Political Systems

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Explore different forms of government and political systems from around the world

1.
What type of government is ruled by a single person with absolute power?
A
Theocracy
B
Democracy
C
Oligarchy
D
Autocracy
2.
Which political system features a government ruled by religious leaders?
A
Plutocracy
B
Meritocracy
C
Theocracy
D
Technocracy
3.
In a federal system of government, power is divided between what?
A
Religious and secular authorities
B
Military and civilian leaders
C
Central government and regional governments
D
The king and parliament
4.
Which country is often cited as an example of a constitutional monarchy?
A
United Kingdom
B
China
C
United States
D
Saudi Arabia
5.
What is an oligarchy?
A
Rule by elected representatives
B
Rule by one person
C
Rule by a small group of powerful people
D
Rule by the people
6.
In a parliamentary system, who typically selects the head of government?
A
Direct popular vote
B
The legislature or parliament
C
The military
D
The monarch
7.
Which ancient Greek city-state is considered the birthplace of democracy?
A
Sparta
B
Corinth
C
Thebes
D
Athens
8.
What distinguishes a republic from a direct democracy?
A
There is no constitution
B
Only the wealthy can vote
C
A republic has a king
D
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions
9.
Which country operates under a communist single-party system today?
A
Mongolia
B
Poland
C
Cuba
D
Russia
10.
What is a 'bicameral' legislature?
A
A legislature that meets twice a year
B
A legislature elected every two years
C
A legislature with two political parties
D
A legislature with two chambers
11.
Switzerland is famous for its frequent use of which democratic tool?
A
Royal decrees
B
Military coups
C
Judicial appointments
D
Referendums
12.
What is the term for a government controlled by the wealthy?
A
Plutocracy
B
Meritocracy
C
Technocracy
D
Bureaucracy
13.
An absolute monarchy differs from a constitutional monarchy in that the monarch has what?
A
Unlimited governing power
B
Power shared equally with parliament
C
Only military authority
D
No real power
14.
Which philosopher wrote 'The Republic,' exploring ideas about the ideal state?
A
Aristotle
B
Cicero
C
Plato
D
Socrates
15.
What type of government does the term 'junta' typically describe?
A
A military government that has seized power
B
A religious council
C
A hereditary monarchy
D
A democratic coalition

Answer Key

Question 1

D. Autocracy

Question 2

C. Theocracy

Question 3

C. Central government and regional governments

Question 4

A. United Kingdom

Question 5

C. Rule by a small group of powerful people

Question 6

B. The legislature or parliament

Question 7

D. Athens

Question 8

D. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions

Question 9

C. Cuba

Question 10

D. A legislature with two chambers

Question 11

D. Referendums

Question 12

A. Plutocracy

Question 13

A. Unlimited governing power

Question 14

C. Plato

Question 15

A. A military government that has seized power

Find more free puzzles and brain games at www.SeniorBrainGames.org