American Government Unit 1 Quiz

Which of the following best explains why there were no separate states creating their own laws or taxes under Britain's unitary government during the American Revolution?

• The central government allowed states to be independent.

• The central government had all the power and authority.

• States were too small to govern themselves.

• The population voted on all laws and taxes.

What is a confederation government?

• A union where states retain supreme authority except for powers delegated to a central government.

• A government where the central authority has all the power over the states.

• A monarchy with a single ruler.

• A direct democracy with no central authority.

Which document established the original 13 United States as a confederation?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

According to the definition of a confederation government, what is the main characteristic that distinguishes it from other forms of government?

• The central government has limited powers, and states retain most authority.

• The central government controls all aspects of governance.

• The government is led by a monarch.

• All citizens vote directly on every issue.

Which form of government divides sovereign power between a central authority and a number of constituent regions, such as states or provinces?

• Federal Government

• Unitary Government

• Confederacy

• Monarchy

How does a federal government differ from a confederacy?

• The central government has direct influence on both individuals and regional units in a federal government

• The central government has no power in a federal government

• The regional units control the central government in a federal government

• There is no difference between a federal government and a confederacy

Which of the following best describes an autocratic government?

• A government where all citizens vote on every issue

• A government where one person or group holds all the power, without the participation or consent of the people

• A government where power is shared equally among all branches

• A government led by elected representatives

What is an oligarchic government?

• A government controlled by a small group of individuals whose authority is based on wealth or power.

• A government where all citizens have equal power.

• A government led by a single ruler with absolute authority.

• A government based on religious laws.

Compare an oligarchic government to a democratic government. What is a key difference in how authority is distributed?

• Oligarchic governments concentrate authority in a small group, while democratic governments distribute authority among all citizens.

• Oligarchic governments are based on religious laws, while democratic governments are not.

• Oligarchic governments have a single ruler, while democratic governments have no leaders.

• Oligarchic governments are always hereditary, while democratic governments are always elected.

Explain how the lack of participation or consent from the people distinguishes autocratic governments from democratic governments.

• In autocratic governments, people have more rights than in democratic governments.

• In autocratic governments, power is distributed equally among all citizens.

• In autocratic governments, one person or group holds all the power without the participation or consent of the people, unlike democratic governments where people have a say in governance.

• In autocratic governments, laws are made by popular vote.