Civic Government and Democracy Flashcards

Grade 9 · Social Studies · Flashcards

Essential terms for understanding democratic government and civic life.

Flashcards

Democracy: Government where power is held by the people, directly or through elected representatives.
Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly on all laws; practiced in ancient Athens and some modern referendums.
Representative democracy: Citizens elect officials to govern on their behalf; also called a republic.
Separation of powers: Dividing government among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent power concentration.
Checks and balances: System allowing each branch of government to limit the powers of the other two.
Rule of law: All people and institutions, including leaders, are subject to and accountable under the law.
Federalism: Division of governmental power between a national government and regional (state) governments.
Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments to the US Constitution; protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, and due process.
Parliamentary system: Government where the executive (prime minister) is chosen by and accountable to the legislature.
Judicial review: The court's power to strike down laws that violate the constitution; a key check on legislative power.
Suffrage: The right to vote in political elections.
Civic responsibility: Duties citizens owe to their democratic society, including voting, jury service, and obeying the law.