Hst403 Tiryaki J 2758722 TGA1.02
Hst403 Tiryaki J 2758722 TGA1.02
Hst403 Tiryaki J 2758722 TGA1.02
Name:
Directions: Using your phone, laptop, or the OLS lookup the definitions for each vocabulary term. Research
each term until you understand what the term means. Then, write the definition in your own words. There
might be multiple definitions for each term, so focus on the government driven definitions for each term!
Sovereignty:
supreme power or authority.
Nation:
a large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular
country or territory.
Government:
the governing body of a nation, state, or community.
Democracy:
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through
elected representatives.
Autocracy:
Autocracy is a system of government in which absolute power is held by the ruler, known as an autocrat. It
includes most forms of monarchy and dictatorship, while it is contrasted with democracy and feudalism.
Various definitions of autocracy exist.
Totalitarianism:
a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the
state.
Socialism:
a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production,
distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole.
Communism:
a political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is
publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.
Monarch:
a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor.
Assembly:
a group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose.
Legislature:
the legislative body of a country or state
Bicameral Legislature:
A bicameral legislature is a law-making body that consists of two chambers. Each chamber is composed of
separate powers to help ensure there are checks and balances within the system.
Republic:
a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an
elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
Popular Sovereignty:
In politics, popular sovereignty is the idea that government is authorized by citizens and influenced by what
they want. Popular sovereignty means a country's constitution must be ratified by the majority of the people
or their representatives. Popular sovereignty is one of the founding ideas of the United States.
Constitutional Government:
A constitutional government is a government that is structured according to a written document called a
constitution. In a constitutional government, the constitution is the supreme law of the land
Making Connections
Directions: Using the definitions you collected, answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.
1. In your own words, describe the difference between a democracy form of government and a
communist form of government.
In summary, the main difference between democracy and communism lies in the distribution of power,
economic systems, individual rights, and political structures. Democracies prioritize individual
freedoms, free elections, and market-based economies, while communist governments emphasize
collective ownership, central planning, and the pursuit of a classless society, often with a single ruling
party and more limited individual liberties.
2. Discuss the pros and cons of a socialist form of government. (Think about the definition and how a
socialist society would function.)
It's important to note that there are various forms of socialism, and their implementation can vary
significantly from one country to another. The pros and cons of a socialist system depend on how it is
structured and the specific policies put in place. Ultimately, whether socialism is viewed as beneficial or
detrimental often depends on one's political and ideological perspective.
3. In your opinion, which of the forms of government from the vocabulary list most closely represents the
government of the United States of America? Explain your answer.
While the United States has elements of democracy and republicanism, it's important to note that it is
a unique blend of these principles. The term "democratic republic" captures the essence of the
American system, where democratic elections and representation in a republican framework coexist.
It's also worth noting that the United States has characteristics of federalism, where power is shared
between the federal government and individual states, and it operates with a two-party political
system. These factors contribute to the complexity and uniqueness of the U.S. government.
4. If you could choose any form of government from the vocabulary list as a framework to start your own
society, which would you choose and why?
It's important to note that the success of any form of government depends on its implementation, the rule of
law, and the active engagement of citizens. The choice of a government framework should align with the
values and goals of the society it seeks to serve. Additionally, the specific details of how the government
operates and the extent of government involvement in various aspects of society would need to be carefully
considered and designed based on the unique needs and circumstances of the new society.