Understanding Political Systems

What is an Autocracy, and how does it function?

• A system where one person holds absolute power

• A system where power is shared among many

• A system where religious leaders govern

• A system where citizens vote on all decisions

How does an Oligarchy differ from an Autocracy?

• Oligarchy is ruled by a few, Autocracy by one

• Oligarchy is ruled by citizens, Autocracy by a king

• Oligarchy is a religious rule, Autocracy is democratic

• Oligarchy is a monarchy, Autocracy is a republic

What are the key characteristics of a Democracy?

• Rule by a single leader

• Citizens participate in decision-making

• Religious leaders hold power

• Power is inherited

What distinguishes a Presidential Democracy from a Parliamentary Democracy?

• The president is elected separately from the legislature

• The president is a religious leader

• The president inherits power

• The president is appointed by the king

What is the Bill of Rights, and why was it added to the U.S. Constitution?

• It is a list of amendments protecting individual freedoms

• It is a document establishing monarchy

• It is a treaty with foreign nations

• It is a list of economic policies

What is the Rule of Law, and why is it significant in a democracy?

• It ensures that laws apply equally to all citizens

• It allows leaders to rule without laws

• It gives power to religious leaders

• It establishes a monarchy

How does the relationship between the executive and legislative branches differ in a presidential versus parliamentary system?

• The executive is part of the legislature in a parliamentary system.

• The executive is separate from the legislature in a parliamentary system.

• The executive is elected by the legislature in a presidential system.

• The executive is part of the judiciary in a presidential system.

In what ways are leaders chosen differently in a Presidential and a Parliamentary system?

• Leaders are chosen by the judiciary in both systems.

• Leaders are elected directly by the people in a parliamentary system.

• Leaders are appointed by the monarch in a presidential system.

• Leaders are elected directly by the people in a presidential system.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Direct Democracy compared to an Indirect Democracy?

• Direct Democracy allows for faster decision-making.

• Indirect Democracy involves all citizens in every decision.

• Direct Democracy can be more time-consuming and complex.

• Indirect Democracy does not involve elected representatives.

How do citizens influence government policies in both Autocracies and Democracies?

• Citizens have no influence in either system.

• Citizens vote in elections in both systems.

• Citizens can protest and petition in democracies.

• Citizens directly control policy in autocracies.