Foundations of American Government Quiz

The main purpose of government is _____

• To create businesses

• To protect the rights and welfare of its citizens

• To control all aspects of citizens’ lives

• To ensure everyone is wealthy

_____ is NOT a function of government.

• Maintaining order

• Providing public services

• Controlling all personal decisions

• Ensuring national security

The idea that government’s power comes from the people is known as:

• Federalism

• Popular sovereignty

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

A system where power is divided between national and state governments is called _____ .

• Monarchy

• Federalism

• Unitary system

• Communism

In a democracy, the power of the government is _____

• Unlimited

• Controlled by one person

• Limited and based on the rule of law

• Determined by religious leaders

The type of government ruled by a small group of elites is called _____.

• Autocracy

• Oligarchy

• Theocracy

• Direct Democracy

In a _____, citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them.

• Direct democracy

• Representative democracy

• Absolute monarchy

• Communist democracy

The concept that no one is above the law is known as _____ .

• Separation of powers

• Rule of law

• Judicial review

• Social contract

The philosopher who influenced the idea that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property is _____.

• Karl Marx

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The U.S. government is an example of _____ democracy.

• Direct democracy

• Representative democracy

• Absolute monarchy

• Oligarchy