Unit 1 Bellringers

What would be a reason why a government would choose a unitary instead of a federal form of government?

• The country is a nation-state with a small population and a strong sense of homogeneity.

• They are seeking to effectively administer governmental services due to a large population.

• It is a multinational state so another form of government would reduce a separatist movement.

• The country is geographically large so they are trying to prevent instability by providing representation closer to home.

• The country has a diverse physical landscape that is separated by barriers that prevent easy communication between a central government and the people.

Which answer BEST supports the statement, "China's government can be considered an oligarchy"?

• The government has traditionally existed as a command economy.

• The only political party allowed to exist is the Communist Party of China.

• The right to vote is given to all citizens who are at least 18 years of age.

• The government is ruled completely by one person who has unchecked authority.

Which TWO governments would have the MOST civic participation?

• Direct Democracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Republic

Which BEST describes how a parliamentary democracy differs from a presidential democracy?

• The legislative branch in the presidential system is always unicameral.

• In a parliamentary democracy, the head of the government is a member of the legislature.

• In a presidential democracy, political power is shared between state and federal governments.

• In a parliamentary democracy there are usually two main political parties; in the presidential system there is only one.

Which could be one advantage of a parliamentary democracy over a presidential democracy?

• The president has more time to work with Parliament since stately duties are left up to the prime minister.

• Laws may be passed more quickly because the legislative branch and executive branch are more closely tied together.

• The prime minister only has to answer to the people for re-election and does not have to make compromises with parliament.

• The prime minister is usually from a different political party than most members of parliament so there's lots of different viewpoints.

What aspect of the United States government exemplifies it as a representative democracy?

• Citizens directly vote on all laws and policies.

• Government officials are appointed based on expertise rather than elections.

• Citizens elect delegates to make decisions on their behalf.

• All adult citizens serve in government positions for a set term.

Which is the BEST description of the difference between a republic and a democracy?

• There is no difference between these two types of governments, since they both rely on elected officials to create, enforce, and interpret laws.

• A republic is a system of government in which citizens vote on every issue, while in a democracy political power is held by elected representatives.

• A republic is a representative form of government that is ruled according to a charter or constitution, and a democracy is a government that is ruled according to the will of the majority.

• A democracy is a system of government in which power is held by a small number of people based on royalty or wealth, while a republic is a government in which supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person.

The Petition of Right was presented to King Charles in order to protect...

• public safety

• civil liberties

• property rights

• consumer protection

Which answer shows an accurate relationship between these English and American political doctrines in terms of structure and purpose?

• Magna Carta ⇒ Petition of Rights

• Petition of Rights ⇒ U.S. Constitution

• Magna Carta ⇒ Articles of Confederation

• English Bill of Rights ⇒ U.S. Bill of Rights

The Magna Carta called for the creation of a "Great Council" of 25 barons who could meet and overrule the will of the king, which can be viewed as the origin of the English

• Parliament

• Monarchy

• Supreme Court

• Cabinet