Unit 1 Test 2

Question 1

What is Government?

Answer 1

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies (rules and decisions).

Example Sentence: The government passed a new law to address environmental issues.

Question 2

What is Public policy?

Answer 2

Actions and decisions the government makes to solve problems or meet the needs of society.

Additional Information: Public policy can include laws, regulations, and programs implemented by the government.

Question 3

What is a Constitution?

Answer 3

A body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government.

Example Sentence: The Constitution of the United States outlines the rights and responsibilities of the government and its citizens.

Question 4

What is Sovereignty?

Answer 4

The ability to govern itself without outside interference.

Additional Information: Sovereignty is often considered a key characteristic of a state.

Question 5

What are the Characteristics of a State (Nation)?

Answer 5

Population, Territory, Government, Sovereignty.

Example Sentence: A state must have defined borders and a governing body to be considered a nation.

Question 6

What is the Purpose of a Preamble?

Answer 6

The introduction to the Constitution, stating its purpose and goals.

Example Sentence: The Preamble of the Constitution of India outlines the values and objectives of the nation.

Question 7

What are the Types of Power in Government?

Answer 7

Legislative, Executive, Judicial.

Example Sentence: The three branches of government in the United States are the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

Question 8

What are the Theories of the Origin of the State?

Answer 8

Divine Right, Force, Evolutionary, Social Contract.

Example Sentence: The theory of Social Contract suggests that people agree to form a government for mutual benefits.

Question 9

What are the Purposes of Government from the Preamble?

Answer 9

Form a more perfect union, Establish justice, Insure domestic tranquility, Provide for common defense, Promote general welfare, Secure blessings of liberty.

Example Sentence: The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution outlines the goals of the government for the nation.

Question 10

What is Totalitarian Government?

Answer 10

The government has total control over all aspects of life, including political, social, and economic.

Example Sentence: North Korea is often cited as an example of a totalitarian government.

Question 11

What is Oligarchy?

Answer 11

A small group of elites holds all the power, often from wealth or military control.

Example Sentence: Russia’s oligarchs have significant influence over the country’s political and economic decisions.

Question 12

What is Democracy?

Answer 12

Power is with the people, who can participate directly or elect representatives to make decisions.

Example Sentence: The United States is a democracy where citizens elect officials to represent their interests.

Question 13

What is Direct Democracy?

Answer 13

Citizens directly vote on laws and policies without representatives.

Example Sentence: Ancient Greece is often cited as an example of a direct democracy.

Question 14

What is Indirect/Representative Democracy (Republic)?

Answer 14

Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

Example Sentence: The United States operates as a representative democracy, where elected officials make laws on behalf of the people.

Question 15

What is Presidential Democracy?

Answer 15

The executive (president) is elected separately from the legislature.

Example Sentence: The United States follows a presidential democracy system with a separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Question 16

What is Parliamentary Democracy?

Answer 16

The executive (prime minister) is part of the legislature and is chosen by the majority party.

Example Sentence: The United Kingdom operates under a parliamentary democracy where the prime minister is a member of the parliament.

Question 17

What is Theocracy?

Answer 17

The government is run by religious leaders or based on religious laws.

Example Sentence: Iran is an example of a theocratic government where religious leaders hold political power.

Question 18

What is Anarchy?

Answer 18

No government or central authority exists, often resulting in disorder or self-rule.

Example Sentence: Anarchy can lead to chaos and lack of governance in a society.

Question 19

What is Unitary Government?

Answer 19

All power is held by the national government, with little power given to local governments.

Example Sentence: France operates under a unitary government system where the central government has authority over local administrations.

Question 20

What is Confederal Government?

Answer 20

A loose alliance of independent states where the central government has limited power.

Example Sentence: The European Union is an example of a confederal government where member states retain sovereignty.

Question 21

What is Federal Government?

Answer 21

Power is shared between the national and regional governments.

Example Sentence: The United States has a federal government structure with powers divided between the federal and state levels.

Question 22

What is Autocracy?

Answer 22

One person holds unlimited power, often without checks and balances.

Example Sentence: Autocracy can lead to centralized control and lack of accountability in decision-making.

Question 23

What is Absolute Monarchy?

Answer 23

A monarch (king/queen) has complete control.

Example Sentence: Saudi Arabia is an example of an absolute monarchy where the monarch has ultimate authority.

Question 24

What is Constitutional Monarchy?

Answer 24

A monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution, and real governing is done by elected officials.

Example Sentence: The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy where the monarch’s powers are restricted by laws and regulations.

Question 25

What is Dictatorship?

Answer 25

One leader holds total control, often seizing power through force. ## Footnote Example Sentence: Adolf Hitler's regime in Germany is an example of a dictatorship where power was centralized in one leader.

Question 26

What is Authoritarian Government?

Answer 26

The government has strong control over the population with limited political freedoms but may allow some personal freedoms. ## Footnote Example Sentence: China is often cited as an authoritarian government with strict control over political activities.

Question 27

What are the Concepts of Democracy?

Answer 27

Worth of the Individual, Equality of All Persons, Majority Rule, Minority Rights. ## Footnote Example Sentence: Democracy values the worth of every individual and emphasizes equal rights for all citizens.

Question 28

Equality of All Persons

Answer 28

Democracy emphasizes the principle that all people are equal in terms of their rights and opportunities. This doesn’t mean everyone has the same abilities or outcomes, but that everyone should have equal access to opportunities and be treated equally under the law. This concept supports anti-discrimination policies and social justice. ## Footnote Example sentence: Democracy promotes equality through anti-discrimination policies.

Question 29

Majority Rule, Minority Rights

Answer 29

In a democracy, decisions are usually made by majority rule, meaning more than half of the people agree on an action or law. However, the rights of those in the minority must also be protected. Even if the majority decides on a policy, it cannot infringe on the basic rights of the minority. This balance prevents the tyranny of the majority. ## Footnote Example sentence: Protecting minority rights is essential in a democracy.

Question 30

Need for Compromise

Answer 30

Because people have different views and interests, compromise is necessary in a democracy. This means that different groups must be willing to give up some of their demands to reach an agreement that benefits everyone. Without compromise, it would be impossible for a democratic society to function smoothly, as disagreements would stall progress. ## Footnote Example sentence: Compromise is essential for democratic decision-making.

Question 31

Individual Freedom

Answer 31

Democracy places a high value on personal freedoms, but these freedoms come with limits to ensure they don’t harm others. Individual freedoms include things like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. In a democracy, people are free to express themselves, pursue their own goals, and make their own choices as long as they respect the rights of others. ## Footnote Example sentence: Individual freedom is a core principle of democracy.

Question 32

Free Elections

Answer 32

In a democracy, elections are held regularly, and they must be free and fair. This means that people are able to vote without fear of intimidation or corruption, and all eligible citizens can participate in the process. Candidates should have equal opportunities to campaign, and votes should be counted accurately. ## Footnote Example sentence: Free and fair elections are essential for democracy.

Question 33

Competing Political Parties

Answer 33

Democracy thrives when there are multiple political parties competing for power. This competition ensures that voters have real choices when deciding who will represent them. It also encourages healthy debate on policies and ideas, and prevents one party from dominating the government unchecked. The presence of different political parties also holds the government accountable, as opposition parties provide an alternative to those in power. ## Footnote Example sentence: Competing political parties are a key aspect of democratic governance.