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Questions and Answers
What type of government is defined as a government in which a single person holds unlimited political power?
What type of government is defined as a government in which a single person holds unlimited political power?
What form of government is described as being held by a small group?
What form of government is described as being held by a small group?
What is a confederation?
What is a confederation?
Alliance of independent states.
What defines a federal government?
What defines a federal government?
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What is a parliamentary government?
What is a parliamentary government?
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What is a presidential government?
What is a presidential government?
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How do political scientists classify governments?
How do political scientists classify governments?
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How can the U.S. be considered a republic, not a democracy?
How can the U.S. be considered a republic, not a democracy?
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What type of government has power residing with the central government and local governments being secondary?
What type of government has power residing with the central government and local governments being secondary?
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In a parliamentary government, who belongs to both the executive and legislative branches?
In a parliamentary government, who belongs to both the executive and legislative branches?
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Study Notes
Government Classifications and Structures
- Autocracy: A system where a single individual holds absolute political power, limiting citizen participation.
- Oligarchy: Power is concentrated in the hands of a small group, which may be distinguished by wealth, nobility, or military control.
- Confederation: An alliance formed by independent states, each retaining significant control and sovereignty while collaborating on shared interests.
- Federal Government: Authority is divided between a central governing body and regional/local governments, allowing for a balance of power.
- Parliamentary Government: The executive branch is led by a prime minister and cabinet, both of which derive their legitimacy from the legislative branch.
- Presidential Government: Features a distinct separation where the legislative and executive branches operate independently and equally.
- Political Science Classification: Governments can be classified based on the level of public participation in governance, ranging from autocracies to democratic systems.
U.S. Government Structure
- Republic vs. Democracy: The U.S. is defined as a republic because officials are elected to represent the population, ensuring that the public's will is expressed through these representatives.
- Unitary Government: In this structure, primary power lies with the central government, while local governments serve subordinate roles.
- Parliamentary Role: In parliamentary systems, the prime minister is a member of both executive and legislative branches, linking the two arms of government closely.
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Description
Explore key concepts from Government Chapter 1 Section 2 with these flashcards. Learn essential terms such as Autocracy, Oligarchy, and Confederation, and understand the structure of a Federal Government. This quiz is designed to reinforce your knowledge of fundamental government types and their characteristics.