Definitions
"What political system has no government?"
Anarchy
"Which country is an example of a representative democracy?"
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, or Germany
"What's one advantage of democracy?"
Protects individual rights and ensures government accountability through elections.
"What do democracy and oligarchy have in common? How are they different?"
Both involve groups making decisions. Difference: Democracy is "rule by the many" (voting); Oligarchy is "rule by the few."
"Define oligarchy."
A system where power is held by a small group of people, usually distinguished by wealth, family ties, or military control.
"Name a country with a communist government."
China, Cuba, North Korea, or Vietnam.
Name one weakness of anarchy."
Lack of public security, infrastructure, and a legal system to resolve disputes
Compare fascism and communism."
Both are often totalitarian. Fascism emphasizes extreme nationalism and hierarchy; Communism theoretically emphasizes classless society and common ownership
"What is the difference between absolute and constitutional monarchy?"
In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has total power; in a constitutional monarchy, the monarch's power is limited by a constitution or parliament.
Which system describes medieval Europe?"
Feudalism (hierarchy based on land ownership and military loyalty)
"How might a dictatorship be 'efficient' but also dangerous?"
Efficient because decisions are made instantly by one person; dangerous because there are no checks to prevent abuse of power.
How are absolute monarchy and dictatorship similar?"
Both involve a single leader with total authority who is not elected by the people
"Explain the term 'bureaucracy.'
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.
"Give an example of a theocracy."
Iran or Vatican City
"Compare the strengths of monarchy vs. democracy."
Monarchy offers long-term stability and quick decision-making; Democracy offers legitimacy and individual freedom
Contrast pure democracy with representative democracy."
In pure democracy, citizens vote directly on every law; in representative democracy, citizens elect officials to vote for them.
"Describe theocracy
A government ruled by religious leaders in the name of God.
"Name a country that has transitioned from dictatorship to democracy."
South Korea, Germany (post-WWII), or South Africa.
Why do developing nations sometimes have unstable governments?"
Lack of established legal institutions, economic inequality, or colonial legacies
"Explain how a constitutional monarchy is different from both absolute monarchy
It differs from absolute by having limited power.