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Questions and Answers
Who wrote that in a 'state of nature,' no government existed and life was 'cruel, brutish, and short'?
Who wrote that in a 'state of nature,' no government existed and life was 'cruel, brutish, and short'?
Thomas Hobbes
In a ___ system, the national government has the key powers and can create state and local governments.
In a ___ system, the national government has the key powers and can create state and local governments.
unitary
What sets forth the goals of the government in the constitution?
What sets forth the goals of the government in the constitution?
Preamble
What term did Karl Marx use to refer to workers who produce goods?
What term did Karl Marx use to refer to workers who produce goods?
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What term did Karl Marx use to refer to those who own the means of production?
What term did Karl Marx use to refer to those who own the means of production?
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What is a plan for government called?
What is a plan for government called?
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What type of government is ruled by a king, queen, or emperor?
What type of government is ruled by a king, queen, or emperor?
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What is the economic system in the United States?
What is the economic system in the United States?
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A civil society helps democracy to prosper.
A civil society helps democracy to prosper.
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What is a characteristic of capitalism?
What is a characteristic of capitalism?
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What theory suggests that the state evolved from family?
What theory suggests that the state evolved from family?
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Who wrote about communism?
Who wrote about communism?
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What defines government powers?
What defines government powers?
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Who is known as a social contract theorist?
Who is known as a social contract theorist?
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Who is known as a free market theorist?
Who is known as a free market theorist?
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What is one purpose of government?
What is one purpose of government?
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What form of democracy do we have in the U.S.?
What form of democracy do we have in the U.S.?
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What characterizes communist countries?
What characterizes communist countries?
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What term describes supreme and absolute authority?
What term describes supreme and absolute authority?
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What is a requirement of democracy?
What is a requirement of democracy?
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What is the statement in the constitution that outlines its goals?
What is the statement in the constitution that outlines its goals?
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What type of dictatorship is characterized as totalitarian?
What type of dictatorship is characterized as totalitarian?
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What describes public ownership of most land?
What describes public ownership of most land?
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What theory suggests the origin of the state is in family?
What theory suggests the origin of the state is in family?
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What is described as a hands-off attitude?
What is described as a hands-off attitude?
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What is the name of the plan that provides the rules for government?
What is the name of the plan that provides the rules for government?
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This principle is concerned with a government's power and the rights of citizens.
This principle is concerned with a government's power and the rights of citizens.
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Study Notes
Key Political Philosophers
- Thomas Hobbes described life in a "state of nature" as "cruel, brutish, and short" due to the absence of government.
- Karl Marx identified the working class as the Proletariat and the owning class as the Bourgeoisie.
- John Locke is known as a social contract theorist who focused on the rights of individuals.
- Adam Smith is recognized as a key figure in free market theory, advocating for economic freedom.
Government Structures and Concepts
- A unitary system grants national governments key powers, allowing them to establish state and local governments.
- The Preamble to the Constitution outlines the government's goals and purposes.
- A monarchy is a political system where a king, queen, or emperor holds ultimate authority.
Economic Systems
- The mixed-market economy in the United States combines elements of both capitalism and government involvement.
- Capitalism is characterized by freedom of choice, allowing individuals to make economic decisions.
- In communist countries, a command economy is implemented where government dictates production and distribution.
Foundations of Democracy
- A civil society supports and nurtures democracy, enabling it to thrive.
- Representative democracy is the form adopted by the U.S., where officials are elected to represent the populace.
- The principle of majority rule is essential for ensuring democratic decisions reflect the wishes of most citizens.
Legal Framework
- A constitution serves as the foundational plan for government, providing rules and guidelines for governance.
- Constitutional law is the body of law defining government powers and protecting citizens' rights.
- Sovereignty refers to the supreme and absolute authority of a governing body.
Additional Political Concepts
- Socialism involves public ownership of the majority of land and resources.
- Totalitarian dictatorship is a type of autocracy where one party or ruler maintains absolute control over the state.
- The evolutionary theory suggests the state originated from family structures, emphasizing gradual development over time.
- Laissez-faire represents a hands-off approach to economic management, advocating minimal government intervention in markets.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts from Chapter 1 of U.S. Government with these flashcards. This quiz covers important definitions and ideas related to foundational political theories and the structure of government. Perfect for students preparing for exams or anyone looking to refresh their understanding of U.S. Government.
