Government Units:Vocabulary Chapters 1-5

Accountability

• The responsibility of individuals or organizations to explain their actions and decisions to the public

• • Holding a monopoly on resources.

• • A system where only the government is responsible.

• • The ability to influence others’ decisions.

Bias

• • The process of making fair judgments.

• • An objective perspective on all matters.

• A preference or prejudice for or against something or someone that can affect impartial judgment.

• • A system for resolving conflicts in government.

Bill

• • An official appointment to a government position.

• • A type of government funding.

• • A public meeting to discuss issues.

• A proposed law presented to a legislature for approval.

Cabinet Minister

• • An assistant to the President or Prime Minister.

• • A member of the executive branch in charge of a specific ministry or department.

• • The head of the legislative branch.

• • A representative of an independent advisory board.

Civil Servant/Service

• • Military personnel assigned to government offices.

• • Citizens who volunteer in the community.

• • Elected officials who represent the people.

• Employees and services provided by the government who work in public administration but are not elected officials.

Constitution

• • A document describing cultural traditions.

• • A guideline written by political parties.

• A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or organization is governed.

• • A formal law that changes yearly.

Constituent/Constituency

• • A person represented by an elected official / the area represented by an elected official.

• • The primary leader of a political party.

• • The division of government departments.

• • The sum of all citizens within a nation.

Democracy

• • A system where leaders are chosen by lottery.

• • A form of government led by one central figure.

• • A government where officials are appointed by inheritance.

• • A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

Electorate

• • Citizens selected to serve on a jury.

• • Individuals running for office in an election.

• • A council of elected representatives.

• • All the people in a country or area who are eligible to vote in an election.

Executive Branch

• • The advisory committee to the legislative body.

• • The branch responsible for reviewing laws.

• • The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

• • The branch that creates laws.