Topic 1 Lesson 2: Origins and Purposes of Government

What is the main tool governments use to keep order in society?

• building infrastructure

• making laws

• forming armies

•  providing services

Which of the following is the best example of local public policy?

• establishing state and local courts

•  requiring vehicle inspections and drivers’ licenses

•  repairing roadways and bridges

• providing loans to small businesses

What key characteristic helps define a state?

• a group of people with a shared history

•  separation of central and local powers

• an independent government

• a set of laws that applies to all people

Why do states have different minimum wages?

• There is no federal minimum wage requirement

• States can set whatever minimum wage they want

• States must meet the federal minimum but can go higher.

• The federal government determines state minimums.

Which word describes a large group of people united by common bonds, such as race, language, or religion?

•  nation

•  country

•  state

•  community

Which of the following best describes state and local governments in the United States?

• State governments can overrule federal laws but not local laws.

•  Local laws must be approved by state governments.

• State and local laws cannot violate federal laws.

• State and local governments can overrule federal laws