Gov Interim Assessment Review

What is a confederal government?

• A) A system where a central government has all the power

• B) A system where independent states have the most power

• C) A system where power is shared equally between central and regional governments

• D) A system where the government is elected by the people.

Answer explanation

A confederal government is characterized by independent states retaining the majority of power, while the central authority has limited authority. Thus, the correct choice is B, as it accurately reflects this structure.

Democracy is a system of government where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of ________.

• monarchy

• dictatorship

• representation

• oligarchy

Answer explanation

Democracy involves the people exercising power, typically through elected representatives. Thus, the correct term to fill in the blank is 'representation', as it reflects the indirect exercise of power by the populace.

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central government and ________.

• the military

• regional governments

• the judiciary

• international bodies

Answer explanation

Federalism divides power between a central government and regional governments, allowing for local governance while maintaining a unified national policy. This structure contrasts with the other options, which do not represent a division of governmental power.

What does a limited government ensure?

• Unlimited power to the government

• Restricted powers of the government

• No power to the government

• Power only to the judiciary

Answer explanation

A limited government ensures that the powers of the government are restricted, preventing it from becoming too powerful and infringing on individual rights. Thus, the correct choice is 'Restricted powers of the government'.

Montesquieu was a philosopher who advocated for the separation of powers to prevent ________.

• democracy

• tyranny

• freedom

• equality

Answer explanation

Montesquieu believed that separating powers among different branches of government would prevent tyranny, ensuring that no single entity could dominate and abuse power, thus protecting individual freedoms.

In a parliamentary government, the Prime Minister is chosen by and accountable to which branch?

• The military

• The legislative branch

• The judicial branch

• The executive branch itself.

Answer explanation

In a parliamentary government, the Prime Minister is chosen by the legislative branch, which holds the power to elect and remove the Prime Minister, making them accountable to this branch.

Representative Democracy is a form of democracy where citizens elect ________ to make decisions on their behalf.

• kings

• representatives

• judges

• generals

Answer explanation

In a Representative Democracy, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, rather than having kings, judges, or generals make those decisions. Thus, 'representatives' is the correct choice.

Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of which important document?

• The Magna Carta

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Federalist Papers

Answer explanation

Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of The Declaration of Independence, which was adopted in 1776. This document declared the American colonies' independence from British rule, making it a foundational text in U.S. history.

What was the first written constitution of the United States that established a weak national government and was eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution?

• Articles of Confederation

• Great Compromise

• Three-Fifths Compromise

• Checks and Balances

Answer explanation

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States, creating a weak national government. It was ultimately replaced by the U.S. Constitution due to its ineffectiveness in governing the nation.

The Great Compromise was an agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a two-house legislature, combining elements of both the _______ Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

• Virginia

• Connecticut

• New York

• Pennsylvania

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, integrating the Virginia Plan's representation based on population and the New Jersey Plan's equal representation for states, thus creating a balanced system.