Voting Systems
What is a "first-past-the-post" voting system?
A voting system where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority.
What is the difference between direct and representative democracy?
In direct democracy, citizens vote on laws and policies themselves, while in representative democracy, they elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.
Which philosopher is often credited with influencing democratic thought through his ideas on government and the social contract?
John Locke.
Name one right and one responsibility of a citizen in a democracy.
Right: Freedom of speech. Responsibility: Voting in elections.
What is civil disobedience?
The act of deliberately breaking a law to protest against it in a peaceful manner.
What is proportional representation in a voting system?
A system where seats in a legislature are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
Name one form of civic engagement other than voting.
Examples include attending town hall meetings, participating in protests, volunteering, or signing petitions.
Who was the first president of the United States to serve under the Constitution?
George Washington.
What document guarantees the basic rights of U.S. citizens?
The U.S. Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights.
Name one historical example of a peaceful protest that led to significant political change.
The Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., particularly the 1963 March on Washington.
In a ranked-choice voting system, how are votes counted?
Voters rank candidates by preference, and if no candidate gets a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed until a candidate wins.
What is a citizens' assembly?
A group of citizens selected to deliberate on specific political issues and make recommendations or decisions.
Which world leader is known for leading India to independence using nonviolent civil disobedience?
Mahatma Gandhi.
What does the principle of "rule of law" mean in a democracy?
It means that everyone, including government officials, must follow the law and that laws are applied equally to all citizens.
What is the role of advocacy groups in a democracy?
They promote the interests of specific groups or causes by lobbying government officials, raising public awareness, and organizing protests or campaigns.
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the right to vote?
19th
What is a referendum?
A direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or law, rather than having elected representatives decide.
Which country is considered the world's oldest democracy?
Greece
What is the name of the principle that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Checks and Balances
What is the purpose of a petition in a democracy?
A petition allows citizens to formally request the government to take action on a specific issue.
What is gerrymandering, and how does it affect elections?
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.
What role do public forums play in a democracy?
Public forums provide a space for citizens to discuss and debate issues, engage with elected officials, and participate in decision-making.
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison.
What responsibility do citizens have when serving on a jury in a democratic society?
Citizens are responsible for making fair and impartial decisions based on the evidence presented in court.
What is grassroots activism?
A movement or campaign driven by the community or general population, often at the local level, to create political or social change.