Types of Government

Front

Select the type of government that is most efficient in its decision making process: representative democracy, dictatorship, parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy.

Back

dictatorship

Answer explanation

"Efficient" means "fast." Dictators can make fast decision, because they don't care what anyone else wants!

Front

Select the type of government that is most efficient in its decision making process: representative democracy, direct democracy, presidential democracy, oligarchy.

Back

oligarchy

Answer explanation

An "oligarchy" is a government ruled by a few rich people. They can make efficient (fast) decisions because only a few people are involved.

Front

Which type of government is most likely the focus of this political cartoon? Options: presidential democracy, parliamentary democracy, dictatorship, constitutional monarchy

Back

dictatorship

Answer explanation

Look what's happening to the votes! This is a fake democracy — it's really a dictatorship.

Front

Which type of government provides the best protection of individual rights? Options: absolute monarchy, parliamentary democracy, dictatorship, oligarchy

Back

parliamentary democracy

Answer explanation

Democracies do the best job protecting people's rights. Parliamentary democracy is a type of democracy.

Front

Which headline best illustrates (shows) an example of representative democracy? Options: New Poll Shows Most Florida Citizens Favor Ending Cuban Trade Embargo, Maryland College Students Sign Petition to Support Lowering Voting Age, West Virginia Holds Special Election to Choose New U.S. Senator, Local Activists Protest Recent Cuts in Kentucky’s Transportation Spending

Back

West Virginia Holds Special Election to Choose New U.S. Senator

Answer explanation

The most important feature of "representative democracy" is elections and voting.

Front

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution best reflects the principle of representative democracy? Options: Congress shall make no law [about] religion. No unreasonable searches. People accused of crimes have a right to a speedy trial. Senators will be elected by the people in their states.

Back

Senators will be elected by the people in their states.

Answer explanation

The MOST important feature of representative democracy is elections and voting. Always look for those key words!

Front

Which of these is important to a successful democracy? Options: discouraging criticism of elected officials, ensuring that only the most capable citizens receive an education, producing policies that address a variety of citizens’ concerns, refusing to allow presidents to meet with leaders of enemy countries

Back

producing policies that address a variety of citizens’ concerns

Answer explanation

The main idea of democracy is that citizens can have a voice in their government.

"Policies" are just government rules or laws.

"Address" means to solve a problem.

Front

Which is a feature of authoritarian government?

Back

censorship of the media

Answer explanation

Authoritarian government is the opposite of democracy. It includes dictatorship and oligarchy.

Censorship is the opposite of free speech.