Government & Rule of Law

Which two of the following sentences from the article include central ideas of the article? [PICK TWO ANSWERS]

• Many countries have been governed by the absolute decisions of the ruler.

• In a "rule by law" political system, the people with power cannot make up all their own rules, but must follow an established code of law.

• The Romans were also known for implementing laws, as was Napoleon, emperor of France, many centuries later.

• On the other hand, Great Britain has never had a constitution as a single written document, but has for centuries been governed by law.

Which statement would be MOST important to include in a summary of the article?

• It is writer Machiavelli's opinion that it is better for leaders to be feared than loved.

• The absolute rule of some monarchs is accepted because of people's belief in divine right.

• A Byzantine emperor in ancient times created a set of laws named after him.

• Some countries have written constitutions that are ignored by the leaders.

A person who leads a government that has a "rule by law" system would MOST likely agree with which of the following statements?

• Only the most elite people in a country should rule the government of a country.

• Rulers of a country are most effective when they rule very strictly.

• Rulers of a country are most effective when they strive to make their subjects happy.

• People who have power in a country should refrain from trying to have absolute power.

Based on the article, what is the MOST important reason why some "rule by man" governments are successful?

• The governments are ruled by people who are wealthy or have a high social rank.

• The rulers of such governments set punishments for anyone who challenges them.

• The governments have more than just one person who makes decisions.

• The rulers of such governments make decisions that benefit their subjects.

According to the text, what is the difference between a duke and a baron?

• Dukes and barons ruled different countries.

• Dukes were usually called lords, while barons were not.

• Dukes had more political power than barons.

• Barons were in charge of land and dukes were in charge of creating laws.

What can be inferred about "rule of law" political systems?

• They were more commonly used in ancient times, and are not typical of modern governments.

• People are not involved in the political process; the laws are inherited and must be obeyed.

• The rule of law is completely based on Justinian's Code of the Byzantine Empire.

• People do not have unlimited freedoms; the behavior of all citizens must comply with formalized laws.

What is the intended meaning of the quote from Machiavelli in paragraph 5?

• He is explaining that the best rulers are not liked by their people, but they do a good job being in control.

• He means that fear is a better motivator than public support, and rulers who induce fear are often more successful.

• He believes that rulers can either be feared or well-liked, but it is not possible for successful rulers to be both.

• He designed the system of the "rule of law" with the goal of giving rulers unlimited control over their people.