Understanding Government Principles

What is a constitutional government?

• A government where the ruler has unlimited power

• A government that is ruled by a single person

• A government that operates under a set of laws and principles outlined in a constitution

• A government that does not follow any written laws

Which of the following is a principle of self-government?

• Citizens have the power to make decisions through voting

• Decisions are made by a single ruler

• Laws are made by a foreign power

• Government officials are appointed by a king

What is a characteristic of a limited government?

• The government has total control over all aspects of life

• The government’s powers are restricted by laws or a constitution

• The government can change laws without any process

• The government is led by a dictator

Why are individual rights important in a society?

• They allow the government to control the people

• They are not important in a democratic society

• They give more power to the government

• They ensure that each person has freedoms and protections under the law

What does the concept of the rule of law mean?

• Laws apply only to certain people

• Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law

• The ruler is above the law

• Laws can be ignored if they are inconvenient

What is due process?

• The right to a speedy trial

• The ability to make laws without following any procedures

• The fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement

• The right to ignore laws

Which of the following best describes a constitutional government?

• A government that can change laws at any time without consent

• A government that is bound by a set of fundamental laws

• A government that does not have a written constitution

• A government that is ruled by a monarch

What is one way citizens participate in self-government?

• By obeying all government orders without question

• By allowing the government to make all decisions

• By voting in elections

• By ignoring government laws

How does a limited government protect individual rights?

• By allowing the government to have unlimited power

• By ensuring that government actions are limited by law

• By giving all power to a single leader

• By not having any laws

What is an example of the rule of law?

• Laws apply equally to all citizens, including leaders

• A king can change laws whenever he wants

• Only certain people have to follow the law

• Laws are made by a single person