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Questions and Answers
Which clause provides Congress the authority to create laws necessary to execute its national powers?
Which clause provides Congress the authority to create laws necessary to execute its national powers?
Which of the following is a characteristic of categorical grants?
Which of the following is a characteristic of categorical grants?
What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the Senate?
What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the Senate?
Which of the following leaders is not part of the Senate's official leadership roles?
Which of the following leaders is not part of the Senate's official leadership roles?
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Which process allows the President to indirectly veto legislation by not acting on it for a certain period?
Which process allows the President to indirectly veto legislation by not acting on it for a certain period?
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Which government type is characterized by a dictator who holds ultimate authority and where all aspects of life are tightly controlled?
Which government type is characterized by a dictator who holds ultimate authority and where all aspects of life are tightly controlled?
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What is the primary source of legitimacy for rulers who claim they are chosen by God?
What is the primary source of legitimacy for rulers who claim they are chosen by God?
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In which form of government do citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
In which form of government do citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf?
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What principle ensures that government power is limited and subject to recognized laws?
What principle ensures that government power is limited and subject to recognized laws?
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Which philosopher is associated with the concept of natural rights that should be protected by government?
Which philosopher is associated with the concept of natural rights that should be protected by government?
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What does the Social Contract theory suggest about the relationship between the state and the people?
What does the Social Contract theory suggest about the relationship between the state and the people?
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Which type of government claims that its rulers are directed by a particular set of religious ideas?
Which type of government claims that its rulers are directed by a particular set of religious ideas?
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Which form of government is characterized by power being inherited through a royal family?
Which form of government is characterized by power being inherited through a royal family?
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What system of government is exemplified by a small group of powerful individuals making decisions primarily for their own benefit?
What system of government is exemplified by a small group of powerful individuals making decisions primarily for their own benefit?
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Which principle of American democracy emphasizes the need for active participation from citizens?
Which principle of American democracy emphasizes the need for active participation from citizens?
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In a constitutional monarchy, what limits the power of the monarch?
In a constitutional monarchy, what limits the power of the monarch?
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What distinguishes a dictatorship from other forms of government?
What distinguishes a dictatorship from other forms of government?
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Which event is recognized as the first attempt at unity among the American colonies?
Which event is recognized as the first attempt at unity among the American colonies?
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Which of the following principles involves reaching agreements despite differences to resolve conflicts?
Which of the following principles involves reaching agreements despite differences to resolve conflicts?
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Which theorist argued that societies and governments introduce inequality and corruption?
Which theorist argued that societies and governments introduce inequality and corruption?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of natural law?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of natural law?
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What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?
What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?
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Which amendment addresses the right to bear arms?
Which amendment addresses the right to bear arms?
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Which of the following amendments prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?
Which of the following amendments prohibits cruel and unusual punishment?
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What principle does popular sovereignty embody?
What principle does popular sovereignty embody?
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How many amendments were proposed by Congress to create the Bill of Rights?
How many amendments were proposed by Congress to create the Bill of Rights?
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What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?
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What is the significance of the Ninth Amendment?
What is the significance of the Ninth Amendment?
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Which of the following best describes a republic democracy?
Which of the following best describes a republic democracy?
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What fundamental rights are emphasized in the U.S. declaration of independence?
What fundamental rights are emphasized in the U.S. declaration of independence?
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Which of the following best describes the type of government sought by the U.S. after independence?
Which of the following best describes the type of government sought by the U.S. after independence?
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What role of government emphasizes the protection of individual rights?
What role of government emphasizes the protection of individual rights?
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Which major issue did the Articles of Confederation create due to the lack of a separate executive branch?
Which major issue did the Articles of Confederation create due to the lack of a separate executive branch?
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What was one of the significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
What was one of the significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
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What is the main purpose of limited government?
What is the main purpose of limited government?
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Which branch of government is primarily responsible for enforcing laws?
Which branch of government is primarily responsible for enforcing laws?
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How do checks and balances work within the government?
How do checks and balances work within the government?
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What is judicial review?
What is judicial review?
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Which case firmly established the principle of judicial review?
Which case firmly established the principle of judicial review?
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What does popular sovereignty mean in the context of voting?
What does popular sovereignty mean in the context of voting?
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What is one key feature of federalism in government?
What is one key feature of federalism in government?
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Why is the separation of powers important?
Why is the separation of powers important?
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Study Notes
American Government - Chapter 1
- Theories of Rule: Rulers claim legitimacy through different means, including divine right (chosen by God), natural law (derived from natural world, everyone has natural rights), and social contract (people give power to state in exchange for protection).
- Divine Right: Rulers claim power directly from God(s).
- Natural Law & Natural Rights: Natural law dictates a system of rules derived from the natural world, and everyone has inherent rights (like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). Legitimate governments respect these rights.
- Social Contract: Governments formed when people agreed to submit to state power in exchange for protection and support. The legitimacy of government is contingent on its adherence to the agreement. This concept is often associated with philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.
Forms of Government
-
Monarchy: Rule by a monarch (king or queen) typically from a royal family. Power is often inherited.
- Absolute Monarchy: Monarchs hold unlimited power.
- Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch's power is limited by law.
- Dictatorship: One person (or small group) holds absolute power, achieved and maintained through force/violence.
- Theocracy: Government ruled by religious law and leaders.
- Direct Democracy: Citizens participate directly in making government decisions, often via assemblies. Only practical for small communities.
- Republic/Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Chapter 2: Events Leading to Independence
- Early Attempts at Unity: Colonies attempted unification (e.g., New England Confederation) to protect against external threats, like Native Americans and the Dutch.
- Growing Tension: Disputes between Great Britain and the colonies increased due to taxes implemented after the French and Indian War, including the Stamp Act and the Intolerable Acts ("no taxation without representation").
- Colonial Protests: Colonists protested British policies, sometimes violently, such as the Boston Massacre and Tea Party.
- Continental Congress: Delegates from the colonies met to coordinate responses to British actions. The First Continental Congress was a response to intolerable acts, the Second Continental Congress declared independence
Principles of American Democracy
- Worth of the Individual: All individuals are created equal and deserve the opportunity to pursue their potential.
- Rule of Law: The government is subject to clear and enforced limits.
- Majority Rule/Minority Rights: While the majority rules, the rights of the minority are protected.
- Compromise: Groups with differing viewpoints can reach agreements.
- Citizen Participation: Engaged citizenry is critical for a healthy democracy.
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Description
Explore the foundational theories of rule and forms of government in this quiz based on Chapter 1 of American Government. Test your knowledge on concepts such as the divine right, natural law, and social contract as well as different governmental structures like monarchy. Perfect for students looking to understand the legitimacy of governments and their philosophical underpinnings.
