Principles of Government Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is Government
The institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies
What are Public Policies
All the things a government decides to do
What is the Role or Purpose of Government
Ancient Greeks - “to improve the lives of its citizens”
Dec. of Independence - “to protect the rights of its citizens” “Unalienable rights” (Life, Liberty and the pursuit of of happiness)
Where does the Power of a Government come from
God Force and People
Is Government Good/Bad or Even Necessary
Yes Yes and Yes
What are the Six froms of Government
Anarchy
Dictatorship/Monarchy
Oilgarchy
Democracy
Republic
Theocracy
What is Anarchy
No government
What is a Dictatorship or Monarchy
Power rests with one person/state - Rule not reasonable to the will of the people
What is an Oligarchy
Rule by a small group/few of people (Most common throughout history)
What is a Democracy
Rule by the people/majority
What is a Republic
Rule by the law
What is a Theocracy
Rule by religious leaders
3 Types of Power that a Government is given
Legislative Power
Executive Power
Judicial Power
What is Legislative Power
Makes laws - Congress
What is Executive Power
Enforce laws - President
What is Judicial Power
Interpret laws - Supreme Court
What is the Constitution
Fundamental laws/principles of government
Who Shares the Powers of Government
The 3 Branches of Government
What is a State
Dominant political unit in world
What is a State commonly know as
Country or Nation
What are the 4 characteristics of a State
Population (People)
Territory/Border (Land)
Sovereignty (Supreme Power)
Central Government (Politically Organized)
What are the 4 theories of the origins of States
Force Theory
Evolution Theory
Divine Right Theory
Social Contract Theory
What is Force Theory
Right to rule comes through coercion (Strongest)
What is Evolution Theory
Right to rule evolved over time - (Stages of development)
Family (Father)
Clan
Tribe (Chiefs)
