Chapter 1

Since the writing and approval of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, citizen movements have arisen to change the document. Changes to the Constitution take place through which of these processes? A. amendment B. custom C. political parties D. war

A

What is an essential part of a legitimate and functioning government? A. the authority to enforce laws B. the divine right to rule C. a social contract D. the support of its people

A

a government in which all power belongs to a central agency a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

A

social contract theory A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

A

Which are essential features of a country? Select ALL that apply. A. It occupies a definite territory. B. It has an organized government. C. It has the authority to make laws. D. Its people are united by common customs.

A, B, C

What would be the result(s) of a revolution against capitalism according to German philosopher Karl Marx? Select ALL that apply. A. A socialist system would develop. B. The bourgeoisie would own the means of production. C. The social class system would break down. D. All property would be owned by workers.

A, C, D

A noble landowner offers his neighbor a parcel of land and protection from invaders if the neighbor serves the landowner. This is an example of _____________________, a system of government under the rule of a monarch. A. anarchy B. oligarchy C. feudalism D. federalism

C

Which of these would you find in a monarchy but not in a democracy? A. constitution B. political parties C. representatives who make laws D. unelected head of state

D

A government maintains order by enforcing laws and punishing lawbreakers. T or F

T

A goal of capitalism is to create a free enterprise system, in which government ______________________. A. does not limit what people can buy and sell B. intervenes in wages and the price of goods to stimulate the economy C. makes economic decisions for the good of the state D. guides market forces for the best possible outcome

A

A state has sovereignty when it is able to do which of the following? A. Freely create and enforce laws B. Invade and take over any other state C. Occupy a particular area of land D. Punish its citizens for any action

A

A well-educated workforce is an example of which economic factor of production? A. resources B. capital C. distributors D. entrepreneurs

A

A(n) ___________________ is an authoritarian system in which one political party or a small group of people uses wealth, social status, or force to get and retain political power. A. oligarchy B. dictatorship C. monarchy D. republic

A

How do the goals of socialism differ from the goals of capitalism? A. Only capitalism stresses private ownership of business. B. Only capitalism strives to award workers a fair wage. C. Only socialism has the goal of serving society. D. Only socialism works to prevent government interference.

A

In a true free market economy, which of the following would occur? A. Access to natural resources would be uncontrolled. B. Safety regulations would offer consumer protections. C. Successful producers would be given tax breaks. D. Workers would obtain fair wages by law.

A

In a(n) __________________ government, citizen's lives are controlled by their leaders; in a(n) ____________________ government, citizens expect to share decisions with their leaders. A. authoritarian; democratic B. totalitarian; authoritarian C. totalitarian; oligarchy D. democratic; representative

A

In which type of economic system does government play the smallest role? A. capitalism B. communism C. mixed economy D. socialism

A

Which of the following activities would be considered a part of the government's role in providing national security? A. maintaining an army B. creating public schools C. regulating mortgages D. funding fire departments

A

Which of these defines Switzerland as a sovereign state? A. It has a central government that creates laws for the entire nation. B. It has a strict policy of separation of church and state. C. It has different regions defined by different languages. D. It is located in an area that includes some of the Alps.

A

Which of these statements is based on John Locke's definition of the social contract? A. A government operates with the goal of promoting human rights. B. A police state is necessary to protect people's belongings. C. Individuals should be free to do whatever they wish. D. Once a government has been formed, its laws cannot be changed.

