Types of Government
What is a limited government?
A government where leaders must follow laws and share power with citizens.
What is the purpose of a constitution?
It describes how government is organized and limits its power.
What are rights?
Freedoms and protections guaranteed to citizens under the law.
What is a primary source?
Original evidence created during the time of an event (like diaries or photos).
What does “point of view” mean?
A person’s opinion or perspective shaped by experience and beliefs.
What is an unlimited government?
A government where one ruler or group has total control and is not limited by laws.
What is rule of law?
The idea that everyone, including leaders, must follow the same laws.
Why do people prefer limited governments?
Because they protect rights and prevent abuse of power.
What is a secondary source?
Information written after an event that analyzes the past (like textbooks or documentaries).
How can people share ideas visually?
Through posters, political cartoons, or signs.
What type of government has a king or queen?
A monarchy
Why do countries create a constitution?
To organize government power and prevent leaders from abusing authority.
What is one danger of an unlimited government?
The ruler can abuse power or take away citizens’ freedoms.
Why are primary sources important to historians?
They provide firsthand evidence and details from people who experienced events.
What is the importance of understanding government systems?
It helps citizens know their rights and how to participate in their country’s democracy.
What is a dictatorship?
A government ruled by one person who maintains power through force or fear
What happens when a leader ignores the limits of the constitution?
The government becomes unlimited and citizens lose their rights.
What is the biggest benefit of a limited government?
It protects citizens’ rights and ensures fair treatment under the law.
Give one example of each: a primary and a secondary source.
Primary: Declaration of Independence; Secondary: Biography about George Washington.
What is separation of powers?
The division of government into branches to prevent one from becoming too powerful.
Compare a democracy and a dictatorship.
A democracy allows citizens to vote and share power; a dictatorship gives all power to one leader who often rules by force.
Explain how the constitution protects citizens’ rights.
It creates checks and balances, divides power, and lists individual rights to prevent abuse.
Explain how citizens can lose rights in an unlimited government.
When rulers ignore laws and control media or elections, citizens lose freedom of speech, voting rights, and fair justice.
Explain how bias can affect a primary or secondary source.
The author’s point of view or opinion may influence how events are described, leaving out facts or exaggerating others.
How can citizens influence government decisions?
By voting, protesting, writing to officials, and participating in civic organizations.