6.9A - Forms of Limited and Unlimited Government

Democracy is to limited government as totalitarianism is to –

• A. Republic

• B. Unlimited government

• C. Capitalist government

• D. Constitutional monarchy

Answer explanation

Democracy emphasizes limited government, ensuring individual freedoms. In contrast, totalitarianism represents unlimited government, where the state has total control over all aspects of life, making B the correct choice.

Which of the following is a valid statement about unlimited government? Select TWO correct answers.

• In this system, the governed (citizens) agree to delegate powers to the government.

• There is a counsel of freely elected leaders who rule the people.

• It is a form of government imposed (forced) on its citizens.

• This system of government strictly regulates the private lives of individual citizens.

Answer explanation

Unlimited government is characterized by the imposition of authority on citizens and strict regulation of their private lives, contrasting with systems where power is delegated or leaders are freely elected.

Which of the following is true about unlimited government?

• A. Unlimited government is always based on inherited power

• B. The government is able to intervene in citizens’ private lives

• C. The government controls the private lives of politicians only

• D. Average citizens are able to intervene in government policy

Answer explanation

B is correct because unlimited government often involves significant control over citizens' lives, allowing the government to intervene in personal matters, unlike the other options which misrepresent the nature of such governance.

Place the political systems in order based on the following definitions: rule by one, rule by a few, or rule by many?

• Monarchy, Oligarchy, Democracy

• Democracy, Anarchy, Monarchy

• Oligarchy, Democracy, Anarchy

• Monarchy, Democracy, Oligarchy

Answer explanation

Monarchy is rule by one, Oligarchy is rule by a few, and Democracy is rule by many. Therefore, the correct order is Monarchy, Oligarchy, Democracy.

What is a key characteristic of a totalitarian government?

• D. Decentralized decision-making

• A. Limited intervention in economic affairs

• B. Extensive control over public and private life

• C. Frequent changes in leadership

Answer explanation

A key characteristic of a totalitarian government is its extensive control over both public and private life, ensuring that the state dominates all aspects of society, unlike limited intervention or decentralized decision-making.

Which of the following best describes a constitutional monarchy?

• A. A government where the monarch has absolute power

• C. A government ruled by a single political party

• B. A government where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution

• D. A government with no formal constitution

Answer explanation

A constitutional monarchy is defined as a government where the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, ensuring a balance between royal authority and democratic governance. Thus, the correct choice is B.

In which type of government do citizens have the most influence over decision-making?

• A. Oligarchy

• D. Monarchy

• B. Totalitarianism

• C. Democracy

Answer explanation

In a democracy, citizens have the most influence over decision-making through voting and participation in governance, unlike in oligarchies, monarchies, or totalitarian regimes where power is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Which form of government system is not inherited, but usually acquired by force and in which

people are prevented from voicing their opinions?

• dictatorship

• autocracy

• theocracy

• oligarchy

Answer explanation

A dictatorship is a form of government acquired by force, where power is concentrated in a single leader or group, and dissent is suppressed, preventing people from voicing their opinions.

Match the following

• A form of government based on religious law.

• Totalitarianism

• A system of government where power belongs to a ruling family

• Democracy

• Form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to vote on their behalf

• Monarchy

• A system of government where power comes from the people.

• Republic

• A system of government where the rulers have total unchecked control of the nation.

• Theocracy

Match the following

• A political system in which citizens vote for government officials

• Monarchy

• A government controlled by religious leaders

• Oligarchy

• a system in which the government holds nearly all political power and the means of production

• Democracy

• A government ruled by a few powerful people

• Communism

• A government ruled by a king or queen

• Theocracy