A

union of sovereign states with a weak central power; abandoned by U.S. in favor of federal system with strong central power A. confederacy B. rule of law C. checks and balances D. constitution E. political parties

A

A nation can become a state when it has which of these? A. common language B. organized government C. standing army D. unique customs

B

According to Abraham Lincoln, the "legitimate object of ___________________" is to do for people whatever they cannot do for themselves. A. anarchy B. government C. economists D. sovereignty

B

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an agency created by the U.S. Congress to monitor and assist financial private institutions to protect consumers. This agency fulfills which function of government? A. provide economic assistance B. provide economic security C. provide leadership D. provide national security

B

The president of the United States can veto a bill passed by the Congress, preventing it from becoming a law. This is an example of which principle of democracy? A. accountability B. control of the abuse of power C. rule of law D. transparency

B

Thomas Hobbes stated that life would be "nasty, brutish, and short" without a state or government. Which of these functions of government would likely be most important, according to Hobbes? A. Designating state flowers and other items to celebrate states. B. Establishing prisons to hold criminals and reduce crime. C. Passing laws to encourage the expansion of businesses. D. Reducing taxes to allow people to keep more income.

B

Which is a difference between a constitutional government and a government without a constitution? A. Only constitutional governments have written rules for the role of government. B. Only constitutional governments are subject to the rules that limit their powers. C. The absence of a constitution invites anarchy. D. The absence of a constitution results in a totalitarian government.

B

Which of these is true of current communist countries? A. Distribution is controlled by the workers. B. Government controls natural resource use. C. No one receives wages for work. D. Private investments are common.

B

Which principle of democracy establishes freedom of speech? A. accountability B. bill of rights C. checks and balances D. transparency

B

Which theory for the origin of government best reflects the development of the United States government? A. divine right B. social contract C. force D. evolutionary

B

a government in which power is divided between a central government and other local governments a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

B

consistent enforcement of laws; allows anyone who breaks the law to be held accountable A. confederacy B. rule of law C. checks and balances D. constitution E. political parties

B

mercantilists A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

B

A __________________ is a plan that sets out the basic structure, powers, and duties of a country's government and also serves as the supreme law of that country. A. sovereignty B. republic C. constitution D. democracy

C

A government using a socialist approach would be most likely to do which of these? A. Allow banks to fail during difficult economic times B. Encourage education and training from private schools. C. Provide vouchers for health care to the unemployed. D. Utilize private companies to fulfill defense contracts

C

A producer in a capitalist system might do which of the following to further her goals? A. ignore costs of production B. raise prices in the face of competition from another company C. redesign products to use fewer resources D. sell a share of her business to a government entity

C

An army takes over a government and establishes its general as the supreme ruler. Which theory explains the origins of this new government? A. divine right theory B. evolutionary theory C. force theory D. social contract theory

C

Both Great Britain and the United States are democracies. However, in the United States the people elect government representatives; in Great Britain the monarch is the head of state. That makes the United States a(n) _______________________. A. federation B. oligarchy C. republic D. confederation

C

How is the economy likely to be affected if a democracy becomes an oligarchy? A. Money is likely to become more equally distributed among classes. B. The leader who takes over is likely to become rich at the expense of all others. C. Upper classes in power are likely to become richer at the expense of others. D. Working classes are likely to attain wealth and move into the middle class.

C

Mexico's economy is primarily capitalistic. However, the government owns all natural resources and runs the giant oil company PEMEX. This makes Mexico an example of a ________________________ economy. A. free market B. command C. mixed D. communist

C

Which heading best fits the partial outline below? I. __________________________________________ i. government provides social services ii. government distributes goods iii. economic decisions made by government to benefit state iv. wealth is distributed equally by government A. Goals of a free enterprise system B. Goals of a command economy C. Goals of socialism D. Goals of a capitalist system

C

Which of these characterizes one predicted result of a laissez-faire system? A. better workplace conditions for workers B. more government involvement in business C. producer competition for resources D. unlimited supply of consumer products

C

Which of these examples highlights a disadvantage of the federal system of government? A. Different levels of government can handle different types of problems. B. Federal and state agencies can collaborate to combat homelessness. C. Looser federal environmental laws are enforced over stricter state laws. D. States can obtain funds from the federal government for road projects.

