Government Systems and Forms - Vocabulary Words

In a (a)   system, the government holds all power, and citizens have little to no freedom.

• Democracy

• Authoritarian

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

Answer explanation

An authoritarian system is characterized by the concentration of power in the government, limiting citizens' freedoms. In contrast, democracy promotes individual rights and participation, making 'authoritarian' the correct choice.

What is a synonym of "diplomacy"?

• Conflict

• Negotiation

• War

• Rebellion

Answer explanation

A synonym for 'diplomacy' is 'negotiation' as both involve discussions and efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully. In contrast, 'conflict', 'war', and 'rebellion' imply hostility rather than cooperative dialogue.

What is the opposite of "authoritarian"?

• A. Dictatorial

• B. Democratic

• C. Imperialistic

• D. Monarchical

Answer explanation

The term "authoritarian" refers to a concentration of power and limited personal freedoms. The opposite, "democratic," emphasizes participation, individual rights, and power distributed among the populace, making B the correct choice.

The word "diplomat" is used in this sentence: "The diplomat worked tirelessly to negotiate a peace treaty between the two countries." What does "diplomat" mean in this context?

• A. A soldier

• B. A leader of a country

• C. A government official responsible for negotiations

• D. A judge in a court

Answer explanation

In this context, 'diplomat' refers to a government official responsible for negotiations, as they work to create agreements like peace treaties. This aligns with choice C, making it the correct answer.

How would you define the word "imperialism" in this sentence? "The rise of imperialism in the 19th century led to many countries establishing colonies around the world."

• The practice of maintaining and expanding a country's empire

• The process of democratic elections

• A system where leaders are chosen by the people

• A method of resolving disputes between countries

Answer explanation

In this context, "imperialism" refers to the practice of maintaining and expanding a country's empire, as evidenced by the establishment of colonies in the 19th century.

Using context clues, what does "oligarchy" mean in this passage? "An oligarchy is a system of government where power is in the hands of a small group of wealthy or influential individuals."

• A. A government controlled by one person

• B. A government controlled by the people

• C. A government controlled by a few powerful individuals

• D. A government ruled by the military

Answer explanation

The passage defines an oligarchy as a system where power is held by a small group of wealthy or influential individuals. This directly aligns with choice C, indicating that it is controlled by a few powerful individuals.

What is the opposite of "democracy"?

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Authoritarianism

• Imperialism

Answer explanation

The opposite of democracy, which emphasizes participation and representation, includes systems like monarchy, oligarchy, and authoritarianism, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few or a single ruler. Imperialism, while related, is not a direct opposite.

The word "parliament" is used in this sentence: "The country's parliament met to discuss the proposed law on climate change." What does "parliament" mean in this context?

• A group of military leaders

• A legislative body that makes laws

• A royal family

• A diplomatic mission

Answer explanation

In this context, "parliament" refers to a legislative body that makes laws, as it is meeting to discuss a proposed law on climate change. The other options do not fit the definition of a parliament.

How would you define the word "democracy" in this sentence? "In a democracy, the people have the power to elect their leaders and make decisions about their government."

• A. A system where a king or queen holds power

• B. A system where decisions are made by a small group

• C. A system where citizens vote to choose leaders and policies

• D. A system with a ruler who holds absolute power

Answer explanation

The correct choice is C, as it defines democracy as a system where citizens vote to choose their leaders and policies, aligning with the sentence's emphasis on the people's power in decision-making.

Using context clues, what does "authoritarian" mean in this passage? "The authoritarian regime controlled every aspect of the people's lives, from their jobs to their education."

• A. A system where people have a say in government

• B. A system with limited government control

• C. A system where a single ruler or party holds absolute power

• D. A system focused on individual freedoms

Answer explanation

In the passage, 'authoritarian' describes a regime that controls all aspects of life, indicating absolute power. Thus, the correct choice is C, as it aligns with a system where a single ruler or party holds absolute power.