Questions and Answers
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 is a confederation?
Alliance of independent states.
What defines a federal government?
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What is a parliamentary government?
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What is a presidential government?
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How do political scientists classify governments?
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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?
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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.