C

Which of these is a sign that a state with a constitution is really an authoritarian state? A. Custom is used when particular actions are not defined by law. B. Laws can be declared unconstitutional by a high court. C. Multiple parties take part in every election, but only one party ever wins. D. The powers of the government are constitutionally limited.

C

Which of these is an example of a government maintaining order? A. A community constructs a municipal water treatment plant. B. Firefighters hold infant car seat clinics in fire stations. C. Officers screen visitors for weapons at the entrance of a courthouse. D. The Marines hold drives to collect toys during the holidays.

C

Which of these terms would best represent Karl Marx's theory of communism? A. authoritarian B. bourgeoisie C. common property D. initiative

C

an alliance of independent states a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

C

economic assistance A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

C

functions that allow different branches of government to limit the power of other branches A. confederacy B. rule of law C. checks and balances D. constitution E. political parties

C

In 1986 the country of Greece implemented decentralization, dividing the country into regions, each with its own administrative unit. Before 1986 the country of Greece was most likely which of these? A. authoritarian system B. confederacy C. federal system D. unitary system

D

The United States Constitution is a plan for a __________________ system with specific powers given to the national government and other powers reserved for the states. A. provincial B. unitary C. confederate D. federal

D

What is the difference between a nation and a state? A. A nation is a much larger political entity. B. A state is a subdivision of a nation. C. A nation has the authority to make foreign policy. D. A state has absolute authority within its boundaries.

D

What sets capitalism apart from socialism and communism? A. In a capitalist system, the government's only involvement is the distribution of wealth. B. Government controls the means of production and the people control the resources. C. There is no government regulation in a capitalist system. D. In a capitalist system, people have the right to own private property.

D

Which heading best fits the partial outline below? I. _____________________________________________________ i. rejecting election results ii. violating the rule of law iii. obstructing voting processes iv. destroying minority rules A. Anarchy in democratic systems of government B. Political party corruption practices C. Majority rule/minority rights D. Behaviors that violate the principles of democracy

D

a government in which the executive and legislative branches are separate and coequal a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

D

establishes the basic structure of government and rights of the people; serves as the supreme law for a country A. confederacy B. rule of law C. checks and balances D. constitution E. political parties

D

monarchy A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

D

a government in which members of the executive branch are also members of the legislative branch and are subject to the legislature's direct control

E

mixed economy A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

E

organized around common interests and goals to compete with each other during elections A. confederacy B. rule of law C. checks and balances D. constitution E. political parties

E

A nation is defined by its territorial boundaries. T or F

F

According to Abraham Lincoln, government must serve the individual but not the community T or F

F

Entrepreneurs would use capital to purchase resources and invest in the production of goods for profit. T or F

F

In a laissez-faire economic approach, the government is heavily involved in regulating business. T or F

F

Many countries are considered mixed economies that combine elements of capitalism with elements of communism. T or F

F

anarchy is a type of government in which one leader rules by force T or F

F

democracy A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

F

structuring a government so that power is shared by a central and several local governments a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

F

a government in which a small, usually self-appointed, group has the power to rule a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

G

communist state A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

G

a government in which a single person holds unlimited political power a. unitary government b. federal government c. confederation d. presidential government e. parliamentary government f. division of powers g. oligarchy h. autocracy

H

federal system A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

H

state A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

I

majority rule A. states exist to serve their people B. economic security depends on accumulation of gold and silver C. food stamps or rent subsidies D. one person inherits throne and heads the state E. combines elements of capitalism and socialism F. the people rule directly or through representatives G. all economic decisions made by the government H. national and state governments share power I. community with organized government in a territory J. parties representing the majority make most laws

J

According to divine right theory, to oppose a monarch was a sin against God. T or F

T

Environmental regulation by the government can reduce production of goods by limiting the amount of resources that are available for use. T or F

T

In a traditional economy, rugs woven from wool may be traded for fish and other food. T or F

T

Requiring citizens to serve in the military during times of war is an example of which function of government? A. maintaining order B. providing leadership C. providing public services D. providing economic security

B