Understanding Government and Its Functions

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make laws instead of being ruled by a king.

A system where individuals have the freedom to acquire property and operate businesses without excessive government control.

A Scottish philosopher who argued for individual freedom in acquiring property and the benefits of a free market.

A political system where citizens govern themselves through direct or indirect participation.

A belief that democracy and capitalism naturally work together, promoting individual freedom and economic growth.

A potential drawback of capitalism that could lead to power imbalances and inequality.

An alternative economic system where the government owns and controls major means of production.

The theory that a free market with competition will regulate itself, ensuring low prices and high-quality goods.

Goods that are available to many people, but only if they can afford to pay the price.

A type of good that is available to everyone, typically without additional charge, and where one person's use does not diminish another's.

A system where the government provides essential services like public education, police and fire protection, mail service, and healthcare for the poor.

Education that is funded by the government and free to all students, from kindergarten through high school.

Education that is provided by private institutions and requires tuition payments.

A type of good that is available to many people, but only if they can pay the price. It falls between public and private goods.

Examples include public education, public transportation, mail service, and healthcare for the poor. These services are funded by taxes.

Government provides stability and security in the form of a military, police, and fire departments. These services are essential for a functioning society.

Goods that are available for everyone to use without paying, but have a limited supply, like fish in the ocean or clean drinking water.

Government services like emergency medical services, fire departments, and police departments that are funded through taxes and provided for free to the public.

A type of government where a small group of people, often from a specific political party or elite, holds power.

Goods and services provided by private businesses that earn profit in return, freely available for purchase by those who can afford them.

The idea of using resources in a way that ensures future generations can also benefit from them, like setting fishing limits to prevent overfishing.

Goods or services that are available to everyone without charge, often provided by the government, where it would be difficult or impractical for the private sector to provide them.

The government's role in regulating access to common goods to prevent overuse and ensure everyone has fair access to the resource.

The conflict between the desire to protect a resource and the economic interests of those who rely on it, using the example of fishing limits.

The ability of the government to implement laws and policies, even if some citizens might not initially agree, through means like taxation and enforcement.

The process of setting fishing limits involving various stakeholders, including scientists, politicians, local resource managers, and fishing groups.

The concept that the market, where businesses compete to provide goods and services, does not always meet the needs of all people, particularly those in poverty, thus requiring government intervention to ensure basic necessities are accessible.

The importance of protecting common goods to ensure their continued availability for everyone, without causing harm to the supply.

The process where the government collects money (taxes) from citizens and businesses and then uses that money to fund public services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The government plays a significant role in providing essential services and protecting common goods for the benefit of all citizens. It involves balancing the need for sustainability with economic interests.

The close relationship between the government and the capitalist economic system in the United States. The government can influence the market through regulations and spending, while the market provides goods and services that contribute to the economy and meet the needs of citizens.

A situation where the government enforces rules and regulations to ensure the sustainability of natural resources, such as fish populations, for future generations.

The idea that it is acceptable to limit individual freedoms, such as fishing practices, to protect the common good and resources for the benefit of future generations.

Laws or rules created by governments to control the actions of businesses, such as limiting pollution or ensuring product safety.

The idea that a free market, where businesses compete freely without much government intervention, can effectively regulate itself by balancing supply and demand.

The idea that government regulations often limit the freedoms of individuals and businesses, sometimes seen as interfering with individual rights.

The use of taxes to generate funds that are distributed by the government to finance public services, such as education, infrastructure, and social programs.

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

A system of government where citizens directly participate in making decisions.

The principle of respecting the rights of minorities even when they are outnumbered by the majority.

The idea that the will of the majority should prevail in decision-making.

The process of actively engaging in a democracy, like voting or contacting representatives.

A gathering where citizens debate and vote on laws in a direct democracy.

Voting for representatives to speak for you in a government.

The right of citizens to participate in the government, either directly or through representatives.