Government Air Test Questions

Define popular sovereignty.

• governmental authority is derived from the people. Under this principle, government governs with the consent of the governed.

• people choose the Supreme Court justices.

• the government must adhere to strict rules.

• checks and balances are a key principle in the Constitution.

Define limited government.

• government can only spend the money that's available.

• government can only exercise the powers granted to it. Government must be conducted according to the rule of law.

• limits are given on the number of senators that a state has.

• people grant power to the government.

Define federalism.

• the national government has all power.

• the states have all political power.

• system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. Shared powers between the national government and the states.

• power comes from the people.

Define separation of powers.

• distribution of governmental powers among independent branches.

• senators are elected by the people.

• the government is sovereign over its people.

• the idea of federalism plays a large role in the operation of the government on a daily basis.

What are checks and balances?

• balancing the national budget

• electing officials to represent the nation

• making sure that Congress votes in a way that satisfies constituents.

• a system for controlling government power.

Citizens vote to allow the local government to collect a tax levy. This is an example of ______________.

• checks and balances

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers

• federalism

The president vetoes a bill passed into law by Congress. This is an example of what concept?

• Popular Sovereignty

• separation of powers

• limited government

• Checks and Balances

States are permitted to make their own laws concerning marriage, speed limits, and voting requirements. These are examples of which concept?

• checks and balances

• federalism

• popular sovereignty

• limited government

The government is not permitted to deny anyone their due process rights when they accuse someone of committing a crime. This reflects the principle of ____________________.

• limited government

• popular sovereignty

• federalism

• checks and balances

The legislative branch makes laws, the judicial branch interprets laws, and the executive branch enforces them. What concept is this?

• federalism

• limited government

• popular sovereignty

• separation of powers