Government Chapter 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of Public Policy?

A policy that only applies to government officials.
The many goals government pursues in various areas of human affairs. (correct)
A financial plan created by the government.
None of the above.

What does the Division of Powers refer to?

The allocation of funds for various government functions.
The constitutional provisions dividing governmental powers geographically. (correct)
The separation of powers among the branches of government.
The sharing of power with international organizations.

What does it mean to be Sovereign?

Having supreme power within its territory, not subordinate to any other authority.

What is the primary function of Government?

To make and enforce public policies. Signup and view all the answers

What are Executive Powers?

The power to execute, enforce, and administer law. Signup and view all the answers

What do Legislative Powers involve?

The power to make laws and frame public policies. Signup and view all the answers

What are Judicial Powers?

The power to interpret laws and determine the constitutionality of government actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Constitution?

A body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of government. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Democracy?

A form of government in which the supreme authority rests with the people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Dictatorship?

A form of government in which the leader has absolute power and authority. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a State?

A body of people living in a defined territory with a governing authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is Autocracy?

A form of government where a single person holds unlimited political power. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an Oligarchy?

A form of government where power is held by a small elite. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Federal Government?

A government where powers are divided between a central government and local governments. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Unitary Government?

A centralized government where all powers belong to a single agency. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Confederation?

A joining of several groups for a common purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What describes a Presidential Government?

A government where the executive and legislative branches are separate and coequal. Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about a Parliamentary Government?

The executive branch includes the prime minister and their cabinet. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Mixed Economy?

An economy where private enterprise coexists with government regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Compromise entail?

An adjustment of opposing principles or systems by modifying some aspect of each. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Free Enterprise System?

An economic system characterized by private ownership of capital goods and investment decisions made by individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Law of Supply and Demand?

A law stating that when supplies are plentiful, prices tend to drop, and when supplies are scarce, prices tend to rise. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public Policy

Encompasses the various goals pursued by government in different areas of society.

Division of Powers

Fundamental aspect of federalism; divides governmental powers geographically across congressional districts in the U.S.

Sovereign

Term for a state or entity with supreme authority over its territory, independent of external control.

Government

Defined as the institution that creates and enforces public policies in society.

Executive Powers

Authorities responsible for executing and enforcing laws within the government structure.

Legislative Powers

Powers allocated to create laws and develop public policy frameworks.

Judicial Powers

Authorities that interpret laws and assess the constitutionality of government actions.

Constitution

A foundational document that outlines the principles, structure, and procedures of a government.

Democracy

Government system where the ultimate power resides with the people, reflecting popular sovereignty.

Dictatorship

Political system where a single leader possesses absolute authority and control.

State

Defined as a collective of people in a specific territory with governance capable of making and enforcing laws independently.

Autocracy

Government structure where unlimited political power is concentrated in one individual.

Oligarchy

Governance model where a small, self-selected elite group holds ruling power.

Federal Government

System where powers are distributed between a central authority and regional/local governments.

Unitary Government

Centralized government model where all powers are managed by a single governing body.

Confederation

Alliance of multiple groups collaborating for a common objective or purpose.

Presidential Government

Government structure featuring separate, independent branches of executive and legislative power.

Parliamentary Government

System where the executive branch includes a prime minister and cabinet, often derived from legislative members.

Mixed Economy

Economic framework blending private enterprise with significant government oversight and support.

Compromise

Process of reconciling differing principles by adjusting aspects of each side’s policy or position.

Free Enterprise System

Economic system focused on private ownership of capital, where investments and market decisions are mainly driven by individual choice.

Law of Supply and Demand

Economic principle stating that abundant supply typically lowers prices, while scarcity tends to increase them.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in government with these flashcards from Chapter 1. Terms such as public policy, division of powers, and sovereignty are defined to help you understand this essential subject in political science. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone interested in learning more about government structure.