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Government of the United States of America - Coggle Diagram
Government of the United States of America
Principles of the US Constitution
Republicanism
voters hold the powers and elect representatives to exercise power for them
Federalism
power is divided between national and state governments, limiting central power
Popular Sovereignty
a political term that simply means that the “people are the rulers.” This term is usually used in reference to political issues that are settled by popular vote or to governments based on the concept of democracy
Separation of Powers
each branch of government has its own responsibilities and limitations
Checks and Balances
each of the three branches of government exercises some control over the others, sharing power among them.
Limited Government
powers of government are restricted by the constitution
Major Responsibilities of State Governments
Establish local governments
Issue licenses for marriage, driving, hunting, etc...
Regulate commerce within the state
Ratify amendments
Support the public health of the citizens
Set laws for legal drinking and smoking ages
Create state Constitutions
Any power not specifically given to the national government
Major Responsibilities of Local Government
enforce state and local laws
promote public health
protect public safety
educate children
protect the environment
regulate land use
levy and collect taxes
Forms of Government
Federalist
a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government.
Oligarchy
a government in which power is held by a select few individuals or a small class of powerful people.
Monarchy
a political system in which supreme authority is vested in the monarch, an individual ruler who functions as head of state
Democracy
is a form of government in which the people have the authority to deliberate and decide legislation ("direct democracy"), or to choose governing officials to do so ("representative democracy").
Dictatorship
form of government in which one person or a small group possesses absolute power without effective constitutional limitations
Parliamentary Systems
power is derived, the party with the greatest representation form the government and decide who will be the prime minister or chancellor