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 1. state
that has (2) within its territorial
boundaries. A (3) is a government of
2. sovereignty
and by the people that may have a (4) 3. democracy
that protects the rights of the people
—unlike an (5) that concentrates
4. constitution
power in the hands of one person. 5. autocracy
The United States is a (6) with elected
representation. It has a mixed 6. republic
economy based on (7). The (8) allows 7. capitalism
buyers and sellers to make economic
decisions about what to produce, 8. free market
how much to produce, and who gets 9. communism
the goods and services produced. In
contrast, under (9), the People’s 10. command
Republic of China and other states economy
have operated a (10) with government
planning.
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.