Fundamental Principles of American Government

Which fundamental political principle states that the people are the source of any and all governmental power?

• Rule of law

• Consent of the governed

• Limited government

• Representative government

What does the principle of "limited government" mean?

• The government can do whatever it wants

• The government is not all-powerful and can only do what the people allow

• The government is above the law

• The government is run by a king

In a representative government, who makes laws and conducts government on behalf of the people?

• The king

• Elected public officeholders

• Judges

• Foreign leaders

Which principle means that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law?

• Democracy

• Rule of law

• Consent of the governed

• Limited government

Which of the following best describes a democracy?

• The people rule

• The government rules without input from the people

• Only judges make decisions

• The military is in charge

If a government official breaks the law, which fundamental principle is being upheld when they are held accountable?

• Rule of law

• Consent of the governed

• Democracy

• Limited government

How does the principle of "consent of the governed" influence the way laws are made in the United States?

• Laws are made by the military

• Laws are made by the people or their elected representatives

• Laws are made by foreign governments

• Laws are made by judges only

Which scenario best illustrates the principle of limited government?

• The president creates new laws without approval

• Congress passes a law only after a public vote

• The government can arrest anyone for any reason

• The government must follow the Constitution when making decisions

A country allows its citizens to vote for leaders who then make laws on their behalf. Which two fundamental principles are being demonstrated?

• Rule of law and limited government

• Democracy and representative government

• Consent of the governed and rule of law

• Limited government and monarchy

Explain how the principle of "rule of law" helps protect individual rights in a constitutional government.

• It allows the government to ignore the law

• It ensures that everyone, including leaders, must follow the law, protecting citizens from abuse of power

• It gives all power to the president

• It prevents people from voting