Political Systems and Theories

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Questions and Answers

What is sovereignty?

Supreme power or authority

What is anarchy?

A lack of government and law

What characterizes a democracy/republic?

Government ruled by the people

What is an aristocracy/oligarchy?

A government ruled by a few powerful people Signup and view all the answers

Define authoritarian/totalitarian government.

A government in which one leader holds absolute power and all resources of the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a constitutional democracy?

A government that enforces recognized limits on those who govern, allowing the voice of the people to be heard. Signup and view all the answers

What is fascism?

A political system headed by a dictator that calls for extreme nationalism and racism and no tolerance of opposition. Signup and view all the answers

What does a theocracy entail?

A government controlled by religious leaders. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Enlightenment?

A movement in the 1700s that emphasized science and reason as guides to help see the world more clearly. Signup and view all the answers

Define humanism.

A belief that emphasizes faith and optimism in human potential and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What does secular mean?

Non-religious thought. Signup and view all the answers

What is liberty?

Freedom with responsibilities as a citizen. Signup and view all the answers

What are individual rights/civil rights/inalienable rights?

Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

What is the separation of powers?

The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is voter suppression?

When the government tries to stop certain types of people from voting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Magna Carta?

A 1215 AD document granting a fundamental guarantee of rights and privileges. Signup and view all the answers

What does the rule of law signify?

Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ideology?

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a revolution?

A forcible overthrow of a government in favor of a new form of government. Signup and view all the answers

Define coup d'etat.

A sudden overthrow of the government by a small group. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sovereignty

Supreme power or authority in a state or independent entity.

Anarchy

A state of disorder due to the absence or breakdown of government and law.

Democracy/Republic

Government ruled by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
Republics are representative democracies with a constitution that protects individual rights.

Aristocracy/Oligarchy

A government ruled by a small, privileged group of people, often based on wealth, birth, or social status.
Aristocracy generally refers to rule by nobility, while oligarchy refers to rule by a select few with power.

Authoritarian/Totalitarian Government

A government where one leader holds absolute power and controls all aspects of a nation's resources and life.
Often characterized by suppression of opposition and limited individual freedoms.

Constitutional Democracy

A government that operates within the framework of a constitution, limiting the power of those who govern and ensuring the voice of the people is heard.
Constitutions establish fundamental rights and principles that cannot be easily changed.

Fascism

An extreme political ideology characterized by nationalism, racism, a strong central leader, and suppression of opposition.
Fascist regimes often seek to control all aspects of society, including the economy and culture.

Theocracy

A government where religious leaders hold political power, often based on divine authority.
Religious law and principles are central to governance in a theocracy.

Enlightenment

A period in the 1700s that emphasized reason, science, and individual liberty.
Thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu challenged traditional authority and advocated for a separation of powers and individual rights.

Humanism

A philosophy that emphasizes human potential and creativity, often placing importance on individual worth and moral responsibility.
Humanists tend to focus on the here and now, seeking to improve human life and society.

Secular

Not based on or related to religion, but a separation of church and state.
Secular governments treat all religions equally.

Liberty

Freedom with responsibilities as a citizen.
Individuals have the right to express their views and participate in society, but must adhere to established laws.

Individual Rights/ Civil Rights/ Inalienable Rights

Basic liberties and rights guaranteed to all citizens, usually enshrined in a constitution or charter of rights.
Examples include freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to a fair trial.

Separation of powers/ System of Checks and Balances

Dividing government power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Each branch has its own responsibilities and can check the power of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too dominant.

Voter Suppression

Any action taken by the government that hinders or restricts people from voting, often targeting specific populations.
This can involve limiting voting access, changing election laws, or intimidating voters.

Magna Carta

A landmark document signed by King John in 1215, establishing principles of limited government and individual rights.
It influenced later declarations of rights and constitutionalism by guaranteeing certain freedoms and limiting the king’s power.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone, including those who govern, is subject to the same laws and legal processes.
This ensures fairness, predictability, and accountability in society.

Ideology

A system of ideas and beliefs that forms the basis of economic and political theory and policy.
Ideologies provide a framework for understanding the world and shaping social, economic, and political actions.

Revolution

A fundamental and often violent overthrow of a government or social order, leading to significant changes in power and structure.
Revolutions occur when there is widespread dissatisfaction with the existing system.

Coup d'état

A swift and forceful seizure of power by a small group, often involving military or political elites.
Coup d'états often involve the removal or incapacitation of the existing leadership.

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Description

This quiz explores various political systems including sovereignty, democracy, and types of governance like authoritarian and oligarchy. Test your understanding of how these systems function and their definitions. Dive into the foundational concepts that shape modern politics.