American Government Unit 1 Study Guide

Front

How are powers split in a federal system?

Back

Equally between central and state governments

Answer explanation

In a federal system, powers are divided between the central and state governments, allowing both levels to operate independently in certain areas. This ensures a balance of power, making 'Equally between central and state governments' the correct choice.

Front

Describe a confederal system.

Back

States hold power

Answer explanation

A confederal system is characterized by a union of independent states that hold the majority of power, with a central authority having limited authority. Therefore, the correct answer is B) States hold power.

Front

Who holds supreme authority in a dictatorship?

Back

A single leader

Answer explanation

In a dictatorship, supreme authority is typically concentrated in the hands of a single leader, who makes decisions without the need for consensus or approval from the people or elected officials.

Front

Who holds power in an oligarchy?

Back

A small group of people

Answer explanation

In an oligarchy, power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of people, making option A the correct choice. This contrasts with other forms of governance where power is more widely distributed.

Front

Autocracy

Back

Rule by one person

Answer explanation

An autocracy is defined as a system of government where one person holds absolute power. This distinguishes it from other forms of governance like democracy (rule by the people) or oligarchy (rule by a small group).

Front

In a parliamentary system, the executive is also a member of what other branch of government?

Back

Legislative

Answer explanation

In a parliamentary system, the executive, typically the Prime Minister, is also a member of the legislative branch. This integration allows for closer cooperation between the two branches, unlike in presidential systems where they are separate.

Front

What key idea did the Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights establish?

Back

Limitation of monarch's power

Answer explanation

The Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and English Bill of Rights all established the principle of limiting the monarch's power, ensuring that rulers could not govern arbitrarily and that certain rights were protected.

Front

In a representative democracy, people vote for ______.

Back

Elected representatives

Answer explanation

In a representative democracy, citizens vote for elected representatives who make decisions on their behalf, rather than voting for a single leader, a council, or themselves.

Front

Which philosopher influenced Thomas Jefferson concerning social contract theory in the Declaration of Independence?

Back

John Locke

Answer explanation

John Locke's social contract theory greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson. Locke argued that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, a principle reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

Front

Which philosopher was both a physician and influential during the Enlightenment?

Back

John Locke

Answer explanation

John Locke was not only a prominent Enlightenment philosopher but also trained as a physician. His ideas on government and human understanding significantly influenced modern political thought.