Unit 1 Foundations of American Democracy Vocabulary

natural rights

• A right that is inherent in nature
• A right that is granted by law
• A right that is given by the government

• A right that is earned by merit

Republic

• A type of government where representatives are elected by the people

• A type of government ruled by a dictator

• A type of government with a small group of people ruling

• A type of government with a king

Direct democracy

• A system where citizens vote directly on laws
• A system where only the president makes decisions
• A system where decisions are made by representatives
• A system where decisions are made by a monarch

Indirect democracy

• A system where citizens vote on laws directly
• A system where representatives elected by citizens make decisions
• A system where a single leader makes all decisions
• A system where decisions are made by a council of elders

Rule of Law

• A leader does not have to follow the laws

• Rule by the majority
• Laws are made by the rich

• Principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law

Limited Government

• A government with unlimited power
• A government with no power
• A government with restricted power
• A government with absolute power

Separation of Powers

• The President has all the powers
• The powers are divided among the three branches of government
• The powers are held by the military
• The powers are held by the wealthiest citizens

Social Contract

• A theory in political philosophy that states society is best left without a strong leader

• A theory in political philosophy that states people give up rights to the government to maintain order

• A theory in political philosophy that states individual rights are guaranteed

• A contract between two contries

Checks and balances

• A system in which each branch of government has its own powers but are limited by the powers of the other branches

• A system in which the government checks the balance of citizens
• A system in which the government balances the checks of citizens
• A system in which the government checks the balance of other countries

popular sovereignty

• A principle that allows the people hold the power in a government

• A type of government where the king or queen has all the power
• A political system where power is divided between the national and state governments
• A system where the government controls all aspects of the economy