wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

American Politics and Government Today

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 2hrs 40mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the primary purpose of government according to John Locke?

a)

To maintain absolute power

b)

To protect natural rights

c)

To enforce religious laws

d)

To expand territory

2.

Which form of government is characterized by rule by a small group of people?

a)

Democracy

b)

Oligarchy

c)

Theocracy

d)

Anarchy

3.

In a constitutional monarchy, who holds the real power?

a)

The monarch

b)

The parliament

c)

The military

d)

The clergy

4.

Explain the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy.

a)

Direct democracy involves citizens voting on laws directly, while representative democracy involves electing officials to make decisions.

b)

Direct democracy is ruled by a monarch, while representative democracy is ruled by elected officials.

c)

Direct democracy is a form of dictatorship, while representative democracy is a form of oligarchy.

d)

Direct democracy is based on religious laws, while representative democracy is based on secular laws.

5.

How does federalism distribute power in a government system?

a)

Power is centralized in a single national government.

b)

Power is divided between national and state governments.

c)

Power is held by religious leaders.

d)

Power is given to a single ruler.

6.

Analyze the impact of the "Right to Revolt" on modern democratic societies.

a)

It encourages citizens to accept government decisions without question.

b)

It provides a mechanism for citizens to challenge and change unjust governments.

c)

It leads to the establishment of absolute monarchies.

d)

It discourages political participation among citizens.

7.

Compare the roles of a president in a presidential system and a prime minister in a parliamentary system.

a)

Both are ceremonial heads of state with no real power.

b)

A president is elected by the people, while a prime minister is appointed by the monarch.

c)

A president is the head of state and government, while a prime minister is the head of government but not the head of state.

d)

Both are appointed by the military.

8.

What is the main characteristic of an absolute monarchy?

a)

The monarch has limited power and is subject to a constitution.

b)

The monarch has complete control over the government and is not bound by a constitution.

c)

The monarch is elected by the people.

d)

The monarch shares power with a parliament.

9.

Evaluate the effectiveness of a dictatorship in maintaining order and stability.

a)

Dictatorships are always effective in maintaining order and stability.

b)

Dictatorships can maintain order but often at the cost of personal freedoms and human rights.

c)

Dictatorships are ineffective and lead to chaos.

d)

Dictatorships are the most democratic form of government.

10.

What is the "State of Nature" according to Thomas Hobbes?

a)

A peaceful and cooperative society

b)

A state of war where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short"

c)

A utopian society with no government

d)

A society governed by religious laws

11.

Identify the key difference between a theocracy and a democracy.

a)

A theocracy is ruled by religious leaders, while a democracy is ruled by elected officials.

b)

A theocracy is based on secular laws, while a democracy is based on religious laws.

c)

A theocracy allows for free elections, while a democracy does not.

d)

A theocracy is a form of anarchy, while a democracy is a form of dictatorship.

12.

What is anarchy?

a)

A system where power is held by a single ruler

b)

A system with no government or laws

c)

A system where power is shared between national and state governments

d)

A system ruled by religious leaders

13.

What did Hobbes describe people as?

a)

kindhearted

b)

mean

c)

generous

d)

selfish

14.
According to the social contract theory, where does the government get its power?
a)
"the legislature"
b)
"the laws of nature"
c)
"the consent of the governed"
d)
the King of England
15.

The doctrine that assumes that human beings had rights in a “state of nature” and create government in order to protect those rights is known as what? (a)  

Choose from the below words
civil rights
consent
natural rights
public policy
16.

A certain country is characterized by the following traits:

  1. 1. power achieved through inheritance

  2. 2. same ruling family for over a century

  3. 3. finite freedoms and rights

  4. 4. hierarchical social status

  5. 5. single established state religion

  6. The establishment and maintenance of these traits is based on which of the following principals?

a)

popular sovereignty

b)

due process of law

c)

social contract theory

d)

divine right of kings

17.

Hobbes thought that a __________ would be the best form government.

a)

republic

b)

monarchy

c)

democracy

d)

oligrachy

18.

What is one problem with Democracy in the United States?

a)

Influence of money

b)

Lack of polling locations

c)

Many people don't understand the ballot

d)

Packs of dogs

19.

The questioning of Trump appointees is a good example of one of the problems with democracy, this can be summed up with which statement?

a)

Policy over Politics

b)

Drill baby Drill

c)

Politics over Policy

d)

E pluribus unum

20.
Question Image

Match the following

a)

Thomas Hobbes

1.

A King should be in control

b)

John Locke

2.

The people have the right to revolt

c)

Anarchist

3.

No Rules, No Laws

d)

Ayatollah

4.

Theocracy

e)

Group of unelected leaders

5.

Oligarchy