1.2 - Types of Government

Describe a citizen's economic and social life under an authoritarian government.

• The citizen is empowered by a constitution that protects his or her individual rights.

•  Most details of the citizen's life are highly controlled by the government.

  
  

• The citizen is free to live however he or she pleases.

• Unlimited economic opportunities and expanded political and social rights.

Governments can be classified as falling on a spectrum with "authoritarian" on one end and what on the other?

• oligarchic

• democratic

• monarchical

• fascist

The United States Constitution is notable in that it is

• the oldest written constitution in the world.

• the longest written constitution in the world.

• the most restrictive constitution in the world.

• the least restrictive constitution in the world.

Democratic government gains its strength from

• a strong national military.

• a constitution that gives it ultimate power.

• the consent and trust of the people.

• the support of business owners.

In a democracy, all people are treated equally because

• that is the tradition of Western culture.

• everyone is protected by the law.

• this principle is taught in the Bible.

• elected officials insist upon it.

Why is a constitution an incomplete guide for a country to follow?

• It cannot describe every law necessary for a country to exist.

• It must be renewed every year.

• Constitutions can only be a certain length.

• Not every citizen is required to obey the constitution.

Because democratic governments represent their citizens, a core principle of democracy is

• a strong national military.

• a common spoken language.

• the celebration of traditional culture.

• individual rights.

Which of the following is a purpose of a constitution?

• to state what freedoms citizens have

• to set out the basic structure of a government

• to describe economic activities allowed by law

• to explain why the country is better than all others

The rule of law guarantees that

• everyone is treated equally under the law.

• laws will be passed every four years.

• lawyers will protect you if you break the law.

• laws apply only to citizens who vote.

A constitutional government is a "limited" government because

• its people do not like government.

• its leaders must ask for permission to govern every year.

• the monarch has final authority in all matters.

• its powers are clearly laid out by the document.