up less than half the population.

Answer 33

Minority rights

Question 34

A form of democracy that protects the rights of the minority.

Answer 34

Liberal Democracy

Question 35

An economic system in which individuals and businesses are free to engage in economic activity with a minimum of government interference.

Answer 35

Free enterprise