Test 1

Question 1

authoritarian government

Answer 1

A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits but may nevertheless be restrained by the power of other social institutions

Question 2

autocracy

Answer 2

a form of government in which a single individual rules.

Question 3

citizenship

Answer 3

Informed and active membership in a political community

Question 4

constitutional government

Answer 4

A system of rule in which formal and effective limits are placed on the powers of the government.

Question 5

democracy

Answer 5

A system of rule that permits citizens to play a significant part in the governmental process, usually through the election of key public officials

Question 6

direct democracy

Answer 6

A system of rule that permits citizens to vote on laws and policies that is not through representatives.

Question 7

equality of opportunity

Answer 7

A widely shared American ideal that all people should have the freedom to use whatever talents and wealth they have to reach their fullest potential.

Question 8

government

Answer 8

Institutions and procedures through which a territory and its people are ruled.

Question 9

laissez-faire capitalism

Answer 9

An economic system in which the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit with minimal or no government interference.

Question 10

liberty

Answer 10

Freedom from government control.

Question 11

limited government

Answer 11

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are strictly defined by a constitution.

Question 12

majority rule/minority rights

Answer 12

The democratic principle that a government follows the preferences of the majority of voters but protects the interests of the minority.

Question 13

oligarchy

Answer 13

a form of government in which a small group controls most of the governing decisions.

Question 14

pluralism

Answer 14

the theory that all interests are and should be free to compete for influence in the government; the outcome of this competition is compromise and moderation.

Question 15

political culture

Answer 15

broadly shared values, beliefs, and attitudes about how the government should function.

Question 16

political efficacy

Answer 16

the ability to influence government and politics

Question 17

political equality

Answer 17

The right to participate in politics based on the principle of “one person, one vote.”

Question 18

political power

Answer 18

Influence over a government’s leadership, organization, or policies.

Question 19

politics

Answer 19

Conflict over the leadership, structure, and policies of governments.

Question 20

popular sovereignty

Answer 20

A principle of democracy in which political authority rests ultimately in the hands of the people.

Question 21

representative democracy/republic

Answer 21

A system of government in which the populace selects people to stand for them, who play a significant role in governmental decision making.

Question 22

totalitarian government

Answer 22

A system of rule in which the government recognizes no formal limits on its power and seeks to absorb or eliminate other social institutions that might challenge it.