High School Government Unit 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between a republic and a democracy?

A republic has a charter or constitution that limits power. (correct)

A republic allows for majority rule.

A democracy is a representative government.

A democracy has a charter or constitution that limits power.

What is the federal system of government?

A system where power is shared by a powerful central government and states or provinces.

Match the following forms of government with their descriptions:

Federal System = Power is shared between central and state governments. Unitary System = One central government controls weaker states. Confederal System = Weak organization of states follows a strong central government.

What is the difference between a presidential and a parliamentary form of government?

<p>In a presidential system, the president is separate from the legislative body; in a parliamentary system, the chief executive is part of the legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define Social Contract Theory.

<p>A theory that addresses the legitimacy of authority and the obligations of citizens to obey the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Difference Between a Republic and a Democracy

A republic is a representative government limited by a constitution protecting individual rights, while a democracy is ruled by the majority's will.
In a democratic system, the majority can act without restrictions, potentially infringing on minority rights.
A true democracy operates under the principle of majority rule, prioritizing collective will over individual protections.
In contrast, a republic safeguards against majority tyranny by ensuring representation and rights for minorities.

Federal, Unitary, and Confederation Styles of Government

Federal System: Power is divided between a strong central government and states or provinces, allowing for self-rule (e.g., United States, Australia).
Unitary System: Central government holds all power, with weaker states having little autonomy (e.g., China, United Kingdom).
Confederal System: Loose alliance of states that can choose to follow a central government with limited authority (e.g., Commonwealth of Independent States, Confederate States of America).
Key distinctions:
- Unitary systems centralize political authority.
- Confederations grant nearly all power to individual states.

Presidential vs. Parliamentary Government

In a presidential system, the president operates independently of the legislative body, allowing for checks and balances between branches.
In a parliamentary system, the chief executive (prime minister) is a member of the legislature, making it directly accountable to the legislative body.
Elections differ: in a presidential system, the president and legislature are elected separately; in a parliamentary system, the legislature elects the prime minister from its members.
Legislative enactment varies:
- Presidential systems face potential legislative gridlock if the president's views conflict with the legislature.
- Parliamentary systems allow for swift legislative action, and a prime minister can be removed by a vote of no confidence.

Concepts of governance emerge from mutual agreements to form society, balancing individual rights and collective responsibilities.
Philosophical roots suggest legitimacy of authority derives from the consent of the governed.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of Unit 2 in high school government. This set of flashcards covers the differences between a republic and a democracy, along with other essential definitions and principles of governance. Enhance your understanding of political systems with these interactive learning tools.