Foundations of American Government

How is a presidential system different from a parliamentary system?

• The president is elected separately from the legislature

• The prime minister is the head of state

• The legislature has more power than the executive

• The president can be removed by a vote of no confidence

What principle from the Declaration says people give the government its power?

• Consent of the governed

• Separation of powers

• Checks and balances

• Rule of law

Jefferson’s 'life, liberty, pursuit of happiness' reflects what idea?

• Locke’s theory of natural rights

• Hobbes’ social contract

• Rousseau’s general will

• Montesquieu’s separation of powers

What does Jefferson say people can do if government becomes abusive?

• Ignore the government and hope it changes

• Alter or abolish it and create a new one

• Vote for a new leader

• Accept the government's decisions without question

What is the difference between direct and representative democracy?

• Direct democracy allows people to vote on laws directly; Representative democracy allows people to vote for leaders who make laws.

• Direct democracy is a system where leaders are elected; Representative democracy is where laws are made by a council.

• Direct democracy involves voting for representatives; Representative democracy involves voting on laws directly.

• Direct democracy is only used in small communities; Representative democracy is used in all countries.

Why does the U.S. have a federal system?

• The Constitution gives power to both the national and state governments

• The national government has complete control over the states

• States have the authority to create their own currencies

• The federal system was established to limit the power of the President

Why did early Americans view English documents like the Magna Carta as important?

• They established a monarchy

• They limited government and protected rights

• They promoted trade with Europe

• They encouraged religious persecution

What must happen for a treaty to become law in the U.S.?

• The House of Representatives must approve it

• The President must sign it

• The Senate must approve it

• The Supreme Court must validate it

What was a weakness of the Articles and how did the Constitution fix it?

• The Articles allowed for a strong central government; the Constitution limited it.

• The Articles couldn’t regulate trade; Constitution gave Congress that power

• The Articles provided for a national army; the Constitution disbanded it.

• The Articles required unanimous consent for amendments; the Constitution made it easier.

What is an example of checks and balances?

• The House can impeach, and the Senate holds the trial

• The President can veto legislation passed by Congress

• The Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional

• The Senate can approve or reject presidential appointments