Chapter 1 Section 2 Terms

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Autocracy

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A type of dictatorship in which a single person holds all political power.

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Oligarchy

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Government in which a small, usually self-appointed group has the sole power to rule.

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Unitary Government

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A government in which all power belongs to one central agency which may grant some powers to local governments.

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Federal Government

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A government in which power is divided between one central and several local governments usually according to a constitution.

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Division of Powers

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The split of power between central and local governments.

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Confederation

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An alliance of independent states that grant limited powers, usually involving defense or foreign affairs, to a central government.

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Presidential Government

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A government with separate executive and legislative branches; the details of this separation of powers are spelled out in a constitution.

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Parliamentary Government

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A government in which the executive branch is part of the legislative branch and subject to its control.

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Direct Democracy

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The people pass all laws by discussing and voting on them in meetings, such as town meetings.

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Representative Democracy (Indirect)

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The people elect agents who make and carry out the laws. These representatives rule with the consent of the governed and can be removed by the people at election time.