St Petersburg College Civic Literacy Flashcards

St Petersburg College Civic Literacy Flashcards Democracy Type of government where power is derived from the people, either directly or indirectly. Representative Democracy or Democratic Republic An indirect or a representative democracy where eligible voters choose representatives to act on their behalf and make political decisions. Constitutional Democracy A government that draws its legitimacy from an authoritative document (a constitution) that defines the nation's system of government, its laws and usually the rights of its citizens. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The Constitution describes who will make national laws, who will enforce them and who will interpret it. Social Contract Theory The belief that people are free and equal by natural right but will give up some freedom to give power to the government so that the government can protect their rights. Consent of the Governed The idea that our government derives its power from the people because we elect representatives to the legislative branch of government. Checks and Balances