Forms of Government
Which of the following is an authoritarian form of government? A Absolute monarchy B Liberal democracy C Constitutional monarchy D All of the above
A Absolute monarchy Authoritarian governments do not hold those doing the ruling accountable to those over whom they rule.
A despot rules what form of government? A Dictatorship B Anarchy C Parliamentary republic D Oligarchy
A Dictatorship Despot is a derogatory term for a dictator deemed especially oppressive in their rule.
What form of government requires citizens to vote on all government actions? A Direct democracy B Representative democracy C Socialism D Communism
A Direct democracy Direct democracy puts all decision-making power into the hands of the people. The most famous direct democracy is ancient Athens. The conditions of the modern world, i.e., the size of both nations and their populations, preclude its use at a national level today.
What form of government places all power in a small group of individuals or a few prominent families? A Oligarchy B Democracy C Communism D Dictatorship
A Oligarchy Oligarchies consolidate a government's power into the hands of a group of individuals usually linked by a common trait like military strength, wealth, or nobility. They are often tyrannical, with no mechanism to hold leaders accountable to the general population.
What form of government holds the country's executive leader(s) accountable to the legislature rather than the citizens? A Parliamentary government B Democracy C Socialism D Congressionalism
A Parliamentary government Parliamentary systems of government are not subject to the separation of powers central to the U.S. Constitution. After a public election, a parliamentary legislature both nominates and chooses its executives from the elected representatives. Those same leaders can simply be removed from their position with a vote of "no-confidence" by the legislature, which results in a new election.
What is a government? A A group of people that exercise executive authority in an effort to improve the lives of the citizens within a state or community B A system by which a state or community is controlled C An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority D A system to protect people's inalienable rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness
B A system by which a state or community is controlled A government is simply a system for controlling, or governing, a state. The word government can also be used to refer to the collective group of people that exercise executive authority in a state. Governments may or may not work to improve the lives of citizens.
Before the ratification of the US Constitution, what form of government controlled the thirteen original states? A Federacy B Confederation C Direct democracy D Federation
B Confederation A confederation is a group of nations or states, united for common purposes, in which the component states retain considerable independence. The thirteen states created a confederation when they ratified the Articles of Confederation on March 1, 1781. This document served as the first constitution of the United States of America. It was designed to preserve the independence and sovereignty of the states.
What form of government is characterized as having the least central control and authority? A Monarchy B Confederation C Dictatorship D Aristocracy
B Confederation Confederations are political arrangements between otherwise independent political units. Confederations handle matters that would otherwise be difficult for member states to handle alone, like national defense and international trade. A modern example is the European Union.
A union of partially self-governing states or regions operating under a central government is a(n): A Colony B Federation C Empire D Associated State
B Federation In a federation the relationship between the states and the central government is typically defined by a constitution, and this relationship cannot be unilaterally altered by the states or by the federal political body.
What political and economic system advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned by the community as a whole? A Corporatism B Socialism C Anarchism D Feudalism
B Socialism There are many varieties of socialism, with social ownership as the common element between them. Attempts at true social ownership have generally led to poverty and tyranny. However, the ideology known as "social democracy" has been successful in many countries. Social democracies implement economic and social interventions that are meant to promote social justice within the framework of a capitalist economy. They are characterized by democracy, private ownership, free markets, income redistribution through taxation, extensive regulations, and generous welfare programs.
What form of government rules according to divine will as interpreted by religious leaders? A Republic B Theocracy C Utilitarianism D Anarchy
B Theocracy In a theocracy, religion guides all decision-making. Laws are created and enforced in accordance with holy texts and/or divine directives as interpreted by its religious leaders.
What political and economic doctrine advocates for a stateless, classless society, with collective ownership of all property? A Capitalism B Anarchism C Communism D Socialism
C Communism Communism is a type of socialism that denies the rights of private ownership and aims to eliminate disparities in wealth and class. Communists such as Karl Marx also believed that, after a transition period, "the state" would become unnecessary and wither away. Communism in the 20th Century had a poor track record. Communist regimes generally started their rule with mass murder of political opponents and "enemies of the people." This was followed by seizures of land, resulting in famines and mass starvation. Industrialization campaigns often had some success, but were focused largely on military goods. While ordinary citizens suffered greatly, the Party leaders had a much better life.
What is the form of government established by the United States Constitution? A Direct democracy B Monarchy C Representative democracy D Oligarchy
C Representative democracy American citizens elect leaders to represent their interests. This type of democracy, sometimes referred to as a republic, differs from a direct democracy, where every citizen votes on every law.
What term describes a temporary government set-up following political upheaval? A Evolving government B Crisis government C Transitional government D Progressive government
C Transitional government Transitional governments are temporary legal systems during a period of political change. These governments often rely on military forces to keep the peace while a new system is established.
What is a common motivation for the creation and ratification of a constitution? A To formally map out the power structures of the government B To establish the basic rule of law C To provide a framework for law enforcement D All of the above
D All of the above Virtually every country has a written constitution of some type. These documents lay out the core tenets of law for a nation, establish the power structure for its leaders and legislators, and set up a method of law enforcement. Dictatorships usually have constitutions as well, in order to give legitimacy to their regime and as a tool to extend control over their country.
Which of the following is a characteristic of fascism? A Authoritarian nationalism B Institutional racism C Forcible suppression of opposition D All of the above
D All of the above Fascism is a political movement or regime that places extreme pride on country and race. Fascist regimes are headed by dictators who promote severe economic and social control while suppressing any opposition.
The absence of government is called: A Monarchy B Confederacy C Totalitarianism D Anarchy
D Anarchy Anarchy refers to states with no system of government or no central rule. Anarchism is a political philosophy which advocates for stateless societies based on voluntary associations.
Which of the following types of government would be most likely to hold free and fair elections to choose a leader? A Dictatorship B Oligarchy C Theocracy D Democracy
D Democracy Of the governments listed, a democracy is the only type that, by definition, allows citizens to freely and fairly choose their leaders. While many less-democratic governments opt to hold elections, they are typically only for show. Corruption and propaganda ensure that the results are preordained rather than the true will of the people.
What form of government is controlled by a single ruler who assumes total control, often by force? A Republic B Democracy C Oligarchy D Dictatorship
D Dictatorship In a dictatorship, the will of a single leader has the force of law. Dictators often rise to power from a military background and use their troops to both take and keep power.
What form of government transmits authority according to the rules of heredity? A Democracy B Communism C Anarchy D Monarchy
D Monarchy In a monarchy, the sovereign bequeaths leadership positions to family members, typically in accordance with a clearly-defined succession protocol. Although many monarchies were overturned or had their powers curtailed in the last two centuries, this is still a common form of government. For example, the governments of Belgium, Sweden, and Thailand are ruled by King Philippe, Queen Margrethe II, and King Rama X respectively.
