Types of Government Quiz

Which statement explains one way in which autocracy and direct democracy are different from each other?

• An autocracy allows citizens to vote, and a direct democracy does not.

• A direct democracy allows citizens to vote for representatives, and an autocracy does not.

• An autocracy keeps power in the hands of one person, and a direct democracy does not.

• A direct democracy encourages people to share everything they have, and an autocracy does not.

Look at the following picture and answer the question below. Which form of government is illustrated by this picture?

• monarchy

• dictatorship

• direct democracy

• representative democracy

Which statement best explains how an oligarchy and a monarchy are alike?

• Citizens vote to elect their rulers.

• Government actively promotes class equality.

• Political power is gained solely by family succession.

• Political power is held by one or more powerful individuals.

What is the main difference between a confederal system of government and a federal system of government?

• the sovereignty of the states

• the rights of the people

• the size of government

• the election of officials

Read the following scenario and answer the question below. A new country has been established after the government was overthrown by its citizens. According to the new constitution this country is divided into several different regions; however the central government is in total control. The regions do not have any powers unless the central government delegates those powers. What system of government does this new country have?

• dictatorship

• confederal

• federal

• unitary

Why did the Founding Fathers establish a Federalist system?

• to create governmental efficiency

• to allow elected officials more authority

• to ensure that all states have the same laws

• to protect against the concentration of power

Jamal lives in Country Z. In this country, power is divided between different levels of government. Based on this information, under which system of government does Jamal most likely live?

• a federal system

• a unitary system

• a confederal system

• a parliamentary system

The people of Country X want to unite their sovereign states under a weak central government. Which government system would be best for Country X?

• a federal system

• a unitary system

• a confederal system

• a parliamentary system

The scenario below describes the government of France. France is governed as one single unit in which the national government in Paris is supreme. The national government is divided into regions (districts), départements (counties), and communes (towns), all of which only exercise those powers that the national government chooses to delegate. Based on this information, which type of government does France have?

• confederal

• federal

• parliamentary

• unitary

Read the following scenario and answer the question below. An example of this form of government might include a town meeting in which all citizens are invited to attend. While there, they debate and vote on town policy. Which form of government does this scenario describe?

• oligarchy

• autocracy

• direct democracy

• representative democracy