Chapter #1 Test-The Nature of Power, Politics, and Government

Front

The United States of America was born in an explosion of rebellion against authority. What is authority?

Back

The legal right or power to give orders and enforce rules.

Front

Clearly, many colonists had lost faith in the British government—if not in government in general. What is government?

Back

Institutions and officials organized to establish and carry out public policy.

Front

This general mistrust of government did not end with the American victory in the Revolutionary War. In fact, it continues to this day. In a 2017 Pew Research Center poll, Americans were asked how much they trust the government in Washington to do what is right. Which response was the most common?

Back

Only some of the time.

Front

What is the central concern of all governments?

Back

Power

Front

Throughout history, rulers have gained and lost power in a variety of ways. Which of the following are common methods by which power has changed hands?

Back

*Military conquest

*Elections

*Revolutions and uprisings

Front

No matter how a ruler gains power—whether through elections, inheritance, military conquest, or revolution—they all have in common the power to rule. In political terms, what is the best definition of power?

Back

The ability to cause others to behave as they might not otherwise choose to do.

Front

What does it mean when a person has formal authority?

Back

They have the legal right to use power.

Front

Leaders or rulers gain authority in different ways. What is a common source of authority for leaders or rulers?

Back

*A constitution

*A contract or some other legal document

*Tradition or inheritance

Front

What gives a leaders legitimacy?

Back

Leaders whose power and authority are accepted as valid by the people they govern.

Front

What can cause a leader to lose legitimacy?

Back

The people become unwilling to follow that leader.