Foundations of Political Thought Quiz

Which term refers to rights that cannot be taken away or denied because they are inherent to all human beings?

• Unalienable rights

• Social contract

• Divine right of kings

• Rule of law

What is the main idea behind the "divine right of kings"?

• Kings are chosen by the people

• Kings derive their authority from God

• Kings must follow a constitution

• Kings are elected officials

Which political theory argues that government legitimacy comes from an agreement between the governed and the government?

• Social contract theory

• Divine right of kings

• Natural law

• Absolutism

The phrase "laws of nature and nature's God" is most closely associated with which historical document?

• The Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

Which of the following best describes the right of resistance to illegitimate government?

• The right to obey all laws

• The right to remove or oppose a government that violates fundamental rights

• The right to vote in elections

• The right to form political parties

Given the concept of unalienable rights, which action by a government would most likely be considered a violation of this principle?

• Providing free education

• Restricting freedom of speech without just cause

• Building public roads

• Collecting taxes for public services

If a king claims his authority is based on the divine right of kings, how might this affect the way laws are created and enforced in his kingdom?

• Laws are based on the will of the people

• Laws are seen as unchangeable and justified by religious authority

• Laws are created by elected representatives

• Laws are based on scientific reasoning

How does social contract theory justify the existence of government?

• By claiming rulers are chosen by God

• By stating that people agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection of their rights

• By arguing that all power should be held by a monarch

• By suggesting that laws are unnecessary

A government begins to systematically violate the unalienable rights of its citizens. According to the ideas of the Enlightenment, what is the most justified response by the people?

• Accept the government's actions without question

• Petition the government for redress and, if necessary, resist or replace it

• Move to another country

• Ignore the violations

Compare the "divine right of kings" with "social contract theory." Which of the following best explains a key difference between these two ideas?

• Divine right of kings is based on popular sovereignty, while social contract theory is based on hereditary rule

• Divine right of kings claims authority from God, while social contract theory claims authority from the consent of the governed

• Both theories reject the idea of government authority

• Both theories require written constitutions