GED Social Studies Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a monarchy?

A system where people elect officials

One person from a royal family is ruler (correct)

Absolute power of one leader

Governed by a group of wise individuals

Which of the following describes a dictatorship?

Power shared among many

Governed by an elite group

People vote for their representatives

Absolute power of one leader (correct)

What does oligarchy mean?

Monarchy rule

Totalitarian control

Rule by democracy

Governed by a smart upper class group (correct)

What is representative democracy?

People elect officials to represent their views Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the central government?

Federal government Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the legislative branch?

Makes laws Signup and view all the answers

What does the executive branch do?

Carries out laws Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the judicial branch?

Interprets laws Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

A system that regulates the power of the federal government branches Signup and view all the answers

What does veto mean?

Refuse; not accept Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main political parties in the US?

Republicans and Democrats Signup and view all the answers

Define immigrants.

People moving to another country Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic economic systems?

Capitalism, Socialism, Communism Signup and view all the answers

What is a recession?

Period of low productivity and income Signup and view all the answers

What is a depression?

Severe recession Signup and view all the answers

Define inflation.

Increase in prices Signup and view all the answers

What does deflation mean?

Decrease in prices Signup and view all the answers

What is communism?

Economic system where government interference is the most Signup and view all the answers

What is capitalism?

Economic system where government interference is the least Signup and view all the answers

What is the Federal Reserve System?

Keeps economy in balance Signup and view all the answers

What does Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measure?

Total value of goods and services produced; is used to measure economic growth Signup and view all the answers

What is Gross National Product (GNP)?

Indicator of GDP plus foreign investments Signup and view all the answers

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

Measures changes in cost of living Signup and view all the answers

What are topographical maps?

Maps that give details about land Signup and view all the answers

Define elevation.

How high something is Signup and view all the answers

What is the equator?

Central horizontal line on the globe Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Prime Meridian.

Central vertical line on the globe Signup and view all the answers

What is latitude?

Horizontal line on the globe Signup and view all the answers

Define longitude.

Vertical line on the globe Signup and view all the answers

What describes a tropical climate?

Hot, wet with little seasonal change Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a temperate climate?

Characterized by four seasons Signup and view all the answers

What is an arctic climate?

A climate with long cold winters and short cool summers Signup and view all the answers

What does demography study?

A study of the changes in population Signup and view all the answers

Define rural areas.

Lesser developed areas with lots of farmland Signup and view all the answers

What are urban areas?

Areas with buildings, factories, and technology Signup and view all the answers

What is a census?

System of acquiring and recording information about members of a given population Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Government

Monarchy: A system where one individual from a royal family is the ruler.
Dictatorship: Governance characterized by the absolute power of a single leader.
Oligarchy: A form of government run by a small, elite class that is typically educated and privileged.
Representative Democracy: A political system where citizens elect officials to represent their views and make decisions on their behalf.

Government Structure

Central Government: Also termed as Federal Government, it refers to the primary governing body in a federal state.
Legislative Branch: The segment of the federal government responsible for making laws.
Executive Branch: This branch carries out and enforces laws enacted by the legislative branch.
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly.
Checks and Balances: A system designed to prevent any one branch of government from acquiring too much power.

Political Parties and Immigration

Major Political Parties: The United States primarily recognizes two main political parties: Republicans and Democrats.
Immigrants: Individuals who relocate to a different country for various reasons, including economic opportunities and safety.

Economic Systems and Indicators

Basic Economic Systems: Three main systems include Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism, each differing in government involvement.
Recession: A period marked by reduced productivity and income levels.
Depression: A more severe and prolonged economic downturn than a recession.
Inflation: The increase in the overall price level of goods and services in an economy.
Deflation: A decrease in the general price level of goods and services.
Communism: An economic framework with significant government control over production and distribution.
Capitalism: An economic model characterized by minimal government interference in the economy.

Economic Measurements

Federal Reserve System: Manages the U.S. economy by influencing monetary policy and maintaining balance.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Represents the total value of all goods and services produced, indicating economic growth.
Gross National Product (GNP): Measures GDP plus income generated from foreign investments.
Consumer Price Index (CPI): Gauges changes in the cost of living over time.

Geographic and Climatic Concepts

Topographical Maps: Provide detailed representations of landforms and terrain features.
Elevation: Refers to the height of a geographical location above a reference point, typically sea level.
Equator: The horizontal line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Prime Meridian: The vertical line that splits the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Latitude: Represents the horizontal lines on the globe, indicating north-south position.
Longitude: Vertical lines on the globe that designate east-west position.

Climate Types

Tropical Climate: Characterized by hot, humid conditions with minimal seasonal variation.
Temperate Climate: Defined by the presence of four distinct seasons throughout the year.
Arctic Climate: Noted for its prolonged cold winters and brief cool summers.

Population Studies

Demography: The statistical study of populations, focusing on birth, death, migration, and other changes.
Rural Areas: Regions that are less developed, typically with significant agricultural land.
Urban Areas: Densely populated regions featuring buildings, factories, and advanced infrastructure.
Census: A systematic process for collecting and recording demographic information about a population.

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Description

Test your knowledge of essential social studies terms with these flashcards. Covering various forms of government, these definitions will help you understand key concepts needed for the GED exam. Perfect for quick review and memorization.