Unit 1 Vocab Flashcards

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Confederation

Back

A joining of several groups to support a common purpose (like colonies fighting for independence)

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Divine right theory

Back

15th-18th century theory that suggested God had created the state and that God had given those of a royal birth “divine right” to rule

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Magna Carta

Back

Great Charter forced upon King John of England by his barons in 1215; established that the power of the monarchy was not absolute

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Federal government

Back

A form of government in which powers are divided between a central government and several local governments

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Compromise

Back

A way of settling differences in which each side gives up something to reach an agreement that everyone can accept

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Government

Back

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies

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Oligarchy

Back

Type of government where the people are ruled by a small, elite group

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Constitution

Back

The body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government

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Consent of the governed

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The idea that government gets its power from the people, who agree to be governed by voting and participating in civic life

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Division of powers

Back

Basic principle of federalism; the constitutional provisions by which governmental powers are divided on a geographic basis