Purposes of Government
What are the six purposes of government listed in the Preamble of the Constitution?
To form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.
What is a democracy?
A system of government in which the people have the power to make decisions, usually by voting.
Define federalism in your own words.
A system where power is shared between national and state governments.
What is opportunity cost?
The value of what you give up when you choose one option over another.
What are the three main types of economic systems?
Traditional, command, and market economies.
Describe how the US government fulfills the purpose of “establishing justice.”
By creating and enforcing laws fairly through the court system and ensuring equal protection under the law.
Compare and contrast a monarchy and an oligarchy.
A monarchy is ruled by one person (a king or queen) who inherits power; an oligarchy is ruled by a small group of people who share power. Both limit public participation, but in different ways.
What are two advantages of federalism?
It allows local control over local issues and encourages innovation by states (“laboratories of democracy”).
Describe a scenario where opportunity cost is evident in everyday life.
Choosing to go out with friends instead of studying—your opportunity cost is the time and better grade you gave up.
Compare a command economy and a market economy.
In a command economy, the government controls production and prices; in a market economy, decisions are made by individuals and businesses based on supply and demand.
How does the government ensure domestic tranquility? Provide an example.
By maintaining peace and order within the country—for example, using law enforcement or the National Guard during emergencies.
What are the advantages of a republic over a direct democracy?
n a republic, elected representatives make decisions, which is more practical and efficient for large populations than direct democracy where everyone votes on every issue.
How does federalism impact state rights?
It gives states power to create and enforce their own laws in certain areas like education or transportation.
How do supply and demand affect market prices?
When demand increases or supply decreases, prices go up; when demand decreases or supply increases, prices go down.
What are the advantages of a traditional economy?
Everyone knows their role, traditions are preserved, and the system is stable and predictable.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the US government in promoting the general welfare.
The government helps promote the general welfare through social programs, healthcare, education, and infrastructure—though opinions differ on how well it succeeds.
Evaluate how a totalitarian regime impacts citizen freedoms.
In a totalitarian regime, the government controls almost every aspect of life, greatly limiting personal freedoms and political rights.
Compare the federal systems of the United States and Canada.
Both share power between national and provincial/state governments, but Canada gives more authority to its provinces in some areas like healthcare.
Evaluate the role of government in a mixed economy.
The government regulates businesses, protects consumers, and provides public goods, while private businesses still drive most economic activity.
Evaluate how resource allocation differs between a capitalist and a socialist economy.
In capitalism, resources are distributed by the free market; in socialism, the government plans and distributes resources more equally.
Summarize the ways the government meets the purpose of securing the blessings of liberty.
By protecting individual rights and freedoms through laws, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
What are the disadvantages of a parliamentary system compared to a presidential syst
The executive can be removed easily by a vote of no confidence, which can cause instability. Citizens also don’t directly elect the head of government.
Evaluate the disadvantages of a federal system of government.
It can create conflicts between state and national laws and lead to inequality among states.
What is the difference between the economy in North Korea versus the U.S
The U.S has a mixed econonmy and North Koea has a command economy.
Discuss the impact of scarcity on a country’s economy.
Scarcity forces countries to make choices about how to use limited resources, leading to trade-offs and opportunity costs.