Reviewing Key Terms
Insert the terms below into the following paragraph to
describe the nature of government and differing political and
economic systems. Each term should be used only once.
constitution
sovereignty
democracy
communism
autocracy
capitalism
state
free market
republic
command economy
Reviewing Key Terms
Every (1) has a form of government
that has (2) within its territorial
boundaries. A (3) is a government of
and by the people that may have a (4)
that protects the rights of the
people—unlike an (5) that
concentrates power in the hands of
one person. The United States is a (6)
with elected representation. It has a
mixed economy based on (7). The (8)
allows buyers and sellers to make
economic decisions about what to
produce, how much to produce, and
who gets the goods and services
produced. In contrast, under (9), the
People’s Republic of China and other
states have operated a (10) with
government planning.
1. state
2. sovereignty
3. democracy
4. constitution
5. autocracy
6. republic
7. capitalism
8. free market
9. communism
10. command
economy
Recalling Facts
1. Why did the thirteen British colonies in America
become known as “states”?
They became known as “states” to establish
their sovereignty when declaring independence
from Great Britain. At that time each state
considered itself a country.
2. What system of government divides power
among different levels rather than giving all
power to a central government?
The federal system divides power among
different levels.
Recalling Facts
3. Describe three kinds of nonstate groups that
influence national politics.
Political movements, such as national liberation
organizations maintain diplomatic relations with
many states; multinational corporations have
offices and factories in many states—they carry
out activities on a global scale; international
organizations undertake a variety of tasks, often
to serve the needs of member states.
Recalling Facts
4. How is a direct democracy different from a
representative democracy?
In a direct democracy the people govern
themselves by voting on issues individually at
meetings that all citizens may attend. In a
republic, people elect representatives to govern
for them.
5. What is the role of government in a laissez-faire
economic system?
The government avoids interfering except to
ensure free competition in the marketplace.
Understanding Concepts
1. Public Policy List the major advantages of
living under a constitutional government.
Answers may include: The government’s power
is limited by the powers assigned to it and with
held from it; powers are divided among branches
of government; the people maintain sovereignty.
Understanding Concepts
2. Global Perspective Which of the following
ideas do you perceive to be the most powerful
force in the world today: communism, socialism,
or capitalism? Explain.
Students will probably choose capitalism since
many communist or socialist systems have failed
or are faltering. However, students’ reasoning is
more important than the choice of system.
Critical Thinking
1. Understanding Cause and Effect Why is
widespread educational opportunity necessary
for a nation to develop a democratic system?
Without education, people do not have the
skills and knowledge to make informed,
intelligent choices.
Critical Thinking
2. Making Comparisons In a Venn diagram
like the one below, show how capitalism,
democratic socialism, and communism are
alike and different.
Capitalism: private property; business
competition; profit motive; freedom of choice
Socialism: peaceful change; government owns
basic industries and provides social services;
freedom of choice
Communism: violent revolution; no private
property
Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity
1. What is the subject of the painting in
the cartoon?
It shows the writers of the Constitution, the
Founders of the United States.
Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity
2. According to the painting, who were the
Founders of the United States?
They were white men.
Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity
3. What message is the cartoonist trying to
communicate?
The cartoonist wants to communicate the
absence of women among the Founders.
Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity
4. Do you think women influenced the creation of
the United States government? Why or why not?
Possible answer: Yes, although women were
treated as second-class citizens, they still
influenced society at that time and thus affected
the ideas of the Founders.
Why does Delaware call itself the
First State?
It was the first state to ratify the
Constitution.