Political and Economic System Definitions

Question 1

Anarchism

Answer 1

A doctrine against organized authority, all government is corrupt and evil.

Question 2

Authoritarianism

Answer 2

Government where authority is invested in the state, at expense of individual rights.

Question 3

Autocracy

Answer 3

Government where all power rests with ruler. (Soviet Union, and formerly Iraq are examples.).

Question 4

Capitalism

Answer 4

Economic system where production comes from privately owned business for profit.

Question 5

Communism

Answer 5

Political System where economy, property, major industries, etc. are controlled by state in a communal manner.

Question 6

Conservatism

Answer 6

A political philosophy where tradition is valued and changes are only made in moderation.

Question 7

Direct Democracy

Answer 7

Democracy in which the people make decisions, rather than elected representatives.

Question 8

Fascism

Answer 8

A nationalistic, authoritarian, anti communist movement founded by Benito Musolini after world war 1.

Question 9

Feminism

Answer 9

The theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.

Question 10

Feudlism

Answer 10

A medieval form of social economic / political organization. Pyramid structure with a king at the top.

Question 11

Liberal

Answer 11

A person who believes the government should better the social conditions for a more equitable society.

Question 12

Libertarianism

Answer 12

The belief that government should not interfere with citizens other than police, military and protection.

Question 13

Marxism

Answer 13

Karl Marx theory that the key to society is economics. All other aspects are conditioned by it. (official doctrine of communism).

Question 14

Meritocracy

Answer 14

Society where power is held by most deserving people. Rather than a certain class or wealth status.

Question 15

Monarchy

Answer 15

Rulership where king or queen holds absolute or limited power, usually inherited.

Question 16

Nation-State

Answer 16

When the whole population of a state feels they belong to one nation.

Question 17

Oligarchy

Answer 17

Political system controlled by small group of individuals, who govern their own interests.

Question 18

Pacifist

Answer 18

A doctrine where war is never justified, conflict solved through peace.

Question 19

Plutocracy

Answer 19

Government by wealthy who control/influence a gov’t.

Question 20

Representative Democracy

Answer 20

Government in which people elect agents to represent them in a legislature.

Question 21

Republic

Answer 21

Government where power resides in people, who elect reps to make decisions on their behalf.

Question 22

Social Contract

Answer 22

Political theory where a state and its citizens have a voluntary and unwritten agreement.

Question 23

Socialism

Answer 23

Political system where production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the state on behalf of the people.

Question 24

Terrorism

Answer 24

Pursuit of political aim by means of violence / intimidation.

Question 25

Theocracy

Answer 25

Government run by priests or clergy.

Question 26

Totalitrianism

Answer 26

Government where ruling authority has power over all aspects of society and life.

Question 27

Utilitarianism

Answer 27

Political philosophy that duty of government is to promote greatest good for greatest number. Developed in England in 19th century by Jeremy Bentham/ John Stuart Mill.