Principles of Government, Politics and Governance Challenge

Question 1

Which principle is most directly intended to prevent the concentration of political power by assigning different functions to different branches of government?

Accepted Answer

Separation of powers

Answer

Federalism

Answer

Judicial review

Answer

Popular sovereignty

Question 2

In a parliamentary system, a government typically remains in office only so long as it retains the confidence of the legislature.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

Which electoral system is most associated with producing coalition governments because seats are allocated broadly in proportion to votes received?

Accepted Answer

Proportional representation

Answer

First-past-the-post

Answer

Electoral college

Answer

Two-round plurality

Question 4

What is the main purpose of judicial review in a constitutional system?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether laws or executive acts conform to the constitution

Answer

To allow legislatures to dismiss judges by majority vote

Answer

To transfer lawmaking powers to courts during emergencies

Answer

To replace criminal trials with constitutional hearings

Question 5

A unitary state normally gives constitutionally entrenched sovereignty to its regional governments in the same way a federal state does.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 6

Which term describes the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference in its domestic affairs?

Accepted Answer

Sovereignty

Answer

Subsidiarity

Answer

Legitimacy

Answer

Pluralism

Question 7

When a constitution is difficult to amend, what is one likely effect on governance?

Accepted Answer

Institutional arrangements tend to be more stable over time

Answer

Policy changes can occur without legislative approval

Answer

Executive decrees automatically gain constitutional status

Answer

Courts lose the power to interpret statutes

Question 8

The principle of the rule of law means that rulers and citizens alike are subject to publicly known laws.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 9

Which institutional feature most distinguishes a confederation from a federation?

Accepted Answer

Member units retain primary sovereignty and the center is comparatively weak

Answer

A stronger central authority with direct power over citizens

Answer

A ceremonial head of state

Answer

Independent courts with lifetime tenure

Question 10

Which concept best describes the public belief that a government has the right to rule?

Accepted Answer

Legitimacy

Answer

Patronage

Answer

Bicameralism

Answer

Coercion

Question 11

Bicameral legislatures always divide power equally between their two chambers.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 12

Which mechanism is designed primarily to make public officials answerable for their actions and decisions?

Accepted Answer

Accountability

Answer

Clientelism

Answer

Neutrality

Answer

Centralization

Question 13

In political science, civil society refers mainly to which sphere?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary associations operating between the state and the market

Answer

The armed forces and intelligence agencies

Answer

Only registered political parties during elections

Answer

The upper chamber of the national legislature

Question 14

A vote of no confidence is a tool typically associated more with presidential systems than with parliamentary systems.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 15

Which scenario best illustrates checks and balances rather than a pure separation of powers?

Accepted Answer

An executive veto can be overridden by a legislative supermajority

Answer

A legislature passes laws while courts hear cases

Answer

A constitution assigns taxation to the national level only

Answer

Local councils administer schools under national guidelines

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