Principles of Government
Democracy in Action
The Road to Independence Category
The Constitution
Federalism & Rights
100

What basic function do all governments share, whether democratic or authoritarian?

 To make and enforce laws

100

How does a representative democracy differ from direct democracy?

Citizens elect officials to make laws on their behalf.

100

Why did the colonies object to British taxes after the French and Indian War?

They had no representation in Parliament.

100

Why did the Framers start the Constitution with “We the People”?

It expresses popular sovereignty

100

What issue did the Bill of Rights resolve for Anti-Federalists?

It addressed their fear that the new federal government would become too powerful and violate individual rights.

200

Which principle best prevents any one group from having unlimited power?

Separation of powers

200

How does the free enterprise system support the idea of limited government?

It protects individual choice and competition, not government control.

200

What idea from Locke most influenced Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence?

Natural rights—life, liberty, property

200

Why is amending the Constitution intentionally difficult?

To ensure lasting laws and broad agreement

200

What does the Tenth Amendment reveal about the Framers’ view of state power?

States retain powers not given to the federal government

300

How would a theocracy differ from a democracy in how laws are made and justified?

Laws come from religious authority vs. citizens’ consent

300

In what way does public debate and voting reflect the principles of popular sovereignty?

Power originates with the people

300

Why was Shays’ Rebellion a turning point for American leaders?

It exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation

300

How does judicial review serve as a check on other branches?

Courts can strike down unconstitutional laws

300

How can interstate compacts show cooperation under federalism?

States collaborate legally on shared problems, like water or transport

400

A country has a central government with strong local regions that act independently. What system is this, and what problem might it face?

Confederation; weak national unity

400

How do checks and balances protect democracy from tyranny?

Each branch limits the others to prevent abuse of power.

400

What did the Founders learn from the failures of the Articles of Confederation when creating the Constitution?

The need for a stronger central government with checks and balance

400

What is one way the Constitution limits the power of the federal government?

 By dividing power among branches

400

If Congress creates a national education policy, what conflict of powers might arise?

 Federal vs. state control over education

500

Why is legitimacy essential to a government’s stability, and what might cause it to lose legitimacy?

Citizens’ consent gives power meaning; abuse or corruption erodes it

500

What lesson did early democracies in Athens and Rome provide to modern governments?

Citizens must participate actively for democracy to work

500

If the colonies had remained under British rule, which Enlightenment idea would have been most violated?

Consent of the governed

500

Explain how limited government and federalism work together to protect individual freedom.

Both restrict government power—federalism divides it, limits define it

500

How does the amendment process reflect both federalism and democracy?

States and people both participate in changing the Constitution