Quiz: Purposes of Government

Match the purpose of government with the correct example.

• Police stop fights and make sure laws are followed

• Maintain social order

• The government builds and runs schools and roads

• Provide public services

• The U.S. Army protects the country from attack

• Make economic decisions

• The government decides how to spend tax money

• Provide national security

Which is an example of the government providing public services?

• A city opens a new public park

• Police arrest someone breaking the law

• The military guards the border

• Congress passes a tax law

Which shows the government making economic decisions?

• The state raises the minimum wage

• A town builds a new fire station

• The Army buys new tanks

• Police patrol the streets at night

Which is an example of the government providing national security?

• Soldiers are sent overseas to protect the country

• A new hospital is built in the city

• A mayor decides how much money to spend on schools

• Police write tickets for speeding

Which shows the government maintaining social order?

• A judge sends someone to jail for stealing

• The state pays for new buses

• The Navy buys new ships

What happens in anarchy (no government)?

• People disregard the societal rules, and life is often unsafe.

• Police keep the peace

• The military protects the country

• Schools are built by the government

What is the social contract theory?

• People agree to give up some freedom in exchange for safety and order

• The government takes away all freedoms

• Only leaders should follow the rules

• Citizens sign a contract to join the Army

What is the difference between a bill and a law?

• A bill is an idea for a law, and a law is a written and approved rule that people must follow.

• A bill is only about money, and a law is about everything else

• A bill is made by the people, and a law is made by the courts

• A bill is temporary, and a law is forever

Which purpose of government is illustrated?

• public service

• make economic decisions

• national security

• maintain social order

Which purpose of government is illustrated?

• public service

• economic decisions

• national security

• social control