Foundations of Government and the Law

In a Democracy...

• Decisions are made by the people

• decisions are made by the few

• decisions are only made by women and children

• decisions are made by Sir Mr. Henn Sir

Answer explanation

In a democratic system, power and decision-making are vested in the people. It is not about a few individuals, or specific gender/age groups, or an arbitrary person making decisions. This validates the option 'Decisions are made by the people', which aligns with the core principle of democracy.

A weakness of Democracy...

• Decisions are made quickly without much thought

• Women never have a chance to participate

• Powerful leaders can have too strong of an influence

• Minority rights and opinions are often ignored

Answer explanation

The question explores a potential weakness of Democracy. One known drawback of Democracy is that the majority rules, often leading to minority rights and opinions being ignored. This is not about speedy decisions, women's participation, or powerful leaders' influence, but about the potential disregard for minority voices.

In an autocracy...

• Autocrats rule with a small inner circle of advisors

• Power is usually taken and held through violence

• The military is above all others

• Autocracies work because they protect their citizens lives

Answer explanation

The question asks about the characteristics of an autocracy. An autocracy is a system of government in which supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control. The correct answer is that 'Power is usually taken and held through violence'. This is because autocrats often use force to gain and retain power.

In an autocracy...

• Citizens exist solely to serve the ruler

• Citizens have an assigned job for the good of all

• Citizens are valued based on how much they contribute to the nation

• Citizens are responsible for protecting their nation

Answer explanation

In an autocracy, power is held by one person, the autocrat, who exercises all power and authority. The concept of citizens existing solely to serve the ruler fits the autocracy definition. The citizens don't necessarily have assigned jobs or are valued based on their contribution to the nation, and their responsibility isn't necessarily to protect their nation. Hence, the answer is 'Citizens exist solely to serve the ruler'.

What is the way a people make and enforce public policies called?

• Congress

• Judicial branch

• Executive branch

• Government

Answer explanation

The question asks about the term for the way in which people create and enforce public policies. The correct answer is 'Government'. This is because a government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, typically a state, and it is through this system that public policies are made and enforced. This process is not solely the responsibility of the Congress, Judicial branch, or Executive branch, but of the whole government system.

What are public policies?

• Stuff a government decides to do.

• The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

• Bathrooms for everyone.

• Things prohibited (banned) by government.

Answer explanation

Public policies are broad actions, decisions or plans that are carried out by a government to address specific issues within a society. These can include a range of different topics, such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. So, the correct answer to the question 'What are public policies?' is 'Stuff a government decides to do', as this covers the broad range of actions and decisions that a government can make.

Which are examples of public policies?

• taxation

• education

• healthcare

• All of the above.

Answer explanation

All the examples given - taxation, education, and healthcare - are examples of public policies. Public policies are governmental decisions and actions that are intended to solve problems and improve the quality of life for its citizens. These include things like tax laws, educational programs, and healthcare regulations.

What does the legislative power?

• making the laws

• carrying out the laws

• settling disputes

• Interpreting what laws mean

What does the executive power?

• making the laws

• carrying out the laws

• settling disputes

• Interpreting what laws mean

In Fascism, citizens....

• Are considered to be servants of the state

• Are free to vote in new leaders

• Are equal with one another

• Are able to question leaders if they do it respectfully