Civics Midterm Vocabulary

the government's authority and ability to get things done

any decision made by government in pursuit of a particular goal

ultimate, supreme power for a state to act within its territory

rights that exist simply by being human

theory of government where the govt and the people being governed enter into an agreement about how governing should take place.

form of government in which political power is exercised by a single ruler, such as a king or queen, who exercises absolute authority under the claim of divine right or hereditary right

system of rule in which one person has ultimate control of govt power, often by force.

rule by few small groups of people, usually members of the military or economic elite, often by force

indirect form of democracy in which people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf

A system of government in which citizens elect representatives, or leaders, to make decisions about the laws for all the people.

ability of people to act and think as they choose, so long as their choices do no harm to the liberty or wellbeing of others

principle that all people possess a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment under the law and equal opportunity in all aspects of life - political, social, economic

belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves and do so as political equals

group of people who supported the adoption of the Constitution and a strong national government

group of people who opposed the adoption of the Constitution