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Political Systems
Government Systems
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| autocracy | all authority rests with one (single) ruler; citizens do not have a say in decisions of their government |
| democracy | power is through the people; this is exercised through voting |
| political party | an organization which represents a specific political agenda and socioeconomic positions within a given nation |
| president | title often given to the head of government (state) in a presidential democracy |
| chancellor | title given to the head of government in Germany |
| prime minister | title often given to the head of government in a parliamentary democracy |
| bi-cameral | having a legislature divided into an upper and lower house (two houses) |
| parliament | common name given to the legislature in a parliamentary |
| executive | head of government/head of state |
| legislature | law-making body |
| absolute monarchy | king or queen with complete control; come to power through family line |
| constitutional monarchy | king or queen with power limited by a set of laws |
| dictatorship | one leader with absolute control |
| constituion | written set of laws |