04: Organization & Function of Government

SS.7.C.3.1 (L1)

How does monarchy differ from other forms of government?

• Leaders are named in the constitution.

• Leaders are chosen by the upper class.

• Leaders are born into ruling families.

• Leaders are given power by kings.

Answer explanation

In monarchies rulers are born into ruling families.  This means that only those born into ruling families may rule although these persons born into ruling families are selected based on the order of their birth.  

SS.7.C.3.1 (L2)

This picture shows a government leader.

Which form of government would have this type of leader?

• Democracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

Answer explanation

The crown and robe are symbols of royalty.  The crown is a symbol of a monarchy.  This image shows a king; kings are monarchs.

SS.7.C.3.1 (L2)

What do a republic and a direct democracy have in common? 

• rule by a single political party

• rule by the people

• a small group of leaders

• a single leader

Answer explanation

Both republican (representative) governments and democratic (rule by the people) governments share in common that both are based on the principle that the people rule themselves through their government

SS.7.C.3.1 (L2)

The scenario below describes a government decision.

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 A self-appointed council amends the country’s constitution.

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 Based on the scenario, which form of government is taking action?

• Dictatorship

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Republic

Answer explanation

An oligarchy is a form of government where most political power is held by a small group in a society that is self-appointed, and is usually wealthy.

SS.7.C.3.1 (L3)

This image includes a statement influenced by an 1848 book.

What modern political action could be influenced by the statement?

• A communist country invades a democratic country.

• A representative democracy amends its constitution.

• A queen speaks before Parliament to officially open Parliament.

• A dictator orders the invasion of a neighboring country.

Answer explanation

Communism seeks to spread its message throughout the world.

Countries that are not communist, such as democratic countries, will become communist if communism spreads to those countries, such as through invasion.

Communist countries invading democratic countries brings workers together (“unite”).    

SS.7.C.3.2 (L1)

Where is power concentrated in a unitary system of government?

• central government

• state government

• dictator

• military

Answer explanation

Power is concentrated in the central “unit” in a unitary government.

This central government decides how much power, if any, that state, regional or local governments will have.

SS.7.C.3.2 (L2)

What system of government was in place after the United States adopted the U.S. Constitution?

• Confederal

• Federal

• Oligarchy

• Parliamentary

Answer explanation

The United States Constitution outlines a federal system of government.

As a federal system, there are shared powers between the national and state governments. 

SS.7.C.3.2 (L2)

This table describes a type of government.

Which title completes the table?

• Parliamentary Government

• Confederal Government

• Federal Government

• Unitary Government

Answer explanation

A parliamentary system is a system where power lies with the legislative body and the leader of the country is part of, and is elected by, the legislature.

The legislature is elected by the people. 

SS.7.C.3.2 (L2)

This table describes a type of government.

Which title completes the table?

• Parliamentary Government

• Confederal Government

• Federal Government

• Unitary Government

Answer explanation

A federal system is a system where power is shared between a central (national) government and state governments.

Both the executive and the legislature are elected by the people. 

SS.7.C.3.2 (L3)

This newspaper headline describes a historical event.

What long term impact does this headline reflect?

• protection of equal property rights

• expansion of the right to privacy

• protection of due process rights

• expansion of the right to vote

Answer explanation

The right to vote includes the right to vote for public office.  In extending the right to vote to women means that opportunities to fun for public office were expanded as well.