American Government

Mr. Bordelon

Key Terms

Describes a state that has supreme power within its territory.

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Describes a state that has supreme power within its territory.Sovereignty.

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Institution through which society makes and enforces its policies.

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Institution through which society makes and enforces its policies.Government.

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That which a government decides to do.

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That which a government decides to do.Public policy.

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An alliance of independent states that expressly delegates limited powers to a central government.

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An alliance of independent states that expressly delegates limited powers to a central government.Confederation or confederate government.

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A form of government that is often totalitarian and authoritarian; can be led by one person or many people.

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A form of government that is often totalitarian and authoritarian; can be led by one person or many people.Dictatorship.

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In a _____, the executive branch of government is led by members of the legislative branch.

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In a _____, the executive branch of government is led by members of the legislative branch.Parliamentary government.

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A _____ is also known as a centralized government.

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A _____ is also known as a centralized government.Unitary government.

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The basic structure and principles of a government may be found in its _____.

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The basic structure and principles of a government may be found in its _____.Constitution.

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_____ is the power to write new laws.

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_____ is the power to write new laws.Legislative power.

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Government regulates and promotes businesses in a _____.

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Government regulates and promotes businesses in a _____.Mixed economy.

Main Ideas

What four characteristics define a state?

Main Ideas

What four characteristics define a state?A state is a body of people living in a

defined territory, organized with a government and the power to make laws without the consent of a higher authority.

Population, territory, sovereignty, government.

Main Ideas

• What are the four political theories behind state formation, and explain each?

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• What are the four political theories behind state formation, and explain each?– Force theory. One person or group forced

others to submit to its rule.– Evolutionary theory. State evolved from an

original family.– Divine Right theory. God created the state

and gave rulers right to rule.– Social Contract theory. People joined

together to form the state.

Main Ideas

What theory on the origin of the state was most influential in the founding of the United States?

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What theory on the origin of the state was most influential in the founding of the United States?Social Contract theory.

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In what three ways can we classify governments?

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In what three ways can we classify governments?PopulationGeographic Distribution of PowerRelationship Between Legislative Branch

and Executive Branch

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In a democracy, to whom is the government responsible?

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In a democracy, to whom is the government responsible?The people.

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In a dictatorship, to whom is the government responsible?

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In a dictatorship, to whom is the government responsible?No one. The person in power has final

authority.

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What is the difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy?

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What is the difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy?In an autocracy, one person holds power,

while in an oligarchy, a small group holds power.

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What are the three forms of government based on geographic distribution, and explain?

Main Ideas• What are the three forms of government

based on geographic distribution, and explain?– Unitary. Centralized government with the

central agency controlling all government powers.

– Federal. Powers of government are divided between a central government and local governments.

– Confederate. Alliance of independent states with a central organization carrying out powers the states give it.

Main Ideas

How is power distributed in a presidential government?

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How is power distributed in a presidential government?Two branches, executive and legislative, are

separate and check and balance each other.

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What is the free enterprise system?

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What is the free enterprise system?An economic system characterized by

private ownership of goods and private investment, with profit and competition determined by a free market.

Main Ideas

What is a mixed economy?

Main Ideas

What is a mixed economy?In a mixed economy, private enterprise is

combined with government regulation and participation.