Gov Semester Exam Vocab Flashcards

Front

A system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

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representative democracy

Front

A form of government where a single person or a small group holds absolute power, often without the consent of the people.

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dictatorship

Front

A system of government where independent states or regions retain significant power, and a central government has limited authority.

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confederal government

Front

A philosophical idea that suggests individuals voluntarily give up some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and benefits of living in a society governed by laws.

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social contract theory

Front

The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government with limited powers and gave more power to the individual states.

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Articles of Confederation

Front

A collection of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to persuade the citizens of New York to adopt the US Constitution.

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Federalist Papers

Front

Powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are considered necessary for the government to carry out its duties.

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implied powers

Front

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government.

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enumerated powers

Front

A clause in the US Constitution that establishes the federal government's laws and treaties as the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.

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supremacy clause

Front

The third amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the government from forcing citizens to quarter soldiers in their homes.

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Third Amendment