U1 & 2 Political and Governmental Concepts

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Nation

Back

A group of people united by bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, and sometimes, religion.

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State

Back

A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government (used interchangeably with country).

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Country

Back

A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government (used interchangeably with state).

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Sovereignty

Back

The supreme and absolute authority within territorial boundaries.

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Individual rights

Back

Rights that should be protected from government interference.

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Social contract

Back

Theory that by contract, people surrender to the state the power needed to maintain order and the state, in turn, agrees to protect its citizens.

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Unalienable rights

Back

Not transferable to another or not capable of being taken away or denied.

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Divine right

Back

Belief that a monarchy’s power was given to them by the authority of God.

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Limited government

Back

Policy of restricting the power of government officials in order to ensure the freedoms of the people.

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Constitution

Back

Document outlining the fundamental principles and structures of a government.