Test 1 Vocab Flashcards
(16 cards)
Define Politics
The study of who gets what, when, and how- or how policy decisions are made
Define State
A body of people living in a defined territory who have a gov with the power to make and enforce laws without the consent of any higher authority
Define Naturalized citizen
A person born in another country who has been granted citizenship
Define Citizen
A person with certain rights and responsibilities in his or her country or community
Define Preamble to the constitution
Introduction to the U.S. constitution, establishing the goals and purpose of the government
Define Representative Democracy
A system of government in which citizens elect representatives (leaders) to make decisions about the laws for all the people
Define Democracy
A political system in which the supreme power ties in a body of citizens who can elect people represent them
Define Autocracy
A country that is run according to the interests of the ruler rather than the people
Define Confederate Government
An alliance of independent states
Define Federal Government
A form of government in which the powers are divided between a central government and several local governments
Define Unitary Government
A centralized government in which all government government powers belong to a single central government
Define Constitution
A document which spells out the principles by which a government runs and the fundamental laws that govern a society
Define Government
The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies
Define Sovereignty
The supreme and absolute authority within territorial boundaries
Define Parliamentary Government
A system where legislative and executive functions are combined with a prime minister being the head executive
Define Presidential Government
A government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate and co-equal
