American Principles/Ideals

What is Direct Democracy?

• A system where citizens elect representatives

• A form of government where citizens rule directly

• A government with a single leader

• A system where only the elite vote

In a Representative Democracy, who makes decisions about the laws?

• The military

• Elected representatives or leaders

• The judiciary

• The general public

What does Liberty refer to in a political context?

• The right to vote

• Freedom to have control over one's life

• The power of the government

• The ability to own property

What is the political idea of Equality?

• Different rights for different people

• Same rights and opportunities for all

• More rights for the wealthy

• Rights based on age

What does Popular Sovereignty mean?

• Power resides in the government

• Power resides in the people

• Power resides in the military

• Power resides in the judiciary

What is meant by Limited Government?

• Government with unlimited power

• Restricted power to rule

• Government with no power

• Government with absolute power

What is Federalism?

• A single national government

• Division of power between national and state governments

• Power concentrated in the state governments

• Power concentrated in the national government

What does Separation of Powers entail?

• Power concentrated in one branch

• Division of powers among three branches

• Power only in the legislative branch

• Power only in the executive branch

What is the purpose of Checks & Balances?

• To allow one branch to dominate

• To limit each branch's power

• To eliminate the judiciary

• To strengthen the executive branch

What are Unalienable Rights (aka Natural Rights)?

• Rights that can be taken away

• Basic rights that cannot be taken away

• Rights given by the government

• Rights only for citizens