Constitutional Principles

What does "limited government" mean?

• A govenrment with unlimited power

• Basically what Kim Jong Un has going on in North Korea

• A government with rules and boundaries

• A government that can do whatever it wants

Why is limited government important?

• It allows the government to have more power

• It protects the rights of the people

• It makes the government stronger

• It limits individual freedom

Which of the following is an example of limited government in action?

• Citizens can vote for their leaders

• Individuals have rights

• The power of the government is divided into three branches

• All of these are examples of limited government

What does "separation of powers" mean in government?

• One person has all the power

• Government is not needed

• Different branches of government have different responsibilites

• Everyone has equal power in decision-making

How does the separation of powers prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• By giving all power to the executive branch

• By dividing responsibilities among three branches

• By allowing the president to make all decisions

• By eliminating one branch of government

What is "federalism" in our government?

• The power held by one central government

• The power held by state governments only

• The power shared between a central government (national/federal government) and state governments

• The power held by local governments only

Which level of government is responsible for education policies in New York State?

• Federal government

• State government

• Local government

• None of these are correct

What are "individual rights" in the context of government?

• Promises made by the government

• Personal freedoms and protections that the government cannot take away

• Rules that apply only to certain individuals

• Benefits given to the wealthy

Why are individual rights important in a democracy?

• They limit personal freedom

• They give the government more power

• They protect people from government becoming too powerful (overreach)

• They only apply to a select few citizens

What does "rule of law" mean?

• Everone can make their own rules

• Everyone, including the government must follow the same rules

• The government can change the rules anytime

• Only the government makes rules