| A | B |
|---|
| dictatorship | a form of government in which the leader has absolute power and authority supported by the military |
| democracy | a form of government in which the supreme authority rests with the people |
| civics | peoples' rights and responsibilities as citizens |
| petition | a written request to do something |
| Bill of Rights | first ten amendments of the Constitution |
| plebiscite | direct vote on an issue or proposal |
| enumerated | specifically defined powers to a governing body |
| precinct | imaginary boundaries to create an election district |
| ward | a division of a city or town for political purposes |
| polling place | location in your community where voting in elections are held |
| bicameal | a legislative body composed of two chambers |
| confederation | a joining of several groups for a common purpose |
| delegate | representative |
| popular sovereignty | asserts that the people are the source of any and all governmental power |
| Articles of Confederation | plan of government adopted by the Continental Congress establishing a "firm league of friendship", but allowing few important powers to the central government |
| ratification | formal approval |
| Federalists | those persons who supported the ratification of the Constitution |
| Anti-Federalists | those persons who opposed the ratification of the Constitution |
| evolutionary theory | belief that governments developed out of the family order |
| force theory | idea that government developed out of the dominace of a few over others |
| divine right theory | idea that god entitled some to lead others |
| autocracy | any kind of government with a single leader with unlimited power |
| collaboration | to work together in a joint effort |
| majority rule | when greater than 50% make decisions |
| concensus | an agreement by all parties |
| rule of law | idea that no one is above the law |
| civil rights | rights to personal liberties (9th,13th, 14th amendments) |
| selective service | system of conscription (the draft) |
| jury duty | one of the highest responsibilities of citizenship |
| Presidential system | leader of the executive branch is elected |
| parliamentary system | a Prime minister is chosen by majority party members |
| confederate system | very little centralized power |
| compromise | all sides give up something to for an agreement |
