Political Concepts from New England Text

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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason the Puritans came to North America?

To escape persecution due to their religious beliefs (correct)
To establish a new government based on democracy
To claim land and establish colonies for the English crown
To find new opportunities for trade and wealth

What is the 'New England mind' as described in the text?

A political ideology focused on the separation of powers and checks and balances
A way of thinking that emphasizes individual freedom and self-reliance
A religious perspective that prioritizes community and shared values (correct)
A philosophy of education that focuses on practical skills and vocational training

What does the concept of 'inherent rights' as mentioned in the text imply?

Rights that are based on social contracts and agreements between individuals
Rights that are inherent to all people, regardless of their status (correct)
Rights earned through hard work and personal achievement
Rights granted by the government to its citizens

What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact in the context of the text?

It reflected the importance of shared values and mutual protection in their community. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key political idea attributed to the 'farmers' in the text?

The belief in the inherent rights of all citizens, including the right to vote (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of Constitutionalism?

To establish a system of checks and balances on political power (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key achievement of the three revolutions mentioned in the text?

Universal suffrage and democratic elections (C) Signup and view all the answers

Jusnaturalism, as described in the text, argues that:

Human laws are inferior to natural laws derived from God or nature (C) Signup and view all the answers

The example of Sophocles' Antigone in the text illustrates which of these concepts?

The potential conflict between human laws and natural laws (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following philosophers influenced the development of the theory of separation of powers?

Aristotle (C) Signup and view all the answers

The text explains that Constitutionalism emerged as a reaction against:

Absolutism (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the way Constitutionalism maintained the concept of a superior source of law after the decline of religious authority?

By elevating the written constitution to the position of supreme law (B) Signup and view all the answers

The mixed government model advocated by Aristotle and Cicero aimed to:

Ensure that all social classes had a role in government (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events is NOT mentioned as a key revolution in the development of constitutionalism?

The Russian Revolution of 1917 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the change brought about by the London Declaration of 1949 regarding the Commonwealth?

India acknowledged the British monarch as a symbolic head of the Commonwealth, becoming a republic in 1950. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Governor General in the Commonwealth's structure?

To represent the Queen and exercise formal executive power. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary feature of the modern Commonwealth of Nations?

A unified legal system with a central authority to enforce international law. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the impact of the Statute of Westminster on the Commonwealth?

It granted full autonomy to the dominions, making them independent nations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the influence of English law and constitution on the Commonwealth nations?

English law provided a framework for new legal systems but was adapted to local contexts in each country. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the British North America Act of 1867 for Canada?

It unified several British colonies in North America into a self-governing federation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Commonwealth and the UK?

The UK and other Commonwealth nations are equal partners with shared values and goals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main constitutional source of Canada's supreme law, as defined by the Canada Act?

The supreme law includes the Canada Act, the British North America Act, and other sources of constitutional law. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the 'octroyées constitutions' prevalent in 19th century Europe?

They were drafted in a constituent assembly, involving the participation of the people. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the legislative and executive branches in a parliamentary system?

The legislative branch has the power to appoint and remove the executive branch. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in a semi-presidential system called?

Balance of powers (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source of law?

Laws passed by the Parliament. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the provided text, what does the term 'principle of legality' refer to?

The requirement for all government actions to be based on law. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What historical event transformed Constitutionalism from a minor political ideology to the main political doctrine in the Atlantic world?

The English Civil War (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the executive branch in a presidential system derive its political legitimacy?

From the people through direct elections. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in a parliamentary system, where the majority of the Parliament must approve the Cabinet's appointment and can force its resignation?

Relationship of confidence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the principle of legality and the Common Law's rule of law?

The principle of legality is more focused on the supremacy of legislation, while the rule of law emphasizes the importance of judicial independence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a presidential system?

The President has the power to dissolve the Parliament. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Parliament in a parliamentary system?

To create and enact laws. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 impact the President's role in the federal budget process?

It gave the President the authority to propose a federal budget to Congress for consideration. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was a key consequence of the increased use of presidential veto power in the early 20th century?

A shift in the balance of power towards the executive branch. (E) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the 'majoritarian pattern' and the 'assembly pattern' of parliamentary government?

The 'majoritarian pattern' emphasizes a strong executive and a stable government, while the 'assembly pattern' prioritizes a dominant parliament and unstable governments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key goal of 'rationalization' within parliamentary systems as discussed in the text?

Enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the Cabinet by clarifying its powers and procedures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main factors that contributed to the rise of authoritarian movements in Europe during the early 20th century?

The increasing instability and fragmentation of political systems, leading to a lack of confidence in existing institutions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a major factor in the transition to mass politics in Europe after World War I?

A decline in public awareness and involvement in political affairs due to war fatigue. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes the transition to new constitutional structures in countries like Germany and Austria after World War I?

A significant departure from pre-war constitutional models, leading to the creation of entirely new frameworks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did the Austrian and Czechoslovakian constitutions of 1920 introduce that was a novel development in Europe?

They were the first European constitutions to establish a system of judicial review of legislation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of the proportional electoral system on the stability of parliamentary governments in Europe during this period?

It increased the fragmentation of political systems and contributed to government instability due to the difficulty of forming stable majorities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the English parliamentary monarchy considered a 'positive model' for European governments seeking to rationalize their systems?

It demonstrated how a strong and stable Cabinet could lead the government even in the absence of a formal written constitution. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a key feature of the 'rationalization' process introduced in European parliamentary systems in the early 20th century?

The creation of a codified constitution outlining the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main challenge faced by European countries in adopting the 'English parliamentary monarchy' model?

The model relied heavily on tradition and unwritten conventions, which made it difficult to adapt to different political contexts. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a major challenge faced by European parliamentary systems in the 20th century, as highlighted in the text?

The difficulty of maintaining a strong and stable Cabinet due to the complexities of multi-party systems and proportional representation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How did the rise of mass parties in Europe affect the stability of parliamentary systems?

It increased political instability due to the emergence of diverse political agendas and the difficulty in forming stable majorities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Acts of the Executive Branch

Decisions made by the executive branch that have legal force.

Principle of Legality

The requirement that all government actions must comply with established laws.