Chapter 1 section 2 and 3

System of government that divides power between a national government and smaller regional levels of government federal system System of government in which power rests in a single, national government unitary system A democratic government distinguished by having a president elected by the people for a limited term in office presidential system Government that tightly controls all aspects of life—political, social, and economic totalitarian government A democracy in which the people assemble to make major government decisions by a majority vote` direct democracy A democracy in which people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf republic Government ruled by one person, such as a king or a queen, who inherits power monarchy Government ruled by a monarch whose power is limited by law constitutional monarchy The core ideals of American democracy are liberty, equality, and self-government.In his book Democracy in America, French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville , explored the meaning of equality in American culture.Americans have strongly supported the ideal of self government , the belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves as political equals.For American democracy to thrive, active citizen participation is necessary at all levels of government.The founders of the United States believed that economic freedom would allow people to build wealth and secure other freedoms.Free enterprise allows people and businesses to make their own economic choices about how to produce, distribute, and exchange goods and services with limited government interference.