POD Unit 1 and 2 Test

What is the definition of government?

• A body of people living in a defined territory
• The supreme power within a state
• A complex of offices, personnel, and processes for ruling a state
• The natural evolution of family structures

Which of the following is NOT one of the four essential features of a state?

• Population
• Territory
• Economy
• Sovereignty

According to the force theory, how did states originate?

• Through natural evolution from families
• By divine right granted by God
• Through a social contract among individuals
• One group claimed control and forced others to submit

Which theory suggests that individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for safety and order?

• Divine Right theory
• Evolution theory
• Force theory
• Social Contract theory

What is the primary purpose of a unitary government?

• To divide power between central and local governments
• To create an alliance of independent states
• To hold power in a strong central government
• To distribute power equally among all citizens

In a federal system of government, what is true about the division of power?

• All power is held by the central government
• Power is divided between central and local governments
• Local governments have supreme authority
• Power can be changed by either level of government alone

Which form of government is characterized by an executive chosen from the legislature?

• Presidential system
• Parliamentary system
• Dictatorship
• Direct democracy

What is a key characteristic of a democracy?

• The rulers cannot be held responsible to the people
• The government has absolute power
• Those who rule are responsible to the people
• Only a select few can participate in government

Which concept of democracy emphasizes that all individuals have equal rights and opportunities?

• Majority rule
• Individual rights
• Equality of all persons
• Necessity of compromise

What does the principle of "majority rule, minority rights" in a democracy ensure?

• The majority always makes the correct decisions
• Minorities have no say in government
• The rights of minorities are protected while allowing majority decision-making
• All decisions require unanimous agreement