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Exploring Political Science Concepts

Total questions: 91

Worksheet time: 1hrs 13mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which of the following best defines Political Science?

a)

The study of economic systems and their impact on society

b)

The study of government, political processes, and political behavior

c)

The study of human biology and genetics

d)

The study of ancient civilizations only

2.

What is a civil liberty?

a)

A right granted by a king

b)

A basic individual right protected by law from governmental interference

c)

A law passed by Congress

d)

A type of government

3.

Which of the following is an example of a form of government?

a)

Democracy

b)

Legislature

c)

Election

d)

Policy

4.

Which electoral system is used in the United States for most federal elections?

a)

Proportional representation

b)

First-past-the-post (plurality)

c)

Single transferable vote

d)

Mixed-member proportional

5.

Which branch of the U.S. government has the power to declare war?

a)

Executive

b)

Legislative (Congress)

c)

Judicial

d)

State governments

6.

What is the minimum age required to run for President of the United States?

a)

18

b)

25

c)

30

d)

35

7.

Who is often called the "father of Political Science"?

a)

Aristotle

b)

Isaac Newton

c)

Thomas Jefferson

d)

Karl Marx

8.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech?

a)

First Amendment

b)

Second Amendment

c)

Fifth Amendment

d)

Tenth Amendment

9.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a parliamentary system of government?

a)

The executive is separate from the legislature

b)

The executive is chosen by the legislature

c)

The president is directly elected by the people

d)

There are no political parties

10.

What is the main function of the Electoral College in U.S. presidential elections?

a)

To count the popular vote

b)

To formally elect the President and Vice President

c)

To create new laws

d)

To appoint Supreme Court justices

11.

Which house of Congress has the sole power to initiate revenue bills?

a)

Senate

b)

House of Representatives

c)

Supreme Court

d)

Executive Branch

12.

Which of the following is a requirement to be elected President of the United States?

a)

Must be a natural-born citizen

b)

Must have served in Congress

c)

Must be at least 25 years old

d)

Must be a lawyer

13.

Explain the main difference between civil liberties and civil rights.

a)

Civil liberties are protections against government actions; civil rights involve equal treatment under the law

b)

Civil liberties are only for citizens; civil rights are for everyone

c)

Civil liberties are economic rights; civil rights are political rights

d)

Civil liberties are granted by states; civil rights are granted by the federal government

14.

Compare a unitary system of government to a federal system.

a)

In a unitary system, all power is held by a central government; in a federal system, power is shared between central and regional governments

b)

In a unitary system, power is shared equally; in a federal system, only the central government has power

c)

Both systems have no central government

d)

In a unitary system, there are no laws

15.

Which electoral system is most likely to result in a multi-party legislature?

a)

Proportional representation

b)

First-past-the-post

c)

Single-member district

d)

Electoral college

16.

Describe one power unique to the U.S. Senate.

a)

The power to ratify treaties

b)

The power to initiate revenue bills

c)

The power to appoint federal judges

d)

The power to veto laws

17.

Which of the following best describes the process of a U.S. presidential election?

a)

Direct popular vote only

b)

Primary elections, party conventions, general election, Electoral College vote

c)

Appointment by Congress

d)

Selection by the Supreme Court

18.

Which historical event led to the expansion of civil rights in the United States during the 1960s?

a)

The Civil Rights Movement

b)

The American Revolution

c)

The War of 1812

d)

The Great Depression

19.

How does the separation of powers in the U.S. government help prevent tyranny?

a)

By dividing government responsibilities among different branches

b)

By allowing one branch to control all others

c)

By eliminating the need for elections

d)

By giving all power to the President

20.

Which of the following is a key feature of a presidential system of government?

a)

The executive is elected separately from the legislature

b)

The executive is chosen by the legislature

c)

The judiciary makes laws

d)

The president serves for life

21.

Analyze how the introduction of proportional representation might affect the outcome of legislative elections in a country currently using first-past-the-post.

a)

It would likely increase the number of political parties represented in the legislature

b)

It would decrease voter turnout

c)

It would eliminate the need for elections

d)

It would make all districts the same size

22.

Evaluate the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 on civil rights in the United States.

a)

It significantly increased voter registration and participation among African Americans

b)

It reduced the number of eligible voters

c)

It abolished the Electoral College

d)

It created new states

23.

Suppose a country wants to ensure that minority groups have a better chance of being represented in its legislature. Which electoral system should it consider adopting, and why?

a)

Proportional representation, because it allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives

b)

First-past-the-post, because it favors larger parties

c)

Winner-take-all, because it eliminates small parties

d)

Electoral college, because it is used in presidential elections

24.

Assess the importance of the "checks and balances" system in the U.S. Congress's relationship with the President.

a)

It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others

b)

It allows Congress to ignore the President

c)

It gives the President unlimited power

d)

It eliminates the need for a judiciary

25.

A candidate wins the popular vote in a U.S. presidential election but loses the Electoral College. What does this outcome suggest about the U.S. electoral system?

a)

The Electoral College can produce a different result than the national popular vote

b)

The popular vote always determines the winner

c)

The Supreme Court decides the winner

d)

The Senate chooses the President

26.

If Congress wants to override a presidential veto, what must it do?

a)

Pass the bill again with a two-thirds majority in both houses

b)

Ask the Supreme Court for approval

c)

Hold a national referendum

d)

Wait until the next election

27.

Which of the following best explains why the U.S. has only two major political parties?

a)

The first-past-the-post electoral system discourages small parties

b)

The Constitution requires only two parties

c)

The President appoints party leaders

d)

Congress funds only two parties

28.

Which of the following is a responsibility of the U.S. House of Representatives during a presidential election if no candidate receives a majority of Electoral College votes?

a)

The House selects the President from among the top three candidates

b)

The House appoints a new Vice President

c)

The House dissolves the Electoral College

d)

The House calls for a new election

29.

Which of the following is an example of a civil right?

a)

The right to vote

b)

The right to own property

c)

The right to free speech

d)

The right to privacy

30.

Which of the following best describes a "bicameral" legislature?

a)

A legislature with two chambers or houses

b)

A legislature with one chamber

c)

A legislature with no chambers

d)

A legislature that meets every two years

31.
Which Ancient Greek philosopher was one of the first to study government?
a)
Plato
b)
Aristotle
c)
Socrates
d)
Pythagoras
32.
What is the effort to influence the way the government operates?
a)
Politics
b)
Economics
c)
Capitalism
d)
Laissez-Faire
33.
What system splits the power between multiple groups?
a)
Unitary
b)
Oligarchy
c)
Autocracy
d)
Federal
34.
What serves as a rule book for our government?
a)
Consensus
b)
Constitution
c)
Confederacy
d)
Free Market
35.
What is a small group of people who rule a country called?
a)
Autocracy
b)
Democracy
c)
Republic
d)
Oligarchy
36.
What is the economic system that emphasizes freedom of choice?
a)
Capitalism
b)
Communism
c)
Command Economy
d)
Confederacy
37.
Who came up with the philosophy of capitalism?
a)
John Locke
b)
Adam Smith
c)
Thomas Hobbes
d)
Josh Smith
38.
What best describes the economic system of the United States?
a)
Capitalism
b)
Communism
c)
Socialism
d)
Democracy
39.
What term describes a countries ability to form its own laws and protect itself without outside influence? 
a)
Constitutional Law
b)
Sovereignty
c)
Confederacy
d)
Autocracy
40.
What did Karl Marx call the workers in an industrialized society?
a)
Proletariat
b)
Oligarchy
c)
Confederacy
d)
Bourgeoisie
41.
What is a loose association of states called?
a)
Republic
b)
Confederacy
c)
Union
d)
Nation
42.
What is the term for a group of people who combine political power in order to attain a specific and well defined political goal?
a)
Politics
b)
Political Party
c)
Concensus
d)
Interest Group
43.
What did Thomas Hobbes believe?
a)
People should rebel if the gov. fails.
b)
People should have a say in the operation of their gov.
c)
A democratic system is the best way to rule a country.
d)
People should never rebel against their gov.
44.
What is the philosophy, developed by Adam Smith, stating the government should not interfere with the economy?
a)
Laissez-faire
b)
Socialism
c)
Command Economy
d)
Communism
45.
What did Karl Marx call the Capitalist who own the mean of production?
a)
Proletariat 
b)
Congress
c)
Republic
d)
Bourgeoisie
46.
Under a ______________ system, the national gov. has all the key power.
a)
Federal
b)
Unitary 
c)
Command
d)
Republic
47.

What is the definition of revolution?

a)

A sudden change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society

b)

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's own nation

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

48.

What is the definition of nationalism?

a)

A sudden change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society

b)

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's own nation

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

49.

What is the definition of enlightenment?

a)

A sudden change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society

b)

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's own nation

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

50.

What is the definition of sovereignty?

a)

A sudden change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society

b)

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's own nation

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

51.

What is the definition of liberalism?

a)

A political philosophy that says people should be as free as possible from the government

b)

A strong sense of pride and loyalty to one's own nation

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

52.

What is the definition of conservatism?

a)

A sudden change in the political, social, or economic structure of a society

b)

a political philosophy based on tradition, favoring obedience to political authority

c)

A period of intellectual and philosophical exploration

d)

The authority of a state or nation to govern itself independently

53.

The use of violence to draw attention to a cause or political aim

a)

terrorism

b)

glasnost

c)

total war

d)

genocide

54.

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale

a)

globalization

b)

glasnost

c)

perestroika

d)

interdependence

55.
Those events and issues that concern the people at large
a)
mass media
b)
public affairs
c)
public opinion
d)
interest groups
56.
An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence government
a)
interest group
b)
public opinion
c)
mandate
d)
opinion leader
57.
A sample deliberately constructed to reflect several of the major characteristics of a given population
a)
random sample
b)
quota sample
58.
An inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
a)
universe
b)
straw vote
c)
public affairs
d)
poll
59.
One who is able to influence the opinions of others because of position, expertise, or personality
a)
poll
b)
mass media
c)
opinion leader
d)
interest group
60.
A course of action taken by the government to resolve an important issue.
a)
public policy
b)
public affairs
c)
mandate
d)
random sample
61.
Organizations that collect money to distribute to candidates who support the same issues as the contributors
a)
interest group
b)
political action committee
c)
lobbyist
d)
opinion leader
62.
Direct contact made by an interest group representative in order to persuade government officials to support the policies their interest group favors
a)
political action committee
b)
madate
c)
peer group
d)
lobbying
63.
Influence from the people, the average voters
a)
propaganda
b)
amicus curiae brief
c)
grass roots pressure
d)
opinion leader
64.
A friend of the court brief filed by an interest group or interested party to influence a Supreme Court decision.
a)
public affairs
b)
political action committee
c)
amicus curiae breif
d)
grass roots pressure

65-74.

Answer the questions below after watching the video

65.

What is the primary purpose of governments according to the video?

a)

To make rules and protect society from danger

b)

To control the economy

c)

To provide entertainment

d)

To manage international relations

66.

In ancient Greece, what type of democracy allowed one person to cast one vote on a matter?

a)

Presidential democracy

b)

Parliamentary democracy

c)

Direct democracy

d)

Representative democracy

67.

Which type of democracy involves people voting directly for the president and separately for the legislature?

a)

Presidential democracy

b)

Parliamentary democracy

c)

Direct democracy

d)

Mixed democracy

68.

In a parliamentary democracy, who becomes the leader of the country?

a)

The president

b)

The prime minister

c)

The speaker of the house

d)

The chief justice

69.

What is a key feature of healthy democracies?

a)

A single ruling party

b)

No elections

c)

An independent court system and a free press

d)

Unlimited government power

70.

What is a common characteristic of authoritarian governments?

a)

Power concentrated in one person or a small group

b)

Independent media

c)

Strong protection of minority rights

d)

Free and fair elections

71.

How do authoritarian leaders often maintain control?

a)

By holding fair elections

b)

Through violence and intimidation

c)

By promoting free speech

d)

By encouraging public debate

72.

What might some people see as a benefit of authoritarian governments?

a)

Slower decision-making

b)

Greater personal liberties

c)

More political parties

d)

Decisive leadership and stability

73.

What is 'democratic backsliding'?

a)

A method of improving democratic institutions

b)

A process where authoritarian regimes become more democratic

c)

A process where democracies become more authoritarian

d)

A way to increase voter turnout

74.

What determines whether citizens' voices are amplified or minimized on global issues?

a)

The country's geographical location

b)

The country's population size

c)

The country's form of government

d)

The country's economic status

75.

In a U.S. Constitutional Republic, what is a key feature that distinguishes it from a direct democracy?

a)

All laws are voted on directly by citizens

b)

Representatives make laws on behalf of citizens

c)

The military holds ultimate power

d)

There is no written constitution

76.

Which system of government is characterized by rule based on religious law and leadership?

a)

Theocracy

b)

Classical Republic

c)

Direct Democracy

d)

Tribal Government

77.

What is a primary advantage of a monarchy?

a)

Equal representation for all citizens

b)

Slow decision-making process

c)

Quick decision-making in times of crisis

d)

Democratic election of leaders

78.

In an authoritarian government, what typically happens to opposition parties?

a)

They are encouraged to participate

b)

They share power equally

c)

They are given limited influence

d)

They are usually suppressed

79.

Which is a key characteristic of a socialist system?

a)

Complete private ownership

b)

State control of major industries

c)

Minimal government intervention

d)

Free market economics

80.

What is a major disadvantage of direct democracy?

a)

Too time-consuming for large populations

b)

Limited citizen participation

c)

Excessive power to representatives

d)

Lack of voting rights

81.

In a tribal government, how is leadership typically determined?

a)

Democratic elections

b)

Religious authority

c)

Hereditary succession

d)

Traditional customs and elder wisdom

82.

Which form of government was practiced in ancient Athens?

a)

Constitutional monarchy

b)

Authoritarian regime

c)

Direct democracy

d)

Tribal system

83.

What is a key advantage of a Constitutional Republic?

a)

Absolute power for leaders

b)

Protection of minority rights

c)

Religious law supremacy

d)

Immediate majority rule

84.

Which system typically features a single-party rule?

a)

Classical Republic

b)

Direct Democracy

c)

Authoritarian government

d)

Constitutional Republic

85.

In a theocracy, what is the primary source of law?

a)

Religious texts and principles

b)

Popular vote

c)

Constitutional documents

d)

Tribal traditions

86.

What is a characteristic of socialist economics?

a)

Minimal market regulation

b)

Central economic planning

c)

Unrestricted free trade

d)

Private control of resources

87.

Which government type typically has the strongest emphasis on individual rights?

a)

Authoritarian

b)

Constitutional Republic

c)

Theocracy

d)

Monarchy

88.

What is a common feature of tribal governance?

a)

Written constitution

b)

Separation of powers

c)

Consensus-based decisions

d)

Industrial economics

89.

Which system typically provides the most direct citizen participation?

a)

Direct Democracy

b)

Monarchy

c)

Authoritarian government

d)

Theocracy

90.

How does the Government Stabilize the Economy. Choose 2.

a)

Fiscal Policy

b)

Taxes

c)

Monetary Policy

d)

Banking Policy

91.

Actions by Congress to stabilize the economy.

a)

Fiscal Policy

b)

Monetary Policy

c)

Taxing Policy

d)

Inflation Policy

92.

Actions by the Federal Reserve Bank to stabilize the economy

a)

Fiscal Policy

b)

Monetary Policy

c)

Taxing Policy

d)

Inflation Policy

93.

Laws that reduce inflation, decrease GDP (Close an Inflationary Gap).

Decrease Government Spending.

Increase Taxes (Decreasing disposable income).

Combinations of the Two.

a)

Expansionary Fiscal Policy

b)

Contractionary Fiscal Policy

c)

Deficit Spending

d)

Inflation Policy

94.

Laws that reduce unemployment and increase GDP (Close a Recessionary Gap). 

Increase Government Spending.

Decrease Taxes (Increasing disposable income).

Combinations of the Two.

a)

Expansionary Fiscal Policy

b)

Contractionary Fiscal Policy

c)

Deficit Spending

d)

Inflation Policy

95.

What is considered the Economic Brake?

a)

Contractionary Fiscal Policy

b)

Expansionary Fiscal Policy

c)

Deficit Spending

d)

Deficit Policy

96.

What is considered the Economic Gas Pedal?

a)

Contractionary Fiscal Policy

b)

Expansionary Fiscal Policy

c)

Deficit Spending

d)

Deficit Policy

97.

Deficit Spending:

a)

If the Government decreases spending without decreasing taxes they will decrease the annual deficit and the national debt.

b)

If the Government increases spending without increasing taxes they will increase the annual deficit and the national debt.

98.

when annual government spending and transfer payments are greater than tax revenue.

a)

Budget Deficit

b)

Budget Surplus

c)

National Debt

d)

Global Debt

99.

when annual government spending and transfer payments are less than tax revenue.

a)

Budget Deficit

b)

Budget Surplus

c)

National Debt

d)

Global Debt

100.

is the accumulation of all the budget deficits over time. 

a)

Budget Deficit

b)

Budget Surplus

c)

National Debt

d)

Global Debt

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