U.S. Government Name: ____________________

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT SEMESTER EXAM

STUDY GUIDE

1. Over time, what has become the dominant political unit in the world?

2. If a state has supreme and absolute power within its own territory, it is said to be _______________.

3. In a democracy, where does all authority rest?

4. What type of dictatorship is ruled by a small group of usually self-appointed elite?

5. What type of government is one in which power is divided between a central government and several

local governments?

6. In what type of government is the executive is chosen by the legislature, and is subject to its control?

7. In a democracy, whose opinions, criticisms, and suggestions must the majority hear?

8. Who became known as the “Father of the Constitution”?

9. Which of the following was not one of the major compromises made during the Constitutional

Convention?

10. The idea that government can exist and function only with the consent of the governed is called what?

11. What was the main point of disagreement between supporters of the Virginia and New Jersey plans?

12. Those who created the framework of the new government and wrote the Constitution are called ______.

13. What is a bicameral legislature?

14. What is ratification?

15. Why did leaders decide that only nine of the thirteen states would need to ratify the Constitution for it to

take effect?

16. A quorum is _______________.

17. How many amendments have been added to the Constitution since its ratification in 1789?

18. This method of formally amending the Constitution has been used only one time.

19. Which of the following best describes the idea of judicial review?

20. The idea that the government must conduct itself according to the principles of the Constitution is what?

21. What is a formal agreement between two or more sovereign states?