Government and Political Concepts

Front

Authoritarian Governments

Back

Limited or no citizen participation, power held by a small group or single leader.

Front

Democratic Governments

Back

Citizens have a role in choosing leaders and making laws.

Front

Oligarchy

Back

Small group holds power.

Front

Direct Democracy

Back

Citizens vote directly on laws and diplomacy.

Front

Representative Democracy

Back

Citizens elect representatives to make political decisions.

Front

Republic

Back

Democratic government that is limited by a Constitution.

Front

Separation of Powers

Back

Government power divided into different branches to prevent abuse from a single branch of government.

Front

Checks and Balances

Back

Each branch can limit the other's power.

Front

Legislative Branch

Back

Lawmaking branch. (Congress)

Front

Executive Branch

Back

Enforces the laws. (President and Cabinet)