Government Chapter 1 Test

Use the chart to answer the question. Which one of these explanations about the origins of states best applies to the type of political system created by the U.S. Constitution?

• force theory
• evolutionary theory
• divine right of kings theory
• social contract theory

Which of the following examples shows a government exercising its executive powers?

• deciding whether or not a law is constitutional
• enforcing a new tax law
• making a law that alters voting requirements
• settling a dispute between two branches of government

What is the purpose of a constitution and what are the advantages of a written constitution?

This image shows Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, surrounded by his military officers.

• democracy
• republic
• theocracy
• dictatorship

The map shows the types of governments used by nations across the world. Which statement best describes the form of government that is most common in Europe and the Americas?

• Power is held by a small, ruling elite.
• The people elect officials to represent them in government.
• Rule of the country is passed down through family members.
• A single individual has absolute control over the government.

Use this excerpt from the text to answer the question. "Some people insist the United States is more properly called a republic rather than a democracy." The people who support this statement argue that the United States is a republic because in its government,

• powers are divided between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches.
• political power is used indirectly by elected officials, not directly by the citizens themselves.
• power is shared by a central government and many State governments.
• the people do not have the power to influence the decisions made by the government.

What did John Locke mean when he said that government was based upon a social contract?

In the United States, the concept of equality means that every individual

• must sacrifice his or her interests so the needs of the many can be met.
• is born with as much talent and ability as everyone else.
• is entitled to receive the same treatment under the law.
• should receive the same share of worldly goods as everyone else.

What is government?

• the services provided to a community, such as police protection, fire protection, and public health programs
• the laws that protect peoples’ rights and ensure the safety of a state’s citizens
• the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies
• the process by which public officials are elected to and removed from office

Which of the following lists the three basic powers a government must have?

• executive power, legislative power, military power
• legislative power, executive power, judicial power
• economic power, judicial power, legislative power
• judicial power, diplomatic power, executive power