Unit 1: Foundations of Government PRACTICE QUIZ

"A body of people living in a defined territory with a government" best describes a. . . ?

• Country

• Nation

• State

• Democracy

Answer explanation

The 4 characteristics of a state:

- People

- Territory

- Government

- Sovereignty (absolute authority within defined borders)

Which type of government power consists of law-making, and is held by Congress, State Legislatures, etc.?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate make up the Legislative Branch.

Remember: Legislative = Law (Making)

Which type of government power consists of law-enforcing, and is held by the U.S. President and state governors?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

Answer explanation

The Executive Branch consists of the U.S. President, the Vice President, the President's Cabinet, and more.

Which type of government power consists of law interpreting, and is held by local, state, and federal courts?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

Answer explanation

State, local, and federal courts, as well as the Supreme Court make up the Judicial Branch.

Which of the following best describes Force Theory?

• The people agreed to give up some of their freedoms for protection

• One person or group took forceful control of an area

• A ruler was chosen by god

• Claims a single family continues to rule over many generations

Which of the following best describes Social Contract Theory?

• The people agreed to give up some of their freedoms for protection

• One person or group took forceful control of an area

• A ruler was chosen by god

• Claims a single family continues to rule over many generations

Which of the following best describes Evolutionary Theory?

• The people agreed to give up some of their freedoms for protection

• One person or group took forceful control of an area

• A ruler was chosen by god

• Claims a single family continues to rule over many generations

Which of the following best describes Divine Right Theory?

• The people agreed to give up some of their freedoms for protection

• One person or group took forceful control of an area

• A ruler was chosen by god

• Claims a single family continues to rule over many generations

Which of the following best describes a form of government in which political authority is held by the people?

• Dictatorship

• Democracy

Answer explanation

There are TWO types of democracy.

Direct:

The will of the people is made law by majority rule. Originated in Ancient Greece.

Indirect:

The people elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. Originated in Ancient Rome.

Which of the following is best described as a form of government in which leaders hold absolute authority over the people?

• Dictatorship

• Democracy

Answer explanation

There are TWO types of dictatorships:

Autocracy:

ONE single dictator.

Oligarchy:

A small, self-appointed group of dictators.