Africa: Citizen Participation and Par/Pres Democracy (SS7CG1a-b)

How do citizens participate in an autocratic type of government?

• they do not participate

• only members of the controlling group participate

• all citizens participate

• some citizens participate

Answer explanation

In an autocratic government, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group. As a result, citizens typically do not participate in decision-making processes, making 'they do not participate' the correct choice.

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SS7CG1

How is the leader selected in a parliamentary system of government?

• by the citizens of the nation

• by members of the group controlling the government

• by the largest political party in the legislature

• by citizens who own land and pay taxes

Answer explanation

In a parliamentary system, the leader, often the Prime Minister, is typically selected by the largest political party in the legislature, as they usually have the majority needed to form a government.

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SS7CG1

Which of the following describes the main difference between a parliamentary democracy and a presidential democracy?

• how the legislature is selected

• how the leader is selected

• which citizens are allowed to vote for the leader

• there is no difference between parliamentary and presidential democracies

Answer explanation

The main difference lies in how the leader is selected. In a parliamentary democracy, the leader (usually a prime minister) is chosen by the legislature, while in a presidential democracy, the leader (president) is elected separately by the citizens.

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SS7CG1

In which of the following systems of government do citizens select both the legislature and the leader?

• presidential democracy

• parliamentary democracy

• autocracy

• presidential democracy and parliamentary democracy.

Answer explanation

In a presidential democracy, citizens directly elect both the legislature and the president, allowing for a clear separation of powers. In contrast, a parliamentary democracy typically involves electing the legislature, which then selects the leader.

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SS7CG1

What is a defining characteristic of an autocratic government?

• Power is distributed among various branches of government.

• Power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group.

• Citizens have the right to vote on all major decisions.

• There is a strong emphasis on protecting individual freedoms.

Answer explanation

An autocratic government is characterized by power being concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, limiting political pluralism and citizen participation.

How do citizens participate in a democratic type of government?

• they do not participate

• only members of the controlling group participate

• all citizens participate

• some citizens participate

Answer explanation

In a democratic government, all citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes, such as voting and civic engagement, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and represented.

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SS7CG1

Political violence would most likely be seen in this type of government.

• autocracy

• democracy

Answer explanation

Political violence is more likely in an autocracy, where power is concentrated in a single leader or party, often leading to repression and conflict. In contrast, democracies typically allow for peaceful political expression and conflict resolution.

How is the head of government determined in a presidential democracy?

• Citizens elect legislators who then select the head of government.

• Citizens vote for the candidate they want to be the head of government.

• The child of the previous head of government becomes the next head of government.

• The highest-ranking officer in the nation's military serves as the head of government.

Answer explanation

In a presidential democracy, citizens directly vote for their preferred candidate to be the head of government, making this choice a key feature of the system.

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SS7CG1

Which of the following is a feature of a parliamentary democracy?

• The head of state is elected directly by the people.

• The executive branch is separate from the legislative branch.

• The head of government is chosen by the legislature.

• There are no political parties.

Answer explanation

In a parliamentary democracy, the head of government is typically chosen by the legislature, reflecting the system's reliance on the legislative body to select the executive. This distinguishes it from other systems.

In a presidential democracy, how is the head of state typically chosen?

• By a vote in the legislature.

• Through a national election by the citizens.

• By appointment from the judiciary.

• By inheritance from the previous head of state.

Answer explanation

In a presidential democracy, the head of state is typically chosen through a national election by the citizens, allowing for direct public participation in the selection process.