Principles of Government
Name: _________________________
Unit Test – Study Guide/Review Questions
Directions: Use your notes, assignments and vocabulary to answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1.) Define/explain Government. Include public policy in your definition/explanation.
2.) In relation to government, explain the metaphorical meaning of the “Monster” in the film Lord of the Flies and
give a real-life example.
3.) In relation to government, how would John Locke explain the metaphorical meaning of the “Island” in the film
Lord of the Flies?
4.) List and explain the three basic kinds of power that every government must have. Provide one U.S.
government institution that exercises each power at any level (federal, state and local).
5.) Explain the Force theory of how governments are established. How is government legitimized in this theory?
6.) Explain the Evolution theory of how governments are established. How is government legitimized in this
theory?
7.) Explain the Divine Right theory of how governments are established. How is government legitimized in this
theory?
8.) Explain the Social Contract theory of how governments are established. How is government legitimized in this
theory?
9.) Define/explain State. What four characteristics make a State a legitimate political entity?
10.) What does John Locke feel is necessary if government breaks the Social Contract? What influence did this
have on U.S. history?
11.) Explain the difference between an autocracy and an oligarchy.
12.) Explain the difference between authoritarian and totalitarian dictatorships.
13.) Explain the difference between constitutional and absolute monarchies.
14.) Who is the sovereign in a democratic government?
15.) Explain the difference between direct and indirect democracies.
16.) What is a unitary government? Give an example.
17.) What is a federal government? Give an example.
18.) What is a confederal government? Give an example.