Chapter 1 Government and State

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  1. Define government.
    The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.
  2. What are the four characteristics of a state?
    Population, territory, sovreignty, government
  3. Define "Force Theory"
    The state was born of force, small groups gained control.
  4. Define Divine Right Theory.
    God created the state and God gave royal birth a "divine right" to rule.
  5. Define Evolutionary Theory.
    The State developed naturally out of the early family.
  6. Define "Social Contract" Theory.
    The state arose out of voluntary act of free people. Promotes the safety and well-being of all.)
  7. What are the 6 purposes of government from the preamble?
  8. Define unitary government.
    The power lies in a central agency. The central government gives power to local government. 
  9. Who heads a parliamentary government?
    Prime Minister
  10. What is a direct democracy?
    The will of the people becomes law.
  11. What state did President Obama represents as Senator?
  12. What is compromise?
    The blending and adjusting of ideas to come to an agreement.
  13. What is a state?
    A body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically, and with the power to make/enforce laws.
  14. What is population?
    The people who make up a state.
  15. What is territory?
    Land with known and recognized boundaries.
  16. What is sovereignty?
    Supreme and absolute power within its own territory.
  17. What are public policies?
    All of the things a government decides to do. They are developed by Congress.

    Ex.) Taxes, defense, crime, health care, environment, civil rights.
  18. Legistlative Branch
    The power to make laws and frame public policies.
  19. Executive Branch
    The poewr to execute, enforce, and administer laws.
  20. Judicial Branch
    The power to interpret laws, determine their meaning, and to settle disputes.
  21. What is the constitution?
    The body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government. The power of government.
  22. What is federal government?
    When the powers are divided between a central government and local governments.
  23. What is a confederation?
    A small alliance of independent states. Matters are handled within the states, and military and foreign affairs are limited.
  24. What are the basic principles of American Democracy?
    Worth of individual, Equality of all persons, "Majority Rule, Minority Rights", Necessity of Compromise, and Individual Freedom.
  25. Describe a representative democracy.
    A small group of persons, chosen by the people to act as their representatives.
  26. What is a democracy?
    When supreme authority rests with the people.
  27. What is a dictatorship?
    When those who rule can not be held responsible to the will of the people.
  28. What type of dictatoryship is autocracy?
    When a single person holds unlimited power.
  29. What type of dictatorship is an oligarchy?
    When power is ruled by a small self-appointed elite.
  30. What is authoritarian?
    Holding absolute and unchallengable power.
  31. What is totalitarian?
    Exercising complete power over every aspect of human life.

Card Set Information

Chapter 1 Government and State
2012-09-24 23:16:01
AP Gov

